Despite being one of the smallest countries in Europe (5,5 million people) Denmark is known all around the world for a great number of things. Below you can see some of the facts about Denmark and its people - enjoy :o)
- According to several surveys and studies in international magazines and newspapers - the Danes are the most pleased people in the world - living in the happiest place on earth.
A recent study of the working environment in Denmark also shows that Danish companies have the most satisfied employees in Europe.
- The Danish flag is called “Dannebrog” and is possibly the oldest national flag in the world. According to the myth - the Danish King Valdemar II called Valdemar the Victorious was during his crusade to Estonia caught in a battle in June 1219 and while combating a revelation happened as a red flag with a white Christian cross surprisingly fell down from the sky and landed beside the King. With the red white flag in his hand - King Valdemar II won the battle - and after this historical event the King commanded the flag to be the Danish national flag. This legend of the Danish flag is very popular among the Danes and their favorite - even though a handful of other legends about the Danish flag exist.
- Denmark was the heartland of viking society in the viking age between 800-1050
- Denmark is the oldest monarchy of the west
- Greenland and the Faroe Islands have been a part of Denmark since the 1700s.
- The famous writer, Hans Christian Andersen, was born in Odense and is best known for his fairy-tales for children and adults. You may know "The Ugly Duckling", "The little Mermaid" and "The emperor's new Clothes". His fairy tales have been translated into more languages than any other book in the world (except off course the Bible ).
- Another famous person born in Denmark and world known is Lars Ulrich, who is one of the founders of Metallica
- The Opera House in sydney, Australia was designed by the Danish Architect Jørn Utzom
- The company LEGO was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen. The Company has passed from father to son and is now owned by Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, a grandchild of the founder. The name 'LEGO' is an abbreviation of the two Danish words "leg godt", meaning "play well".
- Carlsberg and Tuborg beer are both Danish
- Almost every Danish restaurant serve the traditional "open faced sandwich" called "smørrebrød" with many different potions of food items as cold cuts - pieces of meat or fish - various paste - salad dressings and cheese on buttered rye bread and decorated with all types of toppings that gives the creation a great visual appeal - and is surely a piece of genuine art, when presented on a well laid table with cold Danish beer and snaps. “Smørrebrød” is normally served together with the famous Danish beer and snaps.
- Another speciality in Denmark is Danish Pastry (in Danish called "wienerbrød"). The ingredients include flour, yeast, milk, eggs, and generous amounts of butter and is most likely topped with chocolate, sugar or icing, and may be stuffed with either jam, marzipan or custard.
- "Lurpak" butter is probably the best known brand of butter in the world and is - as you may already have guessed - Danish. Today you buy it in more than 100 countries.
- We hope you enjoy Denmark as much as we do ;o)
Other facts about Denmark:
Population: 5.564.219 (2011)
Area: 43.098 square kilometres
Population density: 126,4 pr. square kilometre
Geographic region: Scandinavia
Capital: Copenhagen 1.702.388 (2011)
Other major cities: Århus 311.235, Odense 190.448, Aalborg 199.437 (2011)
Form of state: Monarchy
Government: Coalition of the Liberals and the Conservatives, headed by the Liberals
Head of state: Queen Margrethe II (since 14 January 1972)
Head of government: Lars Løkke Rasmussen (since 5. Immigrants and their descendants constitute 567.932 (2011)
Life expectancy: Women 81,2 years, men 77,1 (2011)
Language: Danish
Religion: 90% Protestant
Currency: Danish Kroner, DKK. 1 Krone = 100 Øre (5,3 DKK = 1 USD, 2011)
Member of: UN, OECD, EU, Nato, Schengen, OSCE, IMF, WTO and others
