20 Denmark Facts: Land of Vikings, Hygge, and Modern Innovation

Denmark offers a lot of amazing general knowledge from historical nuggets to interesting modern culture. Norway, Denmark, and Sweden have an intertwined, long history.

However, some more facts make Denmark a lot more unique. So, if you wish to gather some more Scandinavian knowledge, then in this article, let us discuss some interesting facts about Denmark. 

  1. It is a small country
Denmark is a small country

Outside the cities, Scandinavia mainly has a reputation as being a really large open space with mountains, lakes, and fjords. However, it is not true for Denmark, as it has a relatively small place.

At just a shade larger than Switzerland and the Netherlands, it ranks 130th in the world. In US terms, that is somewhere between places like Maryland and West Virginia in size.

  1. They have the oldest flag
Denmark's Flag Is Oldest

The white cross on a red-colored background that comprises the “Danish Cloth” or Dannebrog can be recognized by many.

According to legend, originating in the 14th century, this flag appeared during the battle of Lyndanisse in 1219 and even inspired the Danes to victory against Latvia. The flag was adopted at some time during the next 100 years.

Though it is not the oldest flag ever, it still holds the Guinness World Record for being the national flag that is the oldest continuously used. 

  1. Denmark is not a very small country
Denmark Country

The kingdom of Denmark has many islands. In total, the country has 443 islands, and 70 of those are inhabited. One of those islands is Greenland, which is the largest non-continental island in the world. 

Greenland is an autonomous part of Denmark. The mother country controls foreign affairs and defense; however, most other decisions have been developed to a Greenlandic government. The island became famous last year when Donald Trump wanted to “buy the island” from Denmark. 

So, though Denmark is small, its overall territory is a lot bigger. Adding it all up makes them the 12th biggest in the world.

  1. The monarchy of Denmark is also older

Danish Monarchy is even older than the flag. In 935, since Gorm the Old started things off, the monarchy has continued till today.

Mainly an elective monarchy, it turned out hereditary in the 17th century and, in the 19th century, was converted to a constitutional monarchy. Queen Margrethe II is the current monarch, the first female monarch since Margrethe I died in 1412 during the Kalmar Union.

  1. The economy of Denmark can be rather taxing

Many visitors visiting Denmark are shocked by how much things cost. Sales tax of Denmark is 25%, which is one of the highest in the world. 

Also, Denmark has one of the highest rates of income tax in the world, while people in the country need to pay as much as 45% of their income to the government. However, in surveys, 90% of Danes are satisfied with the level of taxation.

  1. It ranks first in the list of the world’s least corrupt country

In the list of the world’s least corrupt countries, Denmark ranks number 1. After that, New Zealand ranks number 2, and the list completed with Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, and Singapore as the top five least corrupt countries. 

Also, Denmark is recently second in the World Happiness Report of the UN, just after Finland. Both the healthcare and education systems of Denmark are renowned throughout the globe. Hence, paying high taxes here isn’t as bad as people in lower-taxed nations might think.

  1. Their prince is a model

Prince Nikolai, Queen Margrethe’s eldest grandson, has an unusual job for a royal. He is currently performing catwalks around the globe as a model.

This 19-year-old boy made his bow walking for Burberry at London Fashion Week in 2018. He has since modeled for Kim Jones, a Dior designer who himself has a Danish mother. 

However, Prince Nikolai is not the first royal to walk a catwalk though he is unique in having the support and approval of his family. 

  1. They have an amusement park
Denmark's amusement park

Even before Walt Disney was famous around the world, the Danes had amusement parks. Actually, the country is home to the two oldest operating amusement parks, Tivoli and Bakken. 

In the year 1583, Bakken originated when a natural spring was discovered. Due to the poor water quality in Copenhagen during that time, residents flocked.  Today, the park is home to a wide variety of entertainers, vendors, and rides. The park has free entrance, though there is a charge for many rides.

Whereas Tivoli Gardens opened in 1843, it included a range of theme building, mechanical rides, etc.

  1. The people of Denmark know how to play

Probably, Lego is the best-known game among the people of Denmark, especially among children. In 1932, carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen invented the Lego company in the small town of Billund. The name has derived from the term ‘leg godt’, which means ‘play well.’

The initial products of the company were wooden toys. It wasn’t until 1947 that they introduced the interlocking plastic bricks that we all love. Since then, the company has become a multi-billion-dollar business, including clothing and theme parks.

