Denmark consists of the peninsula of Jutland (Jylland) and some 400 named islands. Of these, 82 are inhabited, the largest being Funen (Fyn) and Zealand (Sjælland).
Denmark has a large fishing industry, and possesses a merchant fleet of considerable size.
The manufacturing sector’s main areas of activity include food products, chemicals, machinery, metal products, electronic and transport equipment, beer and paper and wood products. Tourism is also an important economic activity.
Between the 8th and 11th centuries, the Danes were known as the Vikings. Together with the Norwegians and Swedes, they colonised, raided and traded in all parts of Europe. Modern-day Danes pride themselves on their country’s welfare state with its widespread social protection for everyone.
Denmark is a constitutional monarchy, ruled today under the 1953 constitution. The single-chamber parliament or Folketing has 179 elected members.
Famous people:
Hans Christian Andersen – writer, famous for his fairy tales
Karen Blixen – author
Arne Jacobsen – designer
Lars von Trier – film director who has provided Danish cinema with international recognition
Cuisine:
Specialities of Danish cooking include smørrebrød (open sandwiches), boiled or sugar browned potatoes, boiled red cabbage, roast pork and roast duck.
Facts:
- Political system: Constitutional monarchy
- Capital city: Copenhagen
- Language: Danish
- National day: 5 June – day became a constitutional monarchy (1849)
- Total area: 43 094 km²
- Population: 5.4 million
- Currency: Danish krone
How to say Hello:
Hej