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What Should I Know About Denmark?

Celie Rhodes
Celie Rhodes

Denmark, officially Kongeriget Danmark or “Kingdom of Denmark" in the Danish language, is a kingdom with a constitutional monarchy for its system of government. Located in northern Europe, it is the southernmost nation of the Scandinavian countries, which always include Norway and Sweden, and usually include Finland and Iceland. The nation of Denmark itself is the smallest of the Scandinavian lands, but because it also holds Greenland and the Faroe Islands as possessions, it is much larger. The capital of Denmark is Copenhagen. Notable attractions in Copenhagen include the Tivoli Gardens, the Amalienborg Palace (home of the Danish royal family), and the famous statue of The Little Mermaid in the harbor.

Citizens of Denmark are called Danes; the principle language spoken in Denmark is called Danish, although German is also spoken by a small percentage of the population near the Danish-German border. Danish is a Germanic language, sharing common heritage with other Germanic languages including English, Dutch, and especially Swedish, Norwegian, and Icelandic. Most Danes are of Scandinavian descent, but there are also small native groups of Inuit from Greenland, and an immigrant population of around 9% (as of 2007). As in other parts of Europe, anti-immigration sentiment in Denmark has been on the rise.

The Danish author Hans Christian Andersen wrote several famous literary fairy tales.
The Danish author Hans Christian Andersen wrote several famous literary fairy tales.

During the 8th, 9th, and 10th centuries, Danes were known as Vikings, fierce Germanic explorers and traders who colonized and raided much of Europe. The Danes were united around 965 by Harald Bluetooth, at which time they were also forced to give up their native, earth-based religion which they shared with all the Germanic peoples of northern Europe. Today, about 95% of Danes are members of the Lutheran Church of Denmark. Other religions represented in the remaining 5% include Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam.

Greenland is an island belonging to Denmark.
Greenland is an island belonging to Denmark.

Like most of the Western world, Denmark has a mixed economy &mdah; an economy featuring both capitalistic and socialistic elements. While the Danes enjoy a very high standard of living, they pay both broad-based — VAT (Value Added Tax) and excise taxes — in addition to high income tax rates. The minimum income tax rate for adults in Denmark is around 40%. Similar tax models are used in its fellow Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden. Denmark boasts a socially progressive culture, as was evidenced in its being the first nation in the world to legalize same-sex unions.

Famous Danes include Hans Christian Andersen, author of some of the world’s most renowned fairy tales, such as "The Emperor's New Clothes" and "The Ugly Duckling"; and the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.

Discussion Comments

chrisinbama

@oceanswimmer: Tivoli is a beautiful place in the heart of Copenhagen. It is next to the Central Station. Tivoli offers a variety of events such as an amusement park, cultural events, parades, pantomimes, concerts and other shows.

Every year at Christmastime, there are approximately 2 million lights that are lit. The lights have been a part of the charm of Tivoli since 1843. There is also the Tivoli Aquarium that houses many exotic fish. It is a great place to visit.

OceanSwimmer

@chrisinbama: What exactly is Tivoli Gardens? I've heard of it but I don't really know what it is.

chrisinbama

@oceanswimmer: You and your husband will absolutely love Denmark. It has often been called the “fairytale country”. There are beautiful beaches that attract many of the German tourists. The city of Copenhagen is a very lively city that also attracts many tourists. In Copenhagen, there are wonderful tourist attractions such as Tivoli Gardens, The Little Mermaid, and the Freetown Christiania.

As of 2004, Copenhagen area had over 130 hotels. Denmark hotels are known for their beauty and elegance. There were also over 250 cruise liners pulling in at Copenhagen Port.

OceanSwimmer

My husband and I would like to visit Denmark this fall. We have gotten a little bit of information from our local travel agent but I wanted to know if anyone knows any other great things to do or see in Denmark.

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    • The Danish author Hans Christian Andersen wrote several famous literary fairy tales.
      By: Nasjonalbiblioteket
      The Danish author Hans Christian Andersen wrote several famous literary fairy tales.
    • Greenland is an island belonging to Denmark.
      By: mady70
      Greenland is an island belonging to Denmark.
    • Denmark is located in Northern Europe.
      By: ilynx_v
      Denmark is located in Northern Europe.