Denmark : Country overview

Geography

• Full country name: Kingdom of Denmark
• Population: 5.4 million
• Border countries: Germany
• Climate: temperate, mild, with no extremes of temperature (summer temperatures average around 20°C and winter temperatures average around 0°C).
• Terrain: low-lying peninsular with numerous islands (many of which are uninhabited) which create a long coastline.
• Natural hazards: flooding can be a threat in some parts of the country.

Living in Denmark

• Cost of living: the price levels for accommodation, food, transport and entertainment are all fairly high in Denmark compared with many other countries. However, the wages are also relatively high, and the Danish welfare system means that many services, such as medical assistance and education, are free.
• Internet domain: .dk
• Health: Denmark has a well-developed public health service which is based on principles of equal access to health services for all citizens.
• Laws and customs: Denmark has a long tradition of liberal thinking. The Danes are highly tolerant towards other people, regardless of creed, colour, political or sexual orientation. The personal freedom to choose how to lead ones life within the limits of Danish society is seen as a fundamental right.

Economy and finance

• Currency: the Danish krone
• Type of economy: western, capitalist
• Health of economy: Denmark’s economy has, for several years, been characterised as quite strong with high growth rates, low unemployment and surpluses. The recession of 2008, however, has affected the country and has led to increasing unemployment and negative growth rates. Nonetheless, Denmark’s fiscal position remains among the strongest in the EU.
• Unemployment rate: 4.3%
• Main exports: machinery and equipment, meat, dairy and fish, furniture and ships.

Culture

• People: majority of the population are ethnic Danes (96%). Others include Faeroese, Inuit, German, Turkish, Iranian, and Somali.
• Major Religion: Evangelical Lutheran
• History: see BBC Timeline: Denmark
• Local etiquette: Danes rarely go out spontaneously for drinks after work but do attend organised social activities such as the annual Christmas party or more family orientated events that they can bring their partners and children to. Active and sports based activities are very popular.

Politics

• Type of government: constitutional monarchy with royal chief of state.
• Main political parties: Liberal Party (Venstre), Conservative Party, Social Democratic Party, Christian Democrats, Danish People's Party, Red-Green Unity Alliance, and the Socialist's People's Party.

Travel advice

Find the latest travel advice and a travellers’ checklist on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website.