Denmark

Denmark

Introduction

Background

Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is participating in the general political and economic integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973. However, the country has opted out of certain elements of the European Union’s Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), European defense cooperation, and issues concerning certain justice and home affairs.

Geography

Location

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland)

also includes several major islands (Sjaelland, Fyn, and Bornholm)

Geographic coordinates

56 00 N, 10 00 E

Map references

Europe

Area

total: 43,094 sq km
country comparison to the world: 134 land:42,434 sq km
water:660 sq km
note:includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major islands of Sjaelland and Fyn), but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland

Area – comparative

slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts

Land boundaries

total: 68 km
border countries:Germany 68 km

Coastline

7,314 km

Maritime claims

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone:24 nm
exclusive economic zone:200 nm
continental shelf:200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

Climate

temperate

humid and overcast

mild, windy winters and cool summers

Terrain

low and flat to gently rolling plains

Elevation extremes

lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m
highest point:Mollehoj/Ejer Bavnehoj 171 m

Natural resources

petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone, chalk, stone, gravel and sand

Land use

arable land: 52.59%
permanent crops:0.19%
other:47.22% (2005)

Irrigated land

4,350 sq km (2008)

Total renewable water resources

6.1 cu km (2003)

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

total: 0.67cu km/yr (32%/26%/42%)
per capita:123cu m/yr (2002)

Natural hazards

flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g., parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland) that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes

Environment – current issues

air pollution, principally from vehicle and power plant emissions

nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea

drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes and pesticides

Environment – international agreements

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified:none of the selected agreements

Geography – note

controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking Baltic and North Seas

about one-quarter of the population lives in greater Copenhagen

People and Society

Nationality

noun: Dane(s)
adjective:Danish

Ethnic groups

Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali

Languages

Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority)
note:English is the predominant second language

Religions

Evangelical Lutheran (official) 95%, other Christian (includes Protestant and Roman Catholic) 3%, Muslim 2%

Population

5,529,888 (July 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 111

Age structure

0-14 years: 17.6% (male 500,265/female 474,829)
15-64 years:65.3% (male 1,811,198/female 1,798,507)
65 years and over:17.1% (male 417,957/female 527,132) (2011 est.)

Median age

total: 40.9 years
male:40 years
female:41.8 years (2011 est.)

Population growth rate

0.251% (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 172

Birth rate

10.29 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 185

Death rate

10.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 51

Net migration rate

2.41 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 34

Urbanization

urban population: 87% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization:0.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

Major cities – population

COPENHAGEN (capital) 1.174 million (2009)

Sex ratio

at birth: 1.055 male(s)/female
under 15 years:1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years:1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over:0.78 male(s)/female
total population:0.98 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

Maternal mortality rate

5 deaths/100,000 live births (2008)
country comparison to the world: 167

Infant mortality rate

total: 4.24 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 196 male:4.3 deaths/1,000 live births
female:4.18 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

Life expectancy at birth

total population: 78.63 years
country comparison to the world: 48 male:76.25 years
female:81.14 years (2011 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.74 children born/woman (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 162

Health expenditures

7% of GDP (2009)
country comparison to the world: 83

Physicians density

3.419 physicians/1,000 population (2007)
country comparison to the world: 30

Hospital bed density

3.57 beds/1,000 population (2008)
country comparison to the world: 58

Drinking water source

improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 100% of population
total: 100% of population (2008)

Sanitation facility access

improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 100% of population
total: 100% of population (2008)

HIV/AIDS – adult prevalence rate

0.2% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 97

HIV/AIDS – people living with HIV/AIDS

5,300 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 118

HIV/AIDS – deaths

fewer than 100 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 140

Obesity – adult prevalence rate

11.4% (2006)
country comparison to the world: 51

Education expenditures

7.8% of GDP (2007)
country comparison to the world: 11

Literacy

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population:99%
male:99%
female:99% (2003 est.)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

total: 17 years
male:16 years
female:18 years (2008)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

total: 11.2%
country comparison to the world: 96 male:12.4%
female:9.9% (2009)

Government

Country name

conventional long form: Kingdom of Denmark
conventional short form:Denmark
local long form:Kongeriget Danmark
local short form:Danmark

