Denmark

June 5, 1849 (Tuesday) – First democratic constitution adopted

April 9, 1940 (Tuesday) – German occupation begins during WWII

May 5, 1945 (Saturday) – Liberation from Nazi Germany

January 1, 1973 (Monday) – Joins European Economic Community (now EU)

June 2, 1992 (Tuesday) – Maastricht Treaty referendum fails

May 28, 1998 (Thursday) – Second referendum passes; EU opt-outs retained

December 12, 2009 (Saturday) – UN Climate Summit held in Copenhagen (COP15)

October 28, 2013 (Monday) – Storm “St. Jude” (Cyclone Christian) causes widespread damage and power outages

January 14, 2024 (Sunday) – Queen Margrethe II abdicates; Frederik X becomes King

Continent: Europe
Location: Northern Europe; bordered by Germany (south), and surrounded by the North Sea and Baltic Sea
Capital: Copenhagen
Language: Danish (official)
Currency: Danish krone (DKK)
Population: ~5.9 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1) / Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2)

Borders: Land border with Germany; maritime borders with Sweden, Norway, and the UK
Landscape: Flatlands, coastal lowlands, sandy beaches, rolling plains
Major Rivers: Gudenå, Skjern River, Suså
Major Mountains: No major mountain ranges; highest elevations are hills
Deserts: None
Lakes: Arresø, Esrum Sø, Mossø
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Møllehøj (171 m / 561 ft)
Lowest Point: Lammefjord (−7 m / −23 ft)
Climate: Temperate oceanic climate with mild winters, cool summers, and frequent wind
Geological Features: Glacially formed lowlands and moraines; numerous fjords and inlets

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Danish (~86%); minorities include Turkish, Polish, Syrian, and other immigrant communities
Religion: Evangelical Lutheran (approx. 74%), other Christian, Muslim, unaffiliated
Urban Population: ~89% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: High standard of living, universal healthcare, aging population trends

Famous For: Design, architecture, welfare model, cycling culture, fairy tales (Hans Christian Andersen)
Cuisine: Smørrebrød, Frikadeller, Pickled herring, Rye bread, Danish pastry
Arts: Renowned for modern architecture, cinema, literature, jazz, and sculpture
Sports: Football (soccer), handball, sailing, cycling

Economy Type: High-income, advanced mixed economy
GDP: Approx. $455 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Pharmaceuticals, renewable energy (wind), maritime shipping, food processing, design
Key Exports: Machinery, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, design, furniture
Unemployment Rate: ~2.7% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Capital Region, Central Denmark, Southern Denmark, Zealand, North Denmark

Government Type: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Frederik X (ascended January 14, 2024)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (Folketing)
Constitution: In effect since 1953

Copenhagen: Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, The Little Mermaid, Royal Palace
Aarhus: Museums, Viking history, modern art
Odense: Birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen
Roskilde: Cathedral (UNESCO), Viking Ship Museum
Nature: White cliffs of Møns Klint, Wadden Sea National Park, Skagen beaches
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 10 (including Kronborg Castle, Stevns Klint, Jelling Mounds)