Well you could trust your 'feelings' or you can look at the evidence and determine whether or not Sweden is a prosperous society with a good standard of living, competitive businesses and motivated people.
Honestly there were tons of drugs, little motivation, and a happy yet seemingly poor society. The mom I stayed with complained endlessly about how her lazy son was throwing his life away.
Maybe I just had a misleading experience. But I just can't say I saw it the same as you do.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nom...