HumptyDumpty: Creating Draft:Denmark

2026-09-28T17:37:52Z

Creating Draft:Denmark

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{{Short description|Nordic country in Northern Europe}}
{{Infobox country
| name = Denmark
| official_name = Kingdom of Denmark
| native_name = Kongeriget Danmark
| flag_image = Flag of Denmark.jpg
| flag_alt = Flag of Denmark
| flag_caption = The national flag of Denmark, known as the Dannebrog
| anthem = ''Der er et yndigt land''
| capital = [[Copenhagen]]
| largest_city = [[Copenhagen]]
| continent = [[Europe]]
| region = [[Northern Europe]]
| official_languages = [[Danish language|Danish]]
| recognized_languages =
| demonym = Danish; Dane
| government = Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
| head_of_state_title = Monarch
| head_of_state = [[Frederik X]]
| head_of_government_title = Prime Minister
| head_of_government = [[Mette Frederiksen]]
| legislature = [[Folketing]]
| formation = Kingdom attested in the 10th century; constitutional monarchy since 1849
| area = 42,956.7 km²
| population = 6,032,304
| population_as_of = August 2026
| currency = [[Danish krone]]
| currency_code = DKK
| timezone = Central European Time (UTC+1); Central European Summer Time (UTC+2)
| driving_side = right
| calling_code = +45
| internet_tld = .dk
| iso_alpha2 = DK
| iso_alpha3 = DNK
| iso_numeric = 208
| coordinates = 56°N 10°E
| website = https://denmark.dk/
}}
'''Denmark''' (Danish: ''Danmark''), officially the '''Kingdom of Denmark''' (Danish: ''Kongeriget Danmark''), is a [[Nordic countries|Nordic]] country in Northern Europe. Denmark proper consists principally of the [[Jutland]] peninsula and an archipelago of more than 400 islands, of which [[Zealand]] is the largest. It borders [[Germany]] to the south and is connected to [[Sweden]] by the Øresund Bridge. The North Sea lies to the west, while waters leading to the Baltic Sea lie to the east.<ref name="geography">[https://www.visitdenmark.com/faq/geography Geography]. VisitDenmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

The capital and largest city is [[Copenhagen]], situated mainly on Zealand and Amager. Denmark proper covers about 42,956.7 square kilometres.<ref name="quickfacts">[https://denmark.dk/quick-facts/ Quick Facts About Denmark]. Denmark.dk, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref> Statistics Denmark recorded a population of 6,032,304 in August 2026.<ref name="population">[https://www.dst.dk/en/Statistik/emner/borgere/befolkning/befolkningstal Population figures]. Statistics Denmark. Updated 10 September 2026. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. [[Frederik X]] has been King of Denmark since 14 January 2024,<ref name="king">[https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/hm-the-king/ HM The King]. The Royal House of Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref> while [[Mette Frederiksen]] serves as prime minister. Her third government was formed on 3 June 2026 following the parliamentary election held on 24 March 2026.<ref name="government2026">[https://stm.dk/presse/pressemeddelelser/2026/regeringen-mette-frederiksen-iii/ Regeringen Mette Frederiksen III]. Statsministeriet. 3 June 2026. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref><ref name="election2026">[https://www.ft.dk/aktuelt/nyheder/2026/04/fakta-om-det-nye-folketing Fakta om det nye Folketing]. Folketinget. 15 April 2026. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

Denmark, the [[Faroe Islands]] and [[Greenland]] together constitute the Kingdom of Denmark. The Faroe Islands and Greenland have extensive systems of self-government, while Denmark proper is a member of the [[European Union]]. Denmark joined the European Communities, the predecessor of the EU, in 1973 and retains the Danish krone because of its treaty-based opt-out from the euro.<ref name="eu">[https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/eu-countries/denmark_en Denmark – EU country]. European Union. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref><ref name="euro">[https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/euro/eu-countries-and-euro/denmark-and-euro_en Denmark and the euro]. European Commission. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref> Denmark was also one of the founding members of [[NATO]] in 1949.<ref name="nato">[https://www.nato.int/en/about-us/nato-history/history-by-theme/my-country-and-nato/denmark-and-nato Denmark and NATO]. NATO. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

