Proving that Second Life is a virtual extension of the physical world, Sweden has become the first country to open an embassy in the online game, according to a Reuters report.

While the embassy does not offer any real consular or diplomatic services, it does provide a virtual space for Sweden to promote its cultural image.

"The embassy is now open to the public and offers a smorgasbord of impressions to anyone interested in Sweden," said the Swedish Institute, which was behind the project.

Sweden's Foreign Minister Carl Bildt attended the embassy's opening in the form of an avatar. He also announced the new embassy at a press conference in Stockholm.