Denmark

Economy

Further information: Economy of Denmark, List of companies of Denmark, and List of largest Danish companies

See also: Economy of the Faroe Islands and Economy of Greenland

Denmark has a strong and well-developed economy. In 2022, it was ranked 8th in the world for income per person and 10th for total income. Denmark is known for having one of the most free economies in the world. It is also the 10th most competitive economy globally.

Denmark has many highly educated people and great worker protections. In 2022, the country had one of the highest amounts of money made per hour worked. Denmark's economy is fair, with little difference in income after taxes and government help. The country has a very high minimum wage set by agreements between worker groups and employers. For example, workers at places like McDonald's earn more than double what similar workers make in the United States, with extra benefits like paid time off and retirement plans.

Denmark has changed from a farming-based economy to one focused on industry and services. Today, services make up about 75% of the economy, while manufacturing and farming are smaller parts. Key industries include wind turbines, medicine, machinery, food processing, and construction. Denmark exports a lot of these goods and services, especially to countries in Europe. The country's currency, the krone, is tied closely to the euro.

Denmark is part of the European Union's market, which includes over 508 million people. Many economic rules come from European Union agreements and laws. Denmark strongly supports free trade, and most of its trade is within the European Union. As of 2017, Germany's the biggest export partner, followed by Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Denmark's government focuses on fair policies that help people live well. The country has high taxes but also offers many public services. In 2022, only a small part of the population lived below the poverty line, thanks to taxes and government support. Denmark had the second-lowest poverty rate among OECD countries.

Like other Nordic countries, Denmark mixes a free market with strong government support for workers and public services. This "flexicurity" model allows employers to hire and fire more easily, while also providing good unemployment benefits. Workers in Denmark have high job satisfaction and enjoy a good balance between work and personal life.

Denmark makes it easy and affordable to start a business. The government has simplified rules to help people start companies.

Denmark has a long history of scientific discovery and invention. Today, it takes part in many important international science projects. Danish companies have been leaders in shipping, mobile phones, and medicine. Danish scientists have made key contributions to computer programming languages and quantum computing.

Main article: Energy in Denmark

See also: Energy in the Faroe Islands and Energy in Greenland

Denmark has oil and natural gas in the North Sea and is a top exporter of crude oil. The country is a leader in wind power, with wind turbines providing over 40% of its electricity. Denmark is working on new energy technologies like battery systems and electric vehicles. The country exports a lot of energy and is part of international efforts to support renewable energy.

Main article: Transport in Denmark

See also: Transport in the Faroe Islands and Transport in Greenland

Denmark has built many roads and railways to connect its regions, including the Great Belt Fixed Link. The main train service is run by DSB, with other companies handling freight. Ferry services connect Denmark to other countries. Copenhagen has a modern metro system and many trains. Cycling is very popular in Denmark, with many bike paths. Private cars are less common due to high taxes. Denmark is part of Scandinavian Airlines, and Copenhagen Airport is the busiest in Scandinavia.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Denmark

See also: Demographics of the Faroe Islands, Demographics of Greenland, List of urban areas in Denmark by population, and List of cities and towns in Denmark

In May 2025, Denmark had about 6 million people. The country has an older population than most, with people averaging about 42 years old. Even though not many babies are born each year, the population is growing a little each year because people are living longer and new people are moving to Denmark.

Denmark used to have mostly people who were all from the same background. But now, many people from other countries live there, especially from other European nations. Some families have ancestors from places like Turkey, Poland, or Syria. Danish is the main language, but many people also speak English, and some speak German. Most people in Denmark believe in Lutheran Christianity, but many people do not go to church often. Schools in Denmark are free for everyone, and most children go to school from age 6 to 16. Health care is also free for everyone and paid for by taxes.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Denmark

See also: Culture of the Faroe Islands and Culture of Greenland

Denmark shares strong cultural ties with its Scandinavian neighbours Sweden and Norway. It has been one of the most socially progressive cultures in the world. Denmark was the first country to change its marriage laws to allow same-sex marriages in 2012, and modesty and social equality are important parts of Danish culture. In a 2016 study, Denmark ranked 4th worldwide for empathy among European countries.

The astronomical discoveries of Tycho Brahe, Ludwig A. Colding’s work on the principle of conservation of energy, and the contributions to atomic physics of Niels Bohr show Danish scientific achievement. The fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen, the philosophical essays of Søren Kierkegaard, the short stories of Karen Blixen (penname Isak Dinesen), the plays of Ludvig Holberg, and the poetry of Piet Hein, have earned international recognition, as have the symphonies of Carl Nielsen. Since the mid-1990s, Danish films have attracted international attention, especially those linked to Dogme 95 like those of Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg.

