The Danes are descendants of the Danes who came from the southern Scandinavian Peninsula in the 5th-6th centuries. By the 13th century, thanks to successful military campaigns, the kingdom expanded by annexing German lands. The form of government is a constitutional monarchy. Legislative power since 2024 has been held by Queen Margrethe II's son, Frederick X, and a unicameral parliament. The Kingdom of Denmark has been a member of the European Union since 1973 but is not part of the Eurozone. It is considered one of the initiators of the formation of NATO and the UN. The country is a member of the OECD, OSCE, and WTO.
Climate Conditions
The country has a mild maritime climate with abundant rainfall. It is shaped by the peninsula's low elevation above sea level (100 m) and the circulation of air masses from the ocean. Winter temperatures rarely drop below -1 °C, but due to piercing winds and humidity, residents feel as if it is -5 °C. In the cold season, snow is rare and melts quickly.
The weather in autumn and spring is unpredictable due to rains. The interseasonal period lasts longer than usual, and summer does not delight with hot days. In June, the thermometer shows +18 °C, in July it rises to +20 °C, but it cools down sharply in the evening. The water in the peak season warms up to +18 °C.
The country's landscapes are unique. The flat terrain in the north and east of Jutland gives way to hills and rocky ridges. Most of the lakes are concentrated in this part. There are no major waterways in the Kingdom. Narrow rivers resemble streams. The only navigable river is the Gudenå. About 13% of the territory is forested. The rest of the area is occupied by fields, marshy meadows, and heather wastelands. There are many sandy bays and dams for flood protection in the southwest and east.
Demographics
In 2024, the population of the country with Lutheran faith is projected to be 5,904,840 people. With the level of external migration remaining at the 2023 level, the number will increase by another 20,286 residents. The population density is 126 people per km². On the Danish archipelago, it reaches 250, and in the western part, it is 20 per km². In the urbanized country, 85% of the population lives in cities. The largest metropolis is Copenhagen, with a population of 1.7 million, including suburban residents.
The state is ethnically homogeneous, with 90% being Danes. Small groups include Norwegians, Faroese, Frisians, Germans, and Swedes. The number of women and men is approximately equal. Investments in healthcare and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle positively impact the nation's health. Denmark ranks 28th in the world in life expectancy. Men live up to 76.3 years and women up to 81 years. Demographers note that all conditions for extending life are created in the country. The percentage of children under 15 is 12.69%, youth up to 29 is 12.14%, adults is 42.88%, and elderly people 60+ is 18.8%. At the same time:
- The demographic dependency ratio is 53.2%;
- The ratio of working-age to non-working-age population is 27%;
- The pension burden index is 26.2%.
Economy
Denmark is a post-industrial agrarian country. Agriculture and the green energy sector are well-developed. The industrial sector accounts for 40% of the economy. Key industries include:
- Mechanical engineering;
- Textile;
- Pulp and paper;
- Electrical engineering;
- Chemical.
Shipyards specialize in the construction of refrigerated ships, and railway/automobile ferries. Factories producing cast iron and steel, electronic equipment, agricultural machinery, and mineral fertilizers are located in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense. Lolland and Falster are mainly focused on food production. Vejle is a region for cotton spinning production. There are many textile factories in Copenhagen and Helsingør.
The country has few mineral resources. Kaolin deposits were found on the island of Bornholm, and granite is mined. Oil and gas were discovered on the North Sea shelf and in Jutland, which has somewhat reduced dependence on external supplies of basic resources. The range of petroleum products is not diverse.
The labor market is developing dynamically. The employment rate this year is forecasted at 63.65%, and unemployment at 5%. The workforce numbers 3.26 million people. Labor productivity is $86.18. The share of employees earning $2.15 per hour is less than 0.20%. About 0.20% are paid $3.65. Skilled labor, making up 0.35%, is valued higher at $6.85. Financial workers, insurers, and employees in the oil and gas industry earn the most. The currency is the Danish krone. In 2024, the minimum wage will be €2,476. Denmark has relatively low bank interest rates, a low inflation rate, but a high income tax.
Freedom of Travel
The Danish passport grants access to health insurance, social benefits, and entry to 174 countries. For Danes, citizens of Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, there are 2 versions of passports. Greenlanders can choose between an EU Danish passport or a subnational Danish-Greenlandic passport. Danes, except for residents of the Faroe Islands, are considered EU citizens. In the passport freedom of travel ranking among 193 countries, the Danish passport ranks 19th. In the asset protection list, it is 12th, and for quality of life, it is 13th.
The Scandinavian state with a high standard of living attracts citizens of third countries. A tourist Schengen visa or a multiple-entry visa is required for entry. Grounds for obtaining citizenship include a residence permit and a 9-year naturalization period. For foreigners married to Danes, the period is reduced. Wealthy foreigners without a criminal record can apply for legal status. They must pass language, culture, and history exams. Russians can have dual citizenship. The Danish passport is not recognized in their country of birth, but it opens new opportunities in life and career.