Sweden distributes 4.8m leaflets on how to 'be prepared for war'

Sweden is sending out leaflets to its citizens, telling them how to be ‘prepared for a war.’

The leaflet titled ‘If Crisis or War Comes’ warns of food and medicine shortages and advises readers how to find a bomb shelter.

It's the first awareness campaign of its kind since the Cold War.

Published by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, the leaflet tells readers: “If Sweden is attacked by another country, we will never give up.”

Aside from conflict, readers are also warned of cyberattacks.

Earlier this year, Sweden reintroduced conscription citing Russian aggression as a reason.

In the leaflet, readers are told that in the event of armed conflict, anyone between the ages of 16 and 70 can be called to ‘assist’.

Citizens are also advised on how to get clean clean water and how to spot propaganda.

In the event of a conflict, people should store in their houses in case of an emergency including tortillas, bolognaise sauce and sardines

Head of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, Dan Eliasson said: “Even if Sweden is safer than most countries, threats do exist.”

In 2016, the Swedish government increased military spending after years of cutting its defence budget. It has also stationed troops on the Baltic island of Gotland, blaming Russia for the reason.

Sweden was last at war in 1814 and was officially neutral during World War Two.