Swedish–Algerian war of 1791–1792

The Swedish–Algerian war of 1791–1792 was a brief and inconclusive conflict between Sweden and the Regency of Algiers.

The conflict started in 1791 when Gustav III, King of Sweden, sent a gift to Sidi Hassan, Dey of Algiers. They Dey thought the gift unsatisfactory and felt disrespected. As a result, he expelled the Swedish consul, Mathias Skjöldebrand. Because of these actions, on August 15, the dey declared war on Sweden, in 1791. The reason for this escalation is unknown, but it is possible that the dey was trying to extort money from the Swedes.

After the declaration of war in 1791, Sweden opened diplomatic discussions with Algiers. Swiftly recognizing the need to secure a peaceful resolution, the Swedes demonstrated their commitment by willingly consenting to transfer a substantial sum of 350,000 francs to the dey. This diplomatic accord also included the provision of an annual tribute of 175,000 rixdollars, cementing their commitment to maintain amicable relations with Algiers.

The Swedish-Algerian War of 1791 had a relatively minor impact on both countries, and the war ended quickly with no major battles. Nine years after the war, Sweden declared war on Ottoman Tripolitania (known as the First Barbary War), but it was instead decided to increase the tribute to the Barbary States, as it was cheaper than engage in war.