Government type

constitutional monarchy

Capital

name: Copenhagen
geographic coordinates:55 40 N, 12 35 E
time difference:UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time:+1hr, begins last Sunday in March

ends last Sunday in October
note:applies to continental Denmark only, not to its North Atlantic components

Administrative divisions

metropolitan Denmark – 5 regions (regioner, singular – region)

Hovedstaden, Midtjylland, Nordjylland, Sjaelland, Syddanmark
note:an extensive local government reform merged 271 municipalities into 98 and 13 counties into five regions, effective 1 January 2007

Independence

ca. 965 (unified and Christianized under HARALD I Gormson)

5 June 1849 (became a constitutional monarchy)

National holiday

none designated

Constitution Day, 5 June (1849) is generally viewed as the National Day

Constitution

5 June 1953

note – constitution allowed for a unicameral legislature and a female chief of state

Legal system

civil law

judicial review of legislative acts

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations

accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Suffrage

18 years of age

universal

Executive branch

chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972)

Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born on 26 May 1968)
head of government:Prime Minister Helle THORNING-SCHMIDT (since 3 October 2011)
cabinet:Council of State appointed by the monarch
(For more information visit the World Leaders website ) elections:the monarchy is hereditary

following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch

Legislative branch

unicameral People’s Assembly or Folketing (179 seats, including 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands

members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms unless the Folketing is dissolved earlier)
elections:last held on 15 September 2011 (next to be held by September 2015)
election results:percent of vote by party – Liberal Party 26.7%, Social Democrats 24.9%, Danish People’s Party 12.3%, Social Liberal Party 9.5%, Socialist People’s Party 9.2%, Unity List 6.7%, Liberal Alliance 5%, Conservative People’s Party 4.9%, other 0.8%

seats by party – Liberal Party 47, Social Democrats 44, Danish People’s Party 22, Social Liberal Party 17, Socialist People’s Party 16, Unity List 12, Liberal Alliance 9, Conservative People’s Party 8

note – does not include the two seats from Greenland and the two seats from the Faroe Islands

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (judges are appointed for life by the monarch)

Political parties and leaders

Christian Democrats [Bjarne Hartung KIRKEGAARD] (was Christian People’s Party)

Conservative People’s Party [Lars BARFOED]

Danish People’s Party [Pia KJAERSGAARD]

Liberal Alliance [Anders SAMUELSEN]

Liberal Party

Social Democratic Party [Helle THORNING-SCHMIDT]

Social Liberal Party [Margrethe VESTAGER]

Socialist People’s Party [Villy SOEVNDAL]

Unity List [collective leadership] (bloc includes Left Socialist Party, Communist Party of Denmark, Socialist Workers’ Party)

Political pressure groups and leaders

Confederation of Danish Employers or DA [President Jorn Neergaard LARSEN]

Principal DA member organizations: Confederation of Danish Industries [CEO Karsten DYBVAD]

Confederation of Danish Labor Unions [President Harald BORSTING]

Danish Bankers Association [CEO Joergen HORWITZ]

DaneAge Association [President Bjarne HASTRUP]

Danish Society for Nature Conservation [President Ella Maria BISSCHOP-LARSEN]
other:humanitarian relief

development assistance

human rights NGOs

International organization participation

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MONUSCO, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Peter TAKSOE-JENSEN
chancery:3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone:[1] (202) 234-4300
FAX:[1] (202) 328-1470
consulate(s) general:Chicago, New York

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Laurie S. FULTON
embassy:Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen
mailing address:PSC 73, APO AE 09716
telephone:[45] 33 41 71 00
FAX:[45] 35 43 02 23

Flag description

red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag

the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side

the banner is referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world

traditions as to the origin of the flag design vary, but the best known is a legend that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th century battle

caught up by the Danish king before it ever touched the earth, this heavenly talisman inspired the royal army to victory

in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner or ensign
note:the shifted design element was subsequently adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden

National symbol(s)

lion

mute swan

National anthem

name: “Der er et yndigt land” (There is a Lovely Land)

“Kong Christian” (King Christian)
lyrics/music:Adam Gottlob OEHLENSCHLAGER/Hans Ernst KROYER

Johannes EWALD/unknown
note:Denmark has two national anthems with equal status

“Der er et yndigt land,” adopted 1844, is a national anthem, while “Kong Christian,” adopted 1780, serves as both a national and royal anthem