  1. Children can drink here….a little

Unlike some countries, no laws stop children from consuming alcohol. There are laws in place to stop purchases, which may vary. Beer can be purchased at 16; however, a person has to be 18 to purchase spirits.

This doesn’t mean that children are on the streets getting drunk. Instead, the permissive culture results in a more relaxed attitude to alcohol. 

While talking about what they drink, the Carlsberg Brewery has been offering the whole world, including Denmark with, beer for more than 150 years. 

  1. People of Denmark enjoy some gourmet delights
Denmark's gourmet delights

All nations have their contributions to the world of drink and food, and Denmark is no exception. Smorrebrod derives from the words bread and butter, and they are a type of open sandwich.

Originally, they might have been just rye bread with lard, but they have become an art form over the years. Many restaurants compete to offer the most lavish open sandwiches to their customers.

Frikadeller are flat meatballs made of pork or veal and are popular throughout Denmark, even though the original concept is German.

  1. Denmark is a pretty progressive nation

Denmark is among the countries that are leading our world in progressive policies. Denmark was the first country to legalize pornography globally; hence, it can be seen everywhere, including on TV. The people of Denmark have a liberal, healthy attitude to sex.

Also, Denmark is the first country to legalize same-sex unions. This came in 1989, and since then, many other countries have followed suit. In Denmark, opinion polls show support among the public is at 86%.

  1. Here some strange things are controlled by the government

One area that could be regarded as odd to many people is the naming of children. The government has a list of 7000 names that are pre-approved for babies’ names. 

Another strange law is about burning flags. It is only illegal to burn flags of foreign nations, and Danish flags may be burnt. 

  1. Autumn in Denmark starts in September, and summer starts in June

Generally, in the month of September, the autumn season of Denmark starts, and it lasts till the month of November with an average temperature of 10 degrees Celsius.

Also, Denmark’s winter season starts in December and lasts till February with a cool and nice winter temperature of 2 degrees Celsius on average.

The summer months of Denmark are between June and August, whereas the spring months of the country are from March to May.

  1. In 1973, Denmark became a member of the European Economic Community
Denmark joined the EEC in 1973

In 1973, Denmark became a member of the European Economic Community, famous today as the European Union.

However, the negotiated specific opt-outs did not work out. This means they need to have their own currency rather than using the Euro, along with other members of the EU, like the United Kingdom, which uses the Great British Pound.

  1. Denmark’s most dominant religion is Christianity
Denmark’s dominant religion is Christianity

The most dominant religion in Denmark is Christianity, which is about 75%. Also, Islam is practiced by some people, which is almost 5% of the country’s population.

The remaining 20% is divided into other religions, like Jewish, Roman Catholic, Buddhist, and Serbian Orthodox Christian, along with some undecided citizens.

  1. Danish men’s traditional clothing is white woolen stockings
Danish men’s traditional clothing

The men’s clothing is usually made of flax and wool, a lot like the clothing materials of women. The white woolen stockings that reached up to men’s knees are the famous icon of men’s traditional clothing, along with jackets with leather boot tops and long shirts.

  1. Danish women’s traditional clothing

Generally, Danish women wear a skirt covered by an apron, along with a blouse. The blouse has laces and hooks in the front with patterns, a light scarf worn around the neck that covers the throat and shoulders, and a bonnet.

  1. Denmark is the most bicycle-friendly
Denmark is bicycle-friendly

 Denmark is one of the best countries on planet Earth for cyclists because of its massive flat surface area. Also, it is the most bicycle-friendly country, with Amsterdam as number 2.

Moreover, Danish pedestrians follow the pedestrian rules to make it easier for cyclists to travel around. Hence, you may see tons and tons of bikes throughout the country, especially in its capital, Copenhagen.

Also, around 90% of Danes own a bicycle, whereas only 56% of the households own cars. Furthermore, Danes pedal over 474 million kilometers on their bicycles yearly.

  1. There are more pigs in Denmark compared to its population

Around 5000 pig farms in Denmark produce almost 28 million pigs per year, compared to Denmark’s population of 5.79 million. Over 70% of pork is exported to other European nations, and the rest is exported to other parts of the globe.

So, Denmark is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, along with its interesting history, culture, laws, customs, and many more.

At the end of this article, we have learned 20 interesting facts about Denmark. These facts offer us a clear picture of this beautiful and unique country. To get some additional amazing facts, you can see our website.

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