== History ==
=== Early Denmark and the Viking Age ===
Human settlement in the territory of present-day Denmark extends far into prehistory. The period from about 800 to 1050 is conventionally identified as the Danish [[Viking Age]]. During this period, rulers emerged whose authority covered an area broadly corresponding to modern Denmark, while Danish seafarers participated in trade, warfare and settlement across Europe and the North Atlantic.<ref name="viking">[https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/ The Viking Age]. National Museum of Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

The large Jelling stone, raised by King [[Harald Bluetooth]] around 965, contains one of the earliest surviving written references to Denmark. Its inscription associates Harald with control of Denmark and Norway and with the Christianization of the Danes. The monuments at Jelling are therefore important evidence for the emergence of the medieval Danish kingdom and its conversion to Christianity.<ref name="jelling">[https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/the-monuments-at-jelling/the-jelling-stone/ The Jelling Stone]. National Museum of Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

During later centuries Denmark developed into a major Scandinavian monarchy. The Danish Crown was at different periods linked politically with Norway, territories around the Baltic, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. The kingdom's territorial extent and constitutional structure changed repeatedly through wars, dynastic unions and political settlements.

=== Absolute monarchy and constitutional government ===
An absolute monarchy was established in Denmark in 1660. Under this system, the monarchy developed a more centralized state administration. The system remained in place until the political changes of 1848–1849.<ref name="absolute">[https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/absolute-monarchy-1660-1848/ Absolute monarchy (1660–1848)]. National Museum of Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

King Frederik VII signed Denmark's first democratic constitution on 5 June 1849. The constitution ended absolute royal rule and created a constitutional framework with an elected legislature. The present constitutional act dates from 5 June 1953 and states that Denmark is a constitutional monarchy.<ref name="constitutionhistory">[https://www.ft.dk/da/folkestyret/grundloven-og-folkestyret/grundlovens-og-folkestyrets-udvikling Grundlovens og folkestyrets udvikling]. Folketinget. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref><ref name="constitution">[https://english.stm.dk/media/apcfbylu/the-constitutional-act-of-denmark.pdf The Constitutional Act of Denmark]. Prime Minister's Office. 5 June 1953. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

=== Twentieth century and modern period ===
Germany invaded Denmark on 9 April 1940 during the [[Second World War]]. The Danish government initially pursued a policy of cooperation with the occupying authorities, but organized resistance increased as the war continued. In August 1943 the Danish government ceased functioning after rejecting German demands, and the resistance movement expanded. More than 7,000 Danish Jews were helped to escape to neutral Sweden during the German attempt to arrest the country's Jewish population in October 1943. The German occupation ended in May 1945.<ref name="occupation">[https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/german-occupation-1940-1945/ German occupation (1940–1945)]. National Museum of Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

Denmark abandoned its earlier policy of neutrality after the war and became a founding member of NATO when the North Atlantic Treaty was signed on 4 April 1949.<ref name="nato"/> Denmark joined the European Communities on 1 January 1973. It later became part of the European Union but negotiated an opt-out allowing it to remain outside the euro area.<ref name="eu"/><ref name="euro"/>

== Geography ==
Denmark proper lies between the North Sea and Baltic Sea region. Its territory consists of Jutland, which forms the country's continental land connection with Germany, and hundreds of islands. Zealand is the largest island and contains most of metropolitan Copenhagen. Other major islands include Fyn, Lolland, Falster and Bornholm.<ref name="geography"/>

The country has a comparatively low-lying landscape shaped extensively by glacial processes. Møllehøj in East Jutland is regarded as Denmark's highest natural point at approximately 170.86 metres above sea level.<ref name="highest">[https://www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/plan-your-trip/the-path-at-ejer-mountains-gdk704060 The path at Ejer Mountains]. VisitDenmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref> Denmark has a long coastline relative to its land area because of its numerous islands, peninsulas, bays and inlets.<ref name="geography"/>

The sea has strongly influenced settlement, trade and transport. Denmark lies between major maritime routes connecting the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. Its physical geography has also encouraged extensive bridge, ferry and port infrastructure.