A major feature of Danish culture is Jul (Danish Christmas). The holiday is celebrated throughout December, starting either at the beginning of Advent or on 1 December with many traditions, ending with the Christmas Eve meal.

There are seven heritage sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list in Northern Europe: Christiansfeld, a Moravian Church Settlement, the Jelling Mounds (Runic Stones and Church), Kronborg Castle, Roskilde Cathedral, and the Par force hunting landscape in North Zealand and three in the World Heritage list in North America: Ilulissat Icefjord, Aasivissuit—Nipisat, Kujataa within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Human rights

Main article: Human rights in Denmark

Denmark is usually considered a progressive country, with laws and policies supporting women's rights, minority rights, and LGBT rights. Human rights in Denmark are protected by the country's Constitution and through international human rights treaties. Denmark played a key role in creating the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights. In 1987, Denmark created a national human rights institution, now the Danish Institute for Human Rights.

In 2009, Denmark changed its succession law so the eldest child, regardless of gender, would be next in line for the throne. The Inuit people faced discrimination and were encouraged to adopt the majority culture and religion. Denmark later recognized the rights of Indigenous people. Denmark was the first country to allow same-sex unions in 1989, which were replaced by same-sex marriage in 2012. In 2016, Denmark stopped classifying transgender identity as a mental health condition.

In its 2024 report, Freedom House rated Denmark as "free" with a score of 97 out of 100.

Media

Main articles: Cinema of Denmark and Television in Denmark

See also: Cinema of the Faroe Islands and Television in Greenland

Danish cinema began in 1897 and has grown with support from the state. There have been important periods like the silent era, the explicit films of the 1960s and 1970s, and the Dogme 95 movement of the late 1990s. Danish films are known for their realism, religious and moral themes, and technical innovation. Famous Danish filmmakers include Carl Th. Dreyer, Erik Balling, Gabriel Axel, Bille August, Lars von Trier, Susanne Bier, and Nicolas Winding Refn. Well-known Danish actors include Mads Mikkelsen and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.

Danish mass media began in the 1540s with handwritten news sheets. In 1666, Anders Bording started a state paper. The 1849 Constitution established freedom of the press in Denmark.

Today, Danish media are led by a few big companies. JP/Politikens Hus and Berlingske Media control major newspapers like Politiken, Berlingske Tidende and Jyllands-Posten, and tabloids like B.T. and Ekstra Bladet. Public television stations DR and TV 2 have large audiences. DR is known for high-quality TV series with strong female leads like actresses Sidse Babett Knudsen and Sofie Gråbøl. DR also dominates radio broadcasting.

Music

Main article: Music of Denmark

See also: Music of the Faroe Islands and Music of Greenland

Denmark has a wide range of folk traditions. The country's most famous classical composer is Carl Nielsen, known for his six symphonies and Wind Quintet. The Royal Danish Ballet performs the works of choreographer August Bournonville. The Royal Danish Orchestra is one of the world's oldest orchestras. Danes are known as jazz musicians, and the Copenhagen Jazz Festival is famous worldwide.

The modern pop and rock scene includes groups like Aqua, Alphabeat, D-A-D, King Diamond, Kashmir, Lukas Graham, Mew, Michael Learns to Rock, MØ, Oh Land, The Raveonettes, and Volbeat. Lars Ulrich, drummer for Metallica, is the first Danish musician in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Roskilde Festival near Copenhagen is the largest music festival in Northern Europe since 1971. Denmark also hosts many other music festivals, including Aarhus International Jazz Festival, Skanderborg Festival, The Blue Festival in Aalborg, Esbjerg International Chamber Music Festival, and Skagen Festival.

Denmark has taken part in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1957 and has won three times.

Architecture and design

Main articles: Architecture of Denmark and Danish design

Denmark's architecture began in the Middle Ages with Romanesque and Gothic churches and cathedrals. From the 16th century, Dutch and Flemish designers helped build royal castles and palaces in the Renaissance style. The 17th century saw many Baroque buildings. Neoclassicism from France influenced Danish architects. The 19th century brought Historicism and National Romantic style.

The 20th century introduced new styles like expressionism by Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint and Nordic Classicism. In the 1960s, Arne Jacobsen became famous for Functionalist architecture. Later, Jørn Utzon designed the Sydney Opera House and Johan Otto von Spreckelsen built the Grande Arche in Paris. Today, Danish designers like Bjarke Ingels are known worldwide.

Danish design is a style of functionalistic design that began in the mid-20th century. It is famous for furniture and household objects by designers like Børge Mogensen, Finn Juhl, Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Poul Henningsen, and Verner Panton. Other notable designers include Kristian Solmer Vedel, Jens Quistgaard, and Ole Wanscher.

