"On weekends and holidays we travel and see other parts of Denmark. We rent cars, hitch-hike or go by bus or train. It's very easy. This autumn break we are going to Norway."
- Peter Szabo, Hungary
(source: www.studyindenmark.dk)
Geography and climate Denmark is situated in northern Europe. It is one of the Nordic countries and a part of Scandinavia. Greenland and the Faeroe Islands are also parts of Denmark but they are autonomous regions. Denmark consists of the Jutland peninsula and a large number of big and small islands. The country is relatively flat with the highest point rising to only 173 meters above sea level. About 65% of the country is farmland, 11% is woodland and the rest is built-up areas, roads, and lakes. The winters are wet with only little snow. It can be as cold as -5–10 °C in the winter whereas the summer temperature rises to 15–25°C.
Population and language The total population of Denmark is 5.3 million and the population density is 120 people per square kilometre. The capital is Copenhagen, which has approximately 1.2 million inhabitants. Copenhagen – often called Paris of the North – has an old, historical centre and a large network of pedestrian streets, bicycle paths and parks. Denmark's official language is Danish. However, most people understand and speak English. The number of immigrants has doubled over the past 20 years and immigrants now account for about 5% of the population.
Politics Denmark is a modern welfare state and a constitutional monarchy with a history of monarchy dating back to the year 1000. A democratically elected government and a parliament, Folketinget, govern the country. Many political parties are represented in Parliament (often 10 to 15 parties). Denmark has a high level of social security and free public services, including a high quality educational sector. A relatively high tax rate makes it possible to provide this service level. Politically, Denmark has a strong international position and is a member of the European Union, the Nordic Council, the United Nations and NATO. The country has been a member of the European Union since 1973, but opinions are divided about how the membership of the union should progress. In 1993, the Maastricht Treaty allowed Denmark to opt out of four areas, including the common defence policy and union citizenship. This arrangement can only be changed through a referendum. In 2000, Denmark voted against participating in the European Monetary Union in a referencum. The Danish currency is, therefore, still kroner, DKK, although it is pegged to the euro.
Economy Denmark has one of the highest standards of living in the world. Since 1963, industry has accounted for the majority of exported goods. However, North Sea oil and natural gas have become increasingly important to the economy, as have biotechnology and information technology. A very high percentage of women are active on the labour market and the unemployment rate has been relatively low since the mid-1990's.
Education Education in Denmark is provided free of charge at all levels to all EU citizens and there are nine years of compulsory education. Public expenditure on education and training corresponds to 7% of the country's GDP and around 13% of the total public expenditure. Lifelong learning plays a considerable role in the educational system, and many Danes participate in some kind of formal or informal learning. Denmark is also known for its many local associations and organisations at grassroot level.
Other useful sources
Denmark.dk
