Denmark

Denmark is a Nordic country in Northern Europe made up of the Jutland Peninsula and more than 400 islands, including Zealand and Funen. It sits in Europe and shares a land border with Germany, while lying just across the Øresund Strait from Sweden and across the Skagerrak from Norway. The capital is Copenhagen, located on Zealand and Amager and linked to Sweden via the Øresund Bridge.

Historically, Denmark emerged from the Viking age as a unified kingdom, later joining the Kalmar Union (1397–1523) and becoming a constitutional monarchy with the June 5, 1849 constitution—celebrated annually as Constitution Day. Occupied during World War II (1940–1945), it was liberated in May 1945 and has since developed a modern welfare state and a vibrant, outward-looking economy; Denmark joined the European Communities in 1973 (now the EU) with several national opt-outs.

The landscape is low-lying and coastal, with sandy beaches, rolling farmland, and small lakes; the highest natural point, Møllehøj, rises to about 171 m. Denmark has a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and cool summers. It is widely known for design and architecture, cycling culture, wind energy leadership, and the “hygge” lifestyle.

Cultural touchstones include Hans Christian Andersen, Danish Modern design, and global brands like LEGO (from Billund). Popular sights range from Copenhagen’s Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, and the Little Mermaid statue to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” setting at Kronborg Castle in Helsingør.

Quick Facts About Denmark

Coordinates	56.2639° N, 9.5018° E
Bordering Countries	Germany
Region / Continent	Europe
Total Area	42,933 sq km
Population Density	~137 people per sq km
Highest Point	Møllehøj – ~171 m
Major Rivers	Gudenå, Skjern River
Climate Type	Temperate oceanic; mild winters and cool summers
Famous For	Danish design, cycling culture, wind energy, “hygge,” LEGO
Major Landmarks	Nyhavn, Kronborg Castle, Tivoli Gardens, The Little Mermaid
National Religion	Evangelical Lutheran (Church of Denmark; state church)
National Animal	Mute Swan
National Flower	Marguerite Daisy
Currency	Danish krone (DKK)
Government Type	Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Time Zones	UTC+1 (CET); UTC+2 (CEST)
Major Exports	Pharmaceuticals, machinery, food products, wind turbines
Tourist Visa Type	Schengen short-stay (Type C)