Medals are presented to Swedish and foreign citizens for outstanding contributions that benefit society and also in commemoration of significant people or important events.In contrast to orders medals are round or oval. The front is often engraved with a relief image and there is usually a text on the back that tells the purpose of the medal.
Amongst the medals that the government confers are: the Illis quorum meruere labores medal, the medal for Civic Merit and the medal for Zeal and Honesty in the Service of the Realm.
Medals are also presented by the Royal Academies and by a large number of semi-official and private societies.
