Einar H. Dyvik
Research expert covering Nordics and global data for society, economy, and politics
Denmark - statistics & facts
The Kingdom of Denmark is a sovereign state in Northern Europe. It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries and shares borders only with Germany to the South. However, it is connected to Sweden via a bridge-tunnel over Öresund, opened in 2000. It is a flat country, its highest point Møllehøj reaching only 170 meters above sea level. Denmark is thus one of the countries in the world with the lowest average elevation. Together with Sweden and Norway, Denmark forms part of the cultural region known as Scandinavia. Denmark has a population of nearly 5.9 million people. The population figures are estimated to grow by about 100,000 inhabitants until 2026, one reason being the increase in overall life expectancy. Interestingly, the Danish flag, which was used officially for the first time in 1219, is considered to be the oldest flag still used by an independent state in the world.
Over 20 percent of Denmark’s population live in the nation’s capital and largest city Copenhagen. Moreover, close to 90 percent of the country's population live in urban areas. Denmark has been a member of the European Union since 1973, and it is among the founding members of NATO, the Nordic Council and the United Nations. Both the Faroe Islands and Greenland belong to Denmark, and King Frederik X is the head of state of both territories. However, the two enjoy a high degree of autonomous rule. The Faroe Islands has its own currency, and Faroese is recognized as an official language next to Danish. Both territories have just above 50,000 inhabitants.
Over 20 percent of Denmark’s population live in the nation’s capital and largest city Copenhagen. Moreover, close to 90 percent of the country's population live in urban areas. Denmark has been a member of the European Union since 1973, and it is among the founding members of NATO, the Nordic Council and the United Nations. Both the Faroe Islands and Greenland belong to Denmark, and King Frederik X is the head of state of both territories. However, the two enjoy a high degree of autonomous rule. The Faroe Islands has its own currency, and Faroese is recognized as an official language next to Danish. Both territories have just above 50,000 inhabitants.
Quality of life
Denmark is considered to be one of the best countries in the world to live in, and ranks high on the United Nation's Human Development Index. Moreover, Denmark was ranked as the second happiest country in the world in 2023, only beaten by its Nordic neighbor Finland. Over the last years, the Danish concept 'Hygge' has become popular around the world. It refers to situations where you create a special, cozy atmosphere with your family or friends, for instance when you enjoy a warm drink with someone in front of the fireplace.Economy
As for the country’s economic situation, Denmark has proved quite stable and competitive: Despite an economic slump following the global economic crash in 2008 and 2009, and after the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, the country has developed a highly-competitive service-based economy. Denmark has a high employment rate and a very stable social security system. For instance, all higher education is free of charge, and it has a public, tax-funded health care system available to all inhabitants. Moreover, after inflation peaked in the fall of 2022, it fell rapidly through 2023, stabilizing around one percent since. Denmark has also reported a trade surplus every year over the past decade, and the country's gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to grow over the next years.
