Sweden has participated in the
Eurovision Song Contest 55 times since making its debut in
1958, missing only three contests since then (
1964,
1970 and
1976). Since 1959, the Swedish entry has been chosen through an annual televised competition, known since 1967 as
Melodifestivalen. Sweden is one of the most successful competing nations at the Eurovision, with a total of six victories in the contest, right behind
Ireland who have seven wins. Sweden is also the contest's most successful country of the 21st century, with two wins from eight top five results. In total, Sweden has achieved 22 top five results in the contest.