Denmark is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Germany to the south and connected to Sweden via a bridge-tunnel across the Øresund Strait in the east. The country also shares maritime borders with Norway and Sweden. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 56° North latitude and 10° East longitude.

Geography

Climate:

Denmark experiences a temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers, influenced by its proximity to the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The weather can be variable, with frequent changes throughout the year.

Fauna:

Denmark’s fauna consists mainly of small mammals such as rabbits, foxes, and various species of birds. The country’s coastal areas are home to seals and porpoises, while its forests host deer and wild boar.

Longest Rivers:

Denmark’s longest river is the Gudenå, stretching approximately 176 kilometers (109 miles) from its source in the central Jutland peninsula to its mouth at Randers Fjord.

Highest Mountains:

Denmark’s landscape is relatively flat, with no significant mountain ranges. The country’s highest natural point is Møllehøj, reaching just 170.86 meters (561 feet) above sea level.

History

Prehistory:

Denmark has a rich prehistoric heritage, with evidence of human presence dating back to the end of the last ice age. Early inhabitants were hunter-gatherers, followed by Neolithic farmers who left behind megalithic monuments such as the iconic burial mounds found at Jelling.

Viking Age:

Denmark rose to prominence during the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries), when Danish Vikings explored and raided territories across Europe, establishing trade networks and founding settlements in distant lands. The era also saw the emergence of powerful Viking kings such as Harald Bluetooth, who united Denmark and introduced Christianity to the region.

Medieval Period:

In the Middle Ages, Denmark evolved into a feudal kingdom under the rule of powerful monarchs such as Valdemar the Great and his successors. The period witnessed territorial expansion, cultural flourishing, and the establishment of the Kalmar Union, which united Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under a single monarch.

Modern Age:

The modern era saw Denmark transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, marked by periods of political reform, social change, and economic development. Denmark remained neutral during both World Wars and emerged as a thriving welfare state known for its progressive social policies and high standard of living.

Demographics

Denmark has a population of approximately 5.8 million people, with a relatively homogenous society characterized by ethnic Danes comprising the majority. The country has a high standard of living, with a well-educated and skilled workforce contributing to its prosperous economy.

Administrative Divisions

Denmark is divided into five administrative regions, each further subdivided into municipalities. The regions, along with their respective populations, are as follows:

1. Capital Region of Denmark – Population: 1.8 million
2. Central Denmark Region – Population: 1.3 million
3. North Denmark Region – Population: 0.6 million
4. Region Zealand – Population: 0.8 million
5. Region of Southern Denmark – Population: 1.2 million

10 Largest Cities by Population

Denmark’s largest cities by population include:

1. Copenhagen – Population: 1.3 million
2. Aarhus – Population: 353,445
3. Odense – Population: 205,881
4. Aalborg – Population: 214,312
5. Esbjerg – Population: 115,748
6. Randers – Population: 97,623
7. Kolding – Population: 93,744
8. Vejle – Population: 89,253
9. Horsens – Population: 88,708
10. Roskilde – Population: 86,441

Education Systems

Denmark boasts a comprehensive education system that is largely publicly funded, offering free education from primary school through university. The country is home to several prestigious universities, including the University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, and the Technical University of Denmark, renowned for their research and academic excellence.

Transportation

Airports:

Denmark is served by several airports, with Copenhagen Airport being the largest and busiest. Other major airports include Billund Airport, Aarhus Airport, Aalborg Airport, and Odense Airport.

Railways:

Denmark has an extensive railway network spanning approximately 2,633 kilometers (1,636 miles), providing efficient transportation across the country and connecting major cities and towns.

Highways:

Denmark has a well-developed road network, including several major highways such as the E20, E45, and E47, totaling approximately 71,000 kilometers (44,114 miles) in length.

Ports:

Denmark is home to several major ports, including the Port of Copenhagen, Port of Aarhus, Port of Esbjerg, Port of Fredericia, and Port of Helsingør, facilitating both domestic and international maritime trade.

Country Facts

• Population: 5.8 million
• Capital: Copenhagen
• Language: Danish
• Religion: Predominantly Christianity
• Race: Mainly Danish
• Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)
• ISO Country Codes: DK
• International Calling Code: +45
• Top-Level Domain: .dk