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 About Denmark |
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This Scandanavian nation boasts lively cities, rural countryside, white-sand beaches, ancient castles, ring forts, and is a leader in modern design. The landscape is mainly low-lying countryside, spotted with beech woods, and small lakes and fjords.
Formerly the home of feared Viking raiders and later a major European power, Denmark is a prosperous, peaceful nation with a liberal social-welfare system, and is considered by many as the model of modern, civilized society. Danish society values individual freedom, and politics are very much of consensus. Denmark today is engaged in the political and economic integration of Europe. |
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Location |
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The smallest and most southern of the Scandinavian countries, Denmark is located between Scandinavia proper and mainland Europe. Bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, Denmark is on the Jutland peninsula, and includes two major islands, Sjaelland and Fyn, and about 450 other islands. Denmark borders on Germany in the south. Greenland and the Faroe Islands, governed by home rule, are part of Denmark. |
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Population |
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The population of Denmark is close to 5,500,000. In addition to the Scandinavian majority, there are Inuit, Faeroese and German minorities. The great majority of Danes belong to the Lutheran Church. There are other Protestant minorities, plus small numbers of Roman Catholics, and Muslims. |
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Language |
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Almost all the inhabitants of Denmark speak Danish (there are several dialects), and Faeroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), and German are also spoken. English is the predominant second language. |
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Education |
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Denmark has an excellent system of public education, developed largely in the 19th cent. The system is made up of the basic, comprehensive school, various upper secondary and vocational education courses, and a wide range of higher education programs.
Education is compulsory for ages 7 to 16, and takes place at public primary and lower secondary schools (folkeskoler). About 12% of children attend private schools. Students then either attend a voluntary tenth grade of the folkeskole, or continue at the upper secondary level. There are two types of general (non-vocational) upper secondary education: the Gymnasium, and the hojere forberedelseeksamen or hf courses (higher preparatory examination).
Higher education in Denmark is state-sponsored, there are no tuition fees. Institutions of higher education have a long tradition of academic freedom and autonomy. There are 11 universities, five of which are multi-faculty universities: Copenhagen, Aihus, Southern Denmark, Aalborg, and Roskilde, and six which are specialist universities. |
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Weather |
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The climate is temperate, with mild, windy winters and cool summers. Weather is often humid and overcast, with the warm current from the North Atlantic Drift usually ensuring relatively mild temperatures. However, ice occasionally closes the Baltic Sea, cutting off warmer waters, and making the winters harsh. Considering its northerly location, the climate is relatively mild. The most pleasant months are May to August, when temperatures are around 25 degrees celsius, and daylight is almost 18 hours. In the coldest winter months of January and February, the average daily temperatures are around freezing. |
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Visas |
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Most Western nationals, including Americans, citizens of EU countries, Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, Malaysians, Singaporeans and most South Americans do not need a visa. Other nationals will need a visa and should contact the Danish embassy. |
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Money and Cost of Living |
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Other than by Scandinavian standards, Denmark is an expensive country. There is a 25% tax included on hotel rooms and shop purchases. Major banks handle exchange transactions and welcome kroner checking accounts. A Dankort or debit card, is the most common and convenient way to pay local expenses. It is also used as an ATM card. You can also have a VISA debit card combined with your Dankort. Major credit cards are widely accepted. |
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Currency |
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The primary monetary unit in Denmark is the Danish Kroner (1 DKK equals 100 ore). Coins are issued in 25 and 50 ore pieces, and in 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 kroner pieces. Notes are issued in 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 kroner notes.
Although a member of the EU, Denmark has not adopted the Euro. |
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Health |
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Medical facilities in Denmark are excellent. The telephone number for emergencies is 112. Copenhagen has an emergency dental service outside office hours; fees are paid in cash. Only medicine prescribed by Danish or other Scandinavian doctors can be dispensed by a pharmacist. Many medicines that can be bought over the counter in other countries can only be obtained with prescriptions in Denmark.
In addition to the free emergency treatment at hospitals and casualty departments that is granted to all foreign visitors, there is a reciprocal health agreement between Denmark (excepting the Faroe Islands.) and the UK. This agreement allows UK citizens free hospital treatment if referred by a doctor, and free medical treatment by a doctor registered with the Danish Public Health Service. Occasionally, it may be necessary to pay at the time of treatment. Refunds may be obtained by applying with receipts to the Kommunens Social og Sundhedsforvaltning. No refund is possible on amounts under DKK 500 (but there is a 50% refund for under 18s). |
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Weights and Measures |
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The official system in Denmark is the metric system, measuring weight and mass in kilos and grams, and distance and length in kilometers and centimeters. |
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Electricity |
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Electricity in Denmark is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Denmark with a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Continental two-pin plugs are standard, and at many campsites, 110-volt power plugs are also available. |
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