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{{other people|Peter Nguyen|Peter Nguyen{{!}}Peter Nguyen}}
{{About|the European country}}
{{other people|Nguyen Van Hung|Nguyen Van Hung{{!}}Nguyen Van Hung}}
{{pp-move-indef}}
]
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
Father '''Peter Nguyen Van Hung''' (]: ]]]; born November 21, 1958) is a ] ] ] and ] in ]. He was recognised by the ] as a "hero acting to end modern day slavery".<ref></ref>
{{Infobox country
|conventional_long_name = Kingdom of Denmark
|native_name = {{native name|da|Kongeriget Danmark}}
|common_name = Denmark
|image_flag = Flag of Denmark.svg
|alt_flag = Red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side
|image_coat = National Coat of arms of Denmark.svg
|national_anthem = '']''<br/>''{{small|There is a lovely country}}''<br/><br/><center>]
----<!-- Royal and national anthem -->'']''{{refn|''Kong Christian'' has equal status as a ] but is generally used only on ] and military occasions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Not one but two national anthems|url=http://denmark.dk/en/quick-facts/national-anthems/|work=Denmark.dk|publisher=]|accessdate=18 May 2014}}</ref>|group="N"}}<br/>''{{small|King Christian stood by the lofty mast}}''<br/><br/>]
|image_map = EU-Denmark.svg
|map_width = 250px
|map_caption = Location of '''Denmark'''<ref name="proper" group="N" /> (dark green), in ] (dark grey) and in the ] (light green)
|image_map2 = Kingdom of Denmark (orthographic projection).svg
|map_caption2 = Location of the '''{{Fontcolor|#346733|Kingdom of Denmark}}''': ''']''', the ''']''' (circled), and '''Denmark'''.
|map2_width = 240px
|official_languages = ]
|regional_languages= {{hlist |]|]|]<ref group="N">Faroese is co-official with Danish in the Faroe Islands. Greenlandic is the sole official language in Greenland. German is recognised as a protected minority language in the South Jutland area of Denmark.</ref>}}
|religion = ]
|demonym = {{hlist |] |]}}
|capital = {{Coat of arms|Copenhagen}}
|latd = 55
|latm = 43
|latNS = N
|longd = 12
|longm = 34
|longEW = E
|largest_city = capital
|government_type = {{nowrap|] ]<br>]}}
|leader_title1 = ]
|leader_name1 = ]
|leader_title2 = ]
|leader_name2 = ]
|legislature = ]
|area_rank = 133rd
|area_label = Denmark<ref name="proper" group="N" />
|area_km2 = 42,915.7
|area_sq_mi = (16,562.1)<!--Do not remove per ]-->
|area_footnote = <ref></ref>
|area_label2 = Greenland
|area_data2 = {{convert|2,166,086|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sigfig=6}}
|area_label3 = Faroe Islands
|area_data3 = {{convert|1,399|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sigfig=5}}
|population_estimate_year = {{nowrap|July 2015}}
|population_estimate = 5,678,348<ref name="pop1" /> (])
|population_label2 = Greenland
|population_data2 = 56,370<ref name="Greenland pop" /><ref name="pop est" group="N">2013 estimate</ref>
|population_label3 = Faroe Islands
|population_data3 = 49,709<ref name="faroes pop" /><ref name="pop est" group="N" />
|population_density_km2 = 131
|FR_foot5 = &nbsp;<small>(Denmark)</small>
|GDP_PPP_year = 2015
|GDP_PPP = $255.866&nbsp;billion<ref name=imf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2014/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=51&pr.y=14&sy=2014&ey=2014&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=128&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC&grp=0&a= |title=Denmark |publisher=International Monetary Fund |accessdate=3 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="denonly" group="N"/>
|GDP_PPP_rank = 52nd
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $45,451<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 19th
|GDP_nominal = $297.359&nbsp;billion<ref name=imf2/><ref name="denonly" group="N" />
|GDP_nominal_rank = 34th
|GDP_nominal_year = 2015
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $52,822<ref name=imf2/>
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 6th
|Gini_year = 2012
|Gini_change = increase <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
|Gini = 28.1 <!--number only-->
|Gini_ref = <ref name=eurogini />
|HDI_year = 2013<!-- Please use the year to which the data refers, not the publication year-->
|HDI_change = increase <!--increase/decrease/steady-->
|HDI = 0.900
|HDI_ref = <ref name="HDI">{{cite web |url=http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hdr14-summary-en.pdf |title=2014 Human Development Report Summary |date=2014 |accessdate=27 July 2014 |publisher=United Nations Development Programme | pages=21–25}}</ref>
|HDI_rank = 10th
| sovereignty_type = ]
|established_event1 = ]
|established_date1 = {{circa|10th century}}
|established_event2 = {{nowrap|]}}
|established_date2 = 5 June 1849
|established_event3 = ]
|established_date3 = 24 March 1948<ref group="N">Faroe Islands became the first territory to be granted ] on 24 March 1948. Greenland also gained autonomy on 1 May 1979.</ref>
|currency = ]<ref group="N">In the Faroe Islands the currency has a separate design and is known as the ], but is not a separate currency.</ref>
|currency_code = DKK
|time_zone = ]
|utc_offset = +1
|time_zone_DST = ]
|utc_offset_DST = +2
|