== Government and politics ==
Denmark is governed under the Constitutional Act of 1953. The constitution defines the state as a constitutional monarchy and divides legislative, executive and judicial authority among the constitutional institutions of the state.<ref name="constitution"/>

The monarch is the head of state. [[Frederik X]] succeeded his mother, Queen [[Margrethe II]], on 14 January 2024 after her abdication. The King's constitutional and public functions are largely representative and ceremonial within Denmark's parliamentary system.<ref name="king"/><ref name="monarchy">[https://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/monarchy/ One of the world's oldest monarchies]. Denmark.dk, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

The head of government is the prime minister. [[Mette Frederiksen]] formed her third government on 3 June 2026.<ref name="government2026"/> Governments must operate within Denmark's parliamentary system and depend on the political support or tolerance of the Folketing.

The national parliament, the [[Folketing]], has 179 members. Of these, 175 are elected in Denmark proper, while Greenland and the Faroe Islands each elect two representatives.<ref name="folketing179">[https://www.ft.dk/da/ofte-stillede-spoergsmaal/medl_hvor-mange-medlemmer-er-der-af-folketinget Hvor mange medlemmer er der af Folketinget?]. Folketinget. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref> Parliamentary elections must be held at least every four years, although the prime minister can call an election earlier within the constitutional framework.<ref name="elections">[https://www.ft.dk/da/folkestyret/valg-og-afstemninger/folketingsvalg Folketingsvalg]. Folketinget. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

The parliamentary election held on 24 March 2026 elected a new Folketing. Twelve parties won representation, and voter turnout was 83.99 per cent among eligible voters. The Social Democrats won 38 seats and became the largest parliamentary party at that election.<ref name="election2026"/>

== Administrative divisions ==
Public administration in Denmark is divided among the state, regions and municipalities. As of 2026, Denmark has five regions and 98 municipalities. The regions carry major responsibilities in areas including hospital services, while municipalities administer a range of local public services.<ref name="healthsystem">[https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/healthcare/the-danish-healthcare-system/how-the-danish-healthcare-system-works How the Danish healthcare system works]. Life in Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

The five regions are:
* [[Capital Region of Denmark]]
* [[Region Zealand]]
* [[Region of Southern Denmark]]
* [[Central Denmark Region]]
* [[North Denmark Region]]

Municipalities are responsible for many local services, including parts of social care, rehabilitation, primary public services and local administration.<ref name="healthsystem"/>

== Economy ==
Denmark has a high-income, internationally integrated economy with substantial trade in both goods and services. Statistics Denmark reported annual gross domestic product of approximately DKK 3,119 billion in 2025. Real GDP increased by 0.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the preceding quarter.<ref name="gdp">[https://www.dst.dk/en/Statistik/emner/oekonomi/nationalregnskab/noegletal-for-nationalregnskabet-bnp Key figures for the national accounts (GDP)]. Statistics Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

Foreign trade is important to the Danish economy. Statistics Denmark reported exports of goods and services worth DKK 202.7 billion and imports worth DKK 162.2 billion in July 2026. Denmark exports more than DKK 2 trillion in goods and services in a typical year.<ref name="trade">[https://www.dst.dk/en/Statistik/emner/oekonomi/betalingsbalance-og-udenrigshandel/import-og-eksport-af-varer-og-tjenester Imports and exports of goods and services]. Statistics Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

