Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and has been the political and economical centre since the 17th century; the city is mentioned in writing for the first time in 1252. The city itself has 800 000 inhabitants and Greater Stockholm close to 2 million. The city with its archipelago consists of 24 000 islands and visitors are wise to take advantage of the water. The gay scene is centred in Gamla Stan (the Old Town) and Södermalm, as well as Kungsholmen. Social life in Stockholm is very mixed so you find gay people pretty much everywhere.