“Kong Christian” is also known as “Kong Christian stod ved hojen mast” (King Christian Stood by the Lofty Mast) and “Kongesangen” (The King’s Anthem)

within Denmark, the royal anthem is played only when royalty is present and is usually followed by the national anthem

when royalty is not present, only the national anthem is performed

outside Denmark, the royal anthem is played, unless the national anthem is requested

Economy

Economy – overview

This thoroughly modern market economy features a high-tech agricultural sector, state-of-the-art industry with world-leading firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy, and a high dependence on foreign trade. Denmark is a member of the European Union (EU)

Danish legislation and regulations conform to EU standards on almost all issues. Danes enjoy among the highest standards of living in the world and the Danish economy is characterized by extensive government welfare measures and an equitable distribution of income. Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance of payments surplus, but depends on imports of raw materials for the manufacturing sector. Within the EU, Denmark is among the strongest supporters of trade liberalization. After a long consumption-driven upswing, Denmark’s economy began slowing in 2007 with the end of a housing boom. Housing prices dropped markedly in 2008-09. The global financial crisis has exacerbated this cyclical slowdown through increased borrowing costs and lower export demand, consumer confidence, and investment. The global financial crises cut Danish GDP by 0.9% in 2008 and 5.2% in 2009. Historically low levels of unemployment rose sharply with the recession but remain below 5%, based on the national measure, about half the level of the EU

harmonized to OECD standards the unemployment rate was about 8% at the end of 2010. Denmark made a modest recovery in 2010 in part because of increased government spending. An impending decline in the ratio of workers to retirees will be a major long-term issue. Denmark maintained a healthy budget surplus for many years up to 2008, but the budget balance swung into deficit during 2009-10. Nonetheless, Denmark’s fiscal position remains among the strongest in the EU. Despite previously meeting the criteria to join the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), so far Denmark has decided not to join, although the Danish krone remains pegged to the euro.

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$201.7 billion (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 53 $197.7 billion (2009 est.)
$208.5 billion (2008 est.)
note:data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP (official exchange rate)

$310.8 billion (2010 est.)

GDP – real growth rate

2.1% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 144 -5.2% (2009 est.)
-1.1% (2008 est.)

GDP – per capita (PPP)

$36,600 (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28 $35,900 (2009 est.)
$38,000 (2008 est.)
note:data are in 2010 US dollars

GDP – composition by sector

agriculture: 1.2%
industry:22.1%
services:76.7% (2010 est.)

Labor force

2.852 million (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 103

Labor force – by occupation

agriculture: 2.5%
industry:20.2%
services:77.3% (2005 est.)

Unemployment rate

6% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 56 4.7% (2009 est.)

Population below poverty line

12.1% (2007)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

lowest 10%: 1.9%
highest 10%:28.7% (2007)

Distribution of family income – Gini index

29 (2007)
country comparison to the world: 123 24.7 (1992)

Investment (gross fixed)

16.8% of GDP (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 153

Budget

revenues: $171.7 billion
expenditures:$180.7 billion (2010 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

55.3% of GDP (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 14

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-2.9% of GDP (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 94

Public debt

43.7% of GDP (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 62 41.8% of GDP (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.3% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 73 1.3% (2009 est.)

Central bank discount rate

0.75% (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 131 1% (31 December 2009 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

4.3% (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 160 5.3% (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$146.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 25 $158.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of broad money

$174.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 40 $197.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$672.9 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 21 $713 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$231.7 billion (31 December 2010)
country comparison to the world: 30 $186.9 billion (31 December 2009)
$131.5 billion (31 December 2008)

Agriculture – products

barley, wheat, potatoes, sugar beets

pork, dairy products

fish

Industries

iron, steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, food processing, machinery and transportation equipment, textiles and clothing, electronics, construction, furniture and other wood products, shipbuilding and refurbishment, windmills, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment

Industrial production growth rate

1.6% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 137

Electricity – production

34.15 billion kWh (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 61

Electricity – consumption

33.41 billion kWh (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 57

Electricity – exports

10.88 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity – imports

333 million kWh (2009 est.)