Literature and philosophy

Main articles: Danish literature and Danish philosophy

Renowned author Hans Christian Andersen, best remembered for his literary fairy tales

Søren Kirkegaard, existentialist philosopher considered one of the most important figures of the Danish Golden Age

The first Danish literature comes from myths and folklore in the 10th and 11th centuries. Saxo Grammaticus is considered the first Danish writer, working on a chronicle of Danish history. Little is known of Danish literature from the Middle Ages. The Age of Enlightenment brought Ludvig Holberg, whose comedy plays are still performed.

In the late 19th century, literature became a way to influence society. This movement was led by Georg Brandes, Henrik Pontoppidan (who won the Nobel Prize in Literature), and J. P. Jacobsen. Romanticism influenced Hans Christian Andersen, famous for tales like The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, and The Snow Queen. Johannes Vilhelm Jensen also won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Karen Blixen is known for her novels and short stories. Other important writers include Herman Bang, Gustav Wied, William Heinesen, Martin Andersen Nexø, Piet Hein, Hans Scherfig, Klaus Rifbjerg, Dan Turèll, Tove Ditlevsen, Inger Christensen, and Peter Høeg.

Danish philosophy is part of Western philosophy. The most influential Danish philosopher was Søren Kierkegaard, known for Christian existentialism. He had followers like Harald Høffding, who later supported positivism. Another important philosopher is Grundtvig, whose ideas led to a new kind of non-aggressive nationalism in Denmark and influenced his theological and historical work.

Painting and photography

Main articles: Danish art and Photography in Denmark

Danish art was shaped by trends from Germany and the Netherlands. The 15th- and 16th-century church frescos show a unique Danish style.

The Danish Golden Age began in the early 19th century, inspired by nationalism and romanticism. Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg taught many famous artists at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, including Wilhelm Bendz, Christen Købke, Martinus Rørbye, Constantin Hansen, and Wilhelm Marstrand.

In 1871, Holger Drachmann and Karl Madsen started an artists' colony in Skagen, focusing on Naturalism and Realism. They were joined by P.S. Krøyer, Carl Locher, and Laurits Tuxen. Similar groups formed on Funen with the Fynboerne including Johannes Larsen, Fritz Syberg, and Peter Hansen, and on Bornholm with the Bornholm school of painters including Niels Lergaard, Kræsten Iversen, and Oluf Høst.

Painting remains important in Danish culture, influenced by international trends like impressionism, expressionism, abstract painting, and surrealism. Influential Danish art groups include De Tretten, Linien, COBRA, Fluxus, De Unge Vilde, and Superflex. Notable modern Danish painters include Theodor Philipsen, Anna Klindt Sørensen, Franciska Clausen, Henry Heerup, Robert Jacobsen, Carl Henning Pedersen, Asger Jorn, Bjørn Wiinblad, Per Kirkeby, Per Arnoldi, and Michael Kvium.

Danish photography began in 1839. Pioneers like Mads Alstrup and Georg Emil Hansen helped the profession grow. Today, Danish photographers such as Astrid Kruse Jensen and Jacob Aue Sobol show their work in exhibitions worldwide.

Cuisine

Main article: Danish cuisine

See also: Faroese cuisine and Greenlandic cuisine

Denmark's traditional food, like other Nordic countries and Northern Germany, includes meat, fish, and potatoes. Danish meals change with the seasons, reflecting the country's farming history, geography, and cold winters.

Open sandwiches on rye bread called smørrebrød are a national specialty. Hot meals often include ground meats like frikadeller (meatballs made from veal and pork) and hakkebøf (minced beef patties), or bigger meat and fish dishes such as flæskesteg (roast pork with crispy skin) and kogt torsk (poached cod) with mustard sauce. Denmark is famous for its Carlsberg and Tuborg beers and for akvavit and bitters.

Since the 1970s, Danish chefs have created gourmet cooking, influenced by French cuisine. Danish chefs now make innovative dishes using local ingredients, known as New Danish cuisine. Because of these changes, Denmark has many top restaurants, including Geranium and Noma in Copenhagen, which have won Michelin stars.

Sports

Main article: Sport in Denmark

See also: Sport in the Faroe Islands and Sport in Greenland

Sports are popular in Denmark. The national sport is football, with over 320,000 players in more than 1600 clubs. Denmark reached the final of the European Championships in 1992 and won the Confederations Cup in 1995. The Denmark women's national handball team has won many medals, including seven gold medals. The men's side has also won many medals in the European Handball Championship. In 2019, the Danish men's national handball team won the World Championship title.

Denmark is known for cycling, with Michael Rasmussen reaching the top in the Tour de France in 2005 and 2006. Other popular sports include golf, tennis, basketball, rugby, ice hockey, rowing, badminton, table tennis, and gymnastics. Denmark has won World Championships and Olympic medals in several of these sports.