Denmark
Official Country Name
Denmark
Denmark Overview
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.
Denmark Economy
The Danish economy is undergoing strong expansion fueled by private consumption growth, low unemployment, rising real wages, and a strong increase in house prices. This thoroughly modern market economy features high-tech agriculture, up-to-date small-scale and corporate industry, extensive government welfare measures, comfortable living standards, a stable currency, and high dependence on foreign trade. Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance of payments surplus. Government objectives include streamlining the bureaucracy and further privatization of state assets. The government has been successful in meeting, and even exceeding, the economic convergence criteria for participating in the third phase (a common European currency) of the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), but Denmark has decided not to join 12 other EU members in the euro. Nonetheless, the Danish krone remains pegged to the euro. Economic growth gained momentum in 2004 and the upturn continued through 2006. Because of high GDP per capita, welfare benefits, a low Gini index, and political stability, the Danish people enjoy living standards topped by no other nation. A major long-term issue will be the sharp decline in the ratio of workers to retirees.
Denmark Location
Denmark is located in Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes two major islands (Sjaelland and Fyn)
Region
Denmark is located in Europe
Denmark Population
Denmark has population of 5,450,661 (July 2006 est.)
Denmark Climate
Denmark has temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers
Denmark Terrain
low and flat to gently rolling plains
Denmark Natural Resources
petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone, chalk, stone, gravel and sand
Ethnic Groups in Denmark
Denmark has the following ethnic groups - Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali
Denmark Religions
Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3%, Muslim 2%
Denmark Languages
Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority) note: English is the predominant second language
Denmark Capital
Denmark capital is Copenhagen
Denmark Currency
Denmark currency is Danish krone
Map of Denmark