Manufacturing, transportation, professional services, agriculture and internationally oriented commercial activities all contribute to exports. Transportation and storage account for a particularly large share of Danish service exports, while manufacturing accounts for a substantial share of goods exports.<ref name="tradeenterprise">[https://www.dst.dk/en/Statistik/emner/oekonomi/betalingsbalance-og-udenrigshandel/import-og-eksport-efter-virksomhedskarakteristika Imports and exports by enterprise characteristics]. Statistics Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

Denmark uses the [[Danish krone]] (DKK). Although the country has been an EU member since 1973, it negotiated a treaty opt-out from the euro and is not required to adopt the common currency. The krone participates in the European Exchange Rate Mechanism II, with its exchange rate maintained close to the euro.<ref name="euro"/>

== Demographics ==
Statistics Denmark recorded 6,032,304 residents in August 2026. The population statistics are based principally on people registered in Denmark's Civil Registration System.<ref name="population"/>

Danish is the principal language of Denmark and is an official language of the European Union. It belongs to the North Germanic branch of the Germanic languages and is closely related to Norwegian and Swedish. The modern Danish alphabet contains the additional letters Æ, Ø and Å.<ref name="language">[https://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/danish-language/ The Danish language: A story of history and identity]. Denmark.dk, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

The Evangelical Lutheran Church is Denmark's established church under the constitution.<ref name="constitution"/> Statistics Denmark recorded 4,210,480 members of the national church in the third quarter of 2026.<ref name="church">[https://www.dst.dk/en/Statistik/emner/borgere/folkekirke/medlemmer-af-folkekirken Members of the national church]. Statistics Denmark. Updated 10 August 2026. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref> Denmark also has communities belonging to other Christian denominations, Islam, Judaism and other religions, as well as residents with no religious affiliation.

== Education ==
Education is compulsory in Denmark, although attendance at a particular type of school is not. Children can meet the compulsory education requirement through public schools, private schools or home education that satisfies statutory requirements.<ref name="folkeskole">[https://eng.uvm.dk/primary-and-lower-secondary-education/the-folkeskole/about-the-folkeskole About the Folkeskole]. Danish Ministry of Children and Education. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

The municipal public primary and lower-secondary system is known as the ''Folkeskole''. It includes a pre-school class, nine years of compulsory education and an optional tenth year. Compulsory education normally begins at age six and continues until completion of compulsory schooling, usually around age sixteen.<ref name="folkeskole"/>

Denmark also has upper-secondary schools, vocational education institutions and universities. Higher education and research form an important part of the country's public education and innovation systems.

== Health ==
Denmark operates a publicly organized healthcare system divided among national, regional and municipal authorities. The state has overall regulatory and supervisory responsibilities. The five regions are responsible for hospitals, emergency care, psychiatry and arrangements involving general practitioners and private specialists.<ref name="healthsystem"/>

The 98 municipalities have responsibilities including elderly care, home nursing, rehabilitation outside hospitals, child dental services and other local health and social services.<ref name="healthsystem"/>

== Culture ==
Danish culture has developed from Nordic, European and maritime traditions. Denmark has produced internationally known writers, artists, designers, architects and filmmakers. Among its best-known literary figures is [[Hans Christian Andersen]], whose fairy tales became widely translated and internationally recognized.

The Danish national anthem commonly used for civil occasions is ''Der er et yndigt land'', with words by Adam Oehlenschläger and music by Hans Ernst Krøyer.<ref name="anthem">[https://www.kongehuset.dk/nyheder/forestillingsprogram-i-det-kongelige-teater Forestillingsprogram i Det Kongelige Teater]. The Royal House of Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

The country's historic monarchy remains a visible cultural institution. The Danish Royal House traces the monarchy back for more than a thousand years and describes it as one of the oldest monarchies in the world.<ref name="royalfamily">[https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/the-royal-family/the-royal-family/ The Royal Family]. The Royal House of Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

Cycling has a prominent role in Danish urban transport and daily life. The official Denmark website reports approximately 12,000 kilometres of bicycle lanes across the country.<ref name="quickfacts"/>

== Transport and infrastructure ==
Denmark's geography has required extensive connections between islands and the Jutland peninsula. Road, rail, ferry and bridge networks connect the main population centres. The Øresund fixed link connects the Copenhagen area with southern Sweden, while bridges across the Great Belt link eastern and western Denmark.

