Denmark is situated in northern Europe between Continental Europe and the Scandinavian Peninsula. The total area is about 44,000 square kilometres. The total population is about 5.4 million, of which 3.6 per cent are foreigners.
The Danish capital is Copenhagen (in Danish: København), a city known to tourists for the Tivoli Gardens and the statue of the little Mermaid. Copenhagen has 1.7 million inhabitants. You can reach Copenhagen by train from Odense within 90 minutes.
An Island Kingdom
The Jutland Peninsula borders on Germany in the south of Denmark. The country is made up of 406 islands, connected by numerous bridges and ferries. Whereever you live in Denmark you are never more than 52 km from the sea.
The Kingdom of Denmark also includes the world’s largest island, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. Both islands lie in the North Atlantic and both have home rule.
Landscape
The Danish country is rather flat. The highest point is 171 meters. The countryside is characterised by agricultural land with numerous cultivated areas, groves, forests and streams. But being an island kingdom Denmark is also enriched with long streches of beautiful sandy beaches.
Climate
Denmark has a mild climate with 4 seasons
February is the coldest month (average temperature - 0.4 degrees Celsius), and July is the warmest (average 16.6 degrees). There is usually a fresh wind in Denmark and the autumn often brings storms with violent winds.
A sunny day can quickly change to rain and back to sun again - especially in the autumn. Therefore, always bring warm and waterproof clothing, regardless of season.
To see what the weather is going to be like for the next few days, go to The Danish Meteorological Institute DMI.
Currency
The Danish currency is called kroner (DKK). 1 krone = 100 øre.
- 1 English pound = approx. 11 kroner
- 1 US dollar = approx. 6 kroner
- 1 EURO = approx. 7.5 kroner
Check the current rates of exchange.
Religion
About 90% of the Danes are members of the Lutheran Evangelical Church (Protestant). 1 per cent are Catholics. There are various other religions with their own houses of worship.
Government
Denmark is a constitutional monarchy and has a single chamber parliamentary system. The parliament (Folketinget) has 179 members, including 2 from the Faroe Islands and 2 from Greenland. Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen is the seat of the Parliament.
The voting age is 18 years, and elections are decided by proportional representation with a 2 per cent limit. There are 8 political parties at present. Up to 90 per cent of the Danes vote.
Denmark is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, NATO and the Nordic Council.