Denmark has an area of 43,094 square kilometers (16,639 square miles) and a population of 5,659,715 (January 2015). The country exists of a peninsula, Jutland, and 443 islands of which around 70 are inhabited. In addition the Kingdom of Denmark itself comprises the two autonomous countries of Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

The average altitude of Denmark is only 31 m above sea level and the highest point in the country is Mollehoj, at 170.86 m.

The national flag of Denmark, known as the Dannebrog, claims to be the oldest country flag in the world which is still in use. The red and white Dannebrog, much beloved by Danes, is waved at the slightest provocation.

The Danish royal family is the oldest uninterrupted monarchy in Europe. The Danish monarchy can be traced back more than 1000 years.

The Vikings lived from approximately 800 to 1100 in the period of time known as the Viking age. The Vikings originally came not only from Denmark but also from Norway and Sweden.

Though Denmark was a superpower in the 13th and 17th centuries, their current size and influence is the result of 400 years of forced relinquishments of land and lost battles. (denmark.dk)

The state religion of Denmark is Evangelical Lutheran. The Lutheran religion as well as their historical and geographical heritage define and support Danish values: shunning of ostentation, distrust of exuberant emotion, egalitarianism, minimalism, high levels of trust, etc.

Denmark is frequently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world in cross-national studies of happiness. (See HAPPY DANE)

The basic principle of the Danish welfare system, often referred to as the Scandinavian welfare model, is that all citizens are guaranteed equality and protection for wages, health care, housing, education, etc.

Danes have a high level of income equality. They are often thought of as one ‘giant middle class’.

The Danish people have a high divorce rate, however this is generally seen as a sign of personal liberty not as a sign of family fracture (supported by the low cost of attaining a divorce, equal earnings, high levels of social security, etc.).

Although Danish people have low unemployment and high wages they also have one of the highest tax rates in the world. The average tax rate in Denmark is 49%.

Denmark has a solid bicycle infrastructure with a network of bicycle routes extending more than 12,000 km. Cycling is the most common form of transportation in Denmark. Copenhagen is probably the most bike friendly city in the world. “About 40% of the population of Copenhagen commute to work by bicycle.” Automobiles are heavily taxed and very expensive to buy (to discourage their use).

Wind energy supplies more than 25% of the electricity consumed in Denmark. Denmark is a strong supporter of a ‘green and sustainable’ lifestyle.

Denmark has become an ‘organic star.’ “Denmark’s consumption of organic goods is now the highest in the world, partly due to new pro-organic government policies. Many restaurants and cafes are part of this positive movement that has pushed the city to a new level of eco-consciousness and spurred the rise of New Nordic cuisine … apparently some 75 percent of food in Copenhagen’s eateries is now organic, making it the most eco-friendly city in the world when it comes to food.” Timeout, Copenhagen, p. 123.

The Oresund Bridge is the largest combined road and rail bridge in Europe. It connects Copenhagen, Denmark with Malmo, Sweden. In spite of setbacks, including the discovery of 16 unexploded WWII bombs on the sea bed, the bridge was finished three months ahead of schedule. The Great Belt Bridge, the world’s second longest suspension bridge, is only exceeded by a bridge in Japan. Both bridges opened in the late 1900s.

Denmark remained neutral during World War I but they were invaded and occupied by Germany in World War II. However, the Danish resistance movement was active from 1943 until the end of the war during which time they managed to save most of their Jewish population. Heroic rescue efforts resulted in most Danish Jews being hidden and then secretly taken to Sweden by boat. This heroism is considered by many to be of one of ‘Denmark’s Finest Moments’.

Danes are considered to be the best non-native English speakers in the world.

The World Bank has ranked Denmark as the easiest place in Europe to do business.

Denmark is famous for its Lego brand. Lego (based upon simple plastic interlocking blocks which can be used in unlimited configurations) has a universal appeal and grown to become a major international company (first started in 1949). “In February 2015 Lego replaced Ferrari as the world’s most powerful brand.” Wikipedia

Denmark has been home to as many as 14 Nobel laureates.

Denmark became the very first European country to legalize same-sex marriage.

The largest cities in Denmark are: Copenhagen (capital), 1,768,125, Aaarhus, 1,282,750, Odense, 1,205,728 (population statistics as of January 2015).

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