Copenhagen is the country's largest transport hub. Maritime transport is also economically significant, reflected in the large share of transportation and storage in Denmark's international service exports.<ref name="tradeenterprise"/>

Cycling infrastructure is particularly prominent in Danish cities, including Copenhagen, and bicycles are widely used for commuting and local journeys.<ref name="quickfacts"/>

== The Kingdom of Denmark ==
The constitutional realm comprises Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Greenland. The Faroe Islands received home rule in 1948, with further self-government arrangements introduced in 2005. Greenland received home rule in 1979 and expanded self-government in 2009.<ref name="kingdomfacts">[https://danish-presidency.consilium.europa.eu/en/presidency/facts-about-denmark/ Facts about Denmark]. Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

Although Greenland and the Faroe Islands belong to the Kingdom of Denmark, neither forms part of the European Union. Both have their own political institutions and exercise extensive authority over domestic matters.<ref name="eu"/>

== International relations ==
Denmark has been a member of the European integration project since joining the European Communities in 1973. It is also a member of the Schengen area, although it remains outside the euro area under its treaty opt-out.<ref name="eu"/>

Denmark was one of the twelve founding members of NATO in 1949. Its location at the entrance to the Baltic Sea and the Kingdom's connection with Greenland and the Faroe Islands give it a geographical role spanning Northern Europe and the North Atlantic.<ref name="nato"/>

Denmark is also active in multilateral organizations including the [[United Nations]]. It holds a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2025–2026 term.<ref name="unsc">[https://um.dk/en Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark]. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Retrieved 28 September 2026.</ref>

== Did you know about Denmark? ==
* Denmark's population passed 6.03 million in 2026, with Statistics Denmark recording 6,032,304 residents in August.<ref name="population"/>
* The name Denmark appears on the large Jelling stone erected by Harald Bluetooth around 965, one reason the monument is sometimes described as Denmark's "birth certificate".<ref name="jelling"/>
* Denmark's highest natural point, Møllehøj, rises only about 170.86 metres above sea level.<ref name="highest"/>
* The Folketing has 179 members, including two members elected in Greenland and two in the Faroe Islands.<ref name="folketing179"/>
* Denmark has kept the Danish krone instead of adopting the euro because it has a treaty-based opt-out from euro membership.<ref name="euro"/>
* Frederik X became King of Denmark on 14 January 2024 following the abdication of Queen Margrethe II.<ref name="king"/>
* Denmark was among the founding members of NATO in 1949.<ref name="nato"/>
* More than 4.2 million people were registered as members of Denmark's national church in the third quarter of 2026.<ref name="church"/>

== See also ==
* [[Faroe Islands]]
* [[Greenland]]
* [[Copenhagen]]
* [[Nordic countries]]
* [[Scandinavia]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://denmark.dk/ Official website of Denmark]
* [https://www.stm.dk/ Prime Minister's Office]
* [https://www.ft.dk/ Folketing – Danish Parliament]
* [https://www.kongehuset.dk/en/ The Royal House of Denmark]
* [https://um.dk/en Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark]
* [https://um.dk/en/about-us/organisation/mfa-on-social-media Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and other social networks]

[[Category:Denmark]]
[[Category:Countries in Europe]]
[[Category:Nordic countries]]
[[Category:Scandinavian countries]]
[[Category:Constitutional monarchies]]
[[Category:Member states of the European Union]]
[[Category:Member states of NATO]]

Draft:Denmark - Revision history

HumptyDumpty: Creating Draft:Denmark