Denmark

-Denmark is in Northern Europe.

-Southernmost of the Nordic countries

-a member of the European Union

The country consists of a large peninsula: Jutland

and islands: Zealand Funen Lolland-Falsteras well as hundreds of minor islands often referred to as the Danish Archipelago.

CAPITAL CITY: Copenhagen

Population: (2005 census)

5,543,453 (five million five hundred forty-three thousand four hundred fifty-three)

Languages: Danish (It’s close to Swedish and Norwegian but its not the same)FaroeseGreenlandic (an Inuit dialect) German (small minority)

note: English is the predominant second language

Religions:Evangelical Lutheran (official) 95%other Christian (includes Protestant and Roman Catholic) 3%Muslim 2%

Viking Age -The earliest records show only from the prehistoric period in Denmark . -The earliest history revolves around the Viking age of the 9th Century-The Danish people were descendants of those known as the Vikings (Scandinavian seafaring explorers who invaded/settled in many parts of Europe)– can be compared to the modern day aspect of pirates. -They excelled in trading along the coasts and rivers of Europe. The Danish Vikings were most active in Britain, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal and Italy where they raided, conquered and settled.

What comes to mind when we think of Vikings?

The longboats of Vikings could not carry much food, so to survive they had to hunt animals and raid villages for food. Raids were more for survival than tyranny– the birth of the stereotype.

Replica of the Sea Stallion. A Viking Ship that had a crew of 60-70 persons and was used for voyages to England and Ireland. The vessel was the largest Viking ship ever built.

Viking Country is a very important part of Denmark’s history and culture that formed the way to the building up of the Danish kingdom.

Today, Denmark’s economy is modern:-features high-tech agriculture-up-to-date, small-scale and corporate industry -comfortable living standards (tax-funded

healthcare and unemployment insurance) -high dependence on foreign trade (few natural resources=need for raw materials)

Demand from China for more pork meat import is predicted to create new growth in the Danish pig sector. Denmark is expected to benefit more from this demand than other EU countries, because Denmark exports pork directly to China.

Interesting Facts about the Danes!

If you ever wondered why so many Danes have the same name its not by coincidence – it’s by law! Yes, it’s true! You are only allowed to name your kids one of the pre-approved names for girls and boys:1. William2. Noah3. Lucas4. Magnus5. Mikkel6. Mathias7. Victor8. Frederik9. Oscar10.Mads

1. Ida2. Isabella3. Anna4. Mathilde5. Freja6. Maja7. Caroline8. Sofie9. Emma10.Sara

‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’ are Not in the Danish Vocabulary

-The Danes are very polite people, but there is no such thing as small talk. There is also no word for “please” in the Danish language, so conversations can seem a bit abrupt.

They're Design Experts-Thought Scandinavian design only

included IKEA? Practical design also runs in the blood of the Danes. Examples of Danish designs include Lego, skype and the Rabo Trike (tricycle)

-Numerous Danish folktales contain mythical figures such as trolls, elves, goblins

Tourism in Denmark

Trivoli Gardens• Tivoli is the world's second oldest

amusement park and is one of Copenhagen's most famous attractions. Tivoli is filled with wild rides, green oases, gourmet food, rock concerts and much more.

Lego land!

The Kronborg Castle 

This famous castle was shakespeare's inspiration for "Elsinore" in his famous play Hamlet and is still widely visited by millions of tourists each year.

The Green pool• Denmark even though is not VERY warm has

amazing beaches for lounging

The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen

This mermaid statue is one of the top tourist attractions in Copenhagen, and has become an icon and a symbol of both Copenhagen and Denmark. While the story by Hans Christian Andersen was more than enough to make this mermaid statue known around the world, the Disney movies have only added to the fame and the appeal of this statue.

The Stroget in Copenhagen

The longest shopping street in Europe