Oil – production

247,500 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 39

Oil – consumption

167,500 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 61

Oil – exports

266,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 45

Oil – imports

173,900 bbl/day (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 55

Oil – proved reserves

812 million bbl (1 January 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 41

Natural gas – production

8.171 billion cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 45

Natural gas – consumption

4.948 billion cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 60

Natural gas – exports

3.52 billion cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31

Natural gas – imports

138 million cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 69

Natural gas – proved reserves

58.13 billion cu m (1 January 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 63

Current account balance

$17.08 billion (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 16 $11.07 billion (2009 est.)

Exports

$96.58 billion (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 35 $92.24 billion (2009 est.)

Exports – commodities

machinery and instruments, meat and meat products, dairy products, fish, pharmaceuticals, furniture, windmills

Exports – partners

Germany 17.6%, Sweden 13.8%, UK 8.1%, US 5.9%, Norway 5.6%, Netherlands 4.8%, France 4.7% (2010)

Imports

$87.44 billion (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 33 $84.16 billion (2009 est.)

Imports – commodities

machinery and equipment, raw materials and semimanufactures for industry, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports – partners

Germany 21.1%, Sweden 13.7%, Netherlands 7.3%, China 6.8%, UK 6.1%, Norway 5.5% (2010)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$76.52 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 25 $76.65 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Debt – external

$626.9 billion (30 June 2011)
country comparison to the world: 19 $559.5 billion (30 June 2010)

Stock of direct foreign investment – at home

$139.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 26 $140.4 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment – abroad

$183 billion (31 December 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 20 $180.1 billion (31 December 2009 est.)

Exchange rates

Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar -
5.624 (2010)
5.361 (2009)
5.0236 (2008)
5.4797 (2007)
5.9468 (2006)

Transportation

Airports

92 (2010)
country comparison to the world:65

Airports – with paved runways

total: 28
over 3,047 m:2
2,438 to 3,047 m:7
1,524 to 2,437 m:4
914 to 1,523 m:12
under 914 m:3 (2010)

Airports – with unpaved runways

total: 64
914 to 1,523 m:3
under 914 m:61 (2010)

Pipelines

gas 2,858 km

oil 107 km (2010)

Railways

total: 2,667 km
country comparison to the world: 61 standard gauge:2,667 km 1.435-m gauge (640 km electrified) (2008)

Roadways

total: 73,197 km
country comparison to the world: 63 paved:73,197 km (includes 1,111 km of expressways) (2008)

Waterways

400 km (2010)
country comparison to the world: 88

Merchant marine

total: 347
country comparison to the world: 28 by type:bulk carrier 4, cargo 56, carrier 1, chemical tanker 104, container 87, liquefied gas 4, passenger/cargo 40, petroleum tanker 38, refrigerated cargo 4, roll on/roll off 6, specialized tanker 3
foreign-owned:32 (Germany 10, Greece 1, Iceland 3, Norway 2, Sweden 16)
registered in other countries:592 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Bahamas 59, Belgium 4, Brazil 3, Cyprus 6, Egypt 1, France 12, Georgia 1, Gibraltar 6, Hong Kong 41, Isle of Man 26, Italy 4, Jamaica 1, Liberia 4, Lithuania 8, Malaysia 1, Malta 41, Marshall Islands 7, Mexico 2, Netherlands 36, former Netherlands Antilles 1, Norway 11, Panama 46, Portugal 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 19, Singapore 125, South Africa 1, Spain 2, Sweden 15, UK 46, Uruguay 1, US 34, Venezuela 1, unknown 3) (2010)

Ports and terminals

Aalborg, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Ensted, Esbjerg, Fredericia, Kalundborg

Military

Military branches

Defense Command: Army Operational Command, Admiral Danish Fleet, Arctic Command, Tactical Air Command, Home Guard (2010)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service

conscripts serve an initial training period that varies from 4 to 12 months according to specialization

reservists are assigned to mobilization units following completion of their conscript service

women eligible to volunteer for military service (2004)

Manpower available for military service

males age 16-49: 1,236,337
females age 16-49:1,224,182 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service

males age 16-49: 1,014,560
females age 16-49:1,003,921 (2010 est.)

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

male: 37,913
female:35,865 (2010 est.)

Military expenditures

1.3% of GDP (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 111

Transnational Issues

Disputes – international

Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark’s claim that the Faroe Islands’ continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm

Faroese continue to study proposals for full independence

sovereignty dispute with Canada over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and Greenland

Denmark (Greenland) and Norway have made submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental shelf (CLCS) and Russia is collecting additional data to augment its 2001 CLCS submission