Call this number to 'talk to a random Swede'

Sweden has a new phone number, and anyone, anywhere in the world can call it to "talk to a random Swede."

That is sooooo Sweden.

The country's tourist association is backing the project. Among their suggested topics: northern lights, darkness, meatballs and suicide rates.

To be connected to a random Swede, call +46 771 793 336. (That's +46 771 SWEDEN. Adorbs!)

Presumably, you'll have to pay international rates to call -- though it would be only $0.01 a minute on Google Voice.

"We are making Sweden the first country in the world with its own phone number."

"In troubled times, many countries try and limit communication between people, but we want to do just the opposite," Swedish Tourist Association CEO Magnus Ling said in a statement. "We are making Sweden the first country in the world with its own phone number and giving our fellow Swedes the opportunity to answer the calls, express themselves and share their views, whatever they might be."

The idea is in line with several recent northern Atlantic tourism campaigns, like Iceland's offer to set up visitors on layovers with a "buddy," and Ireland's ongoing project to hand over the country's Twitter account to a local each week.

The message is consistent: People who live in this cold, often dark region of the world would really like to make some friends.

"With The Swedish Number, our goal is to create more pride and knowledge about Sweden, both nationally and internationally," Ling said.

No word on whether or not the chef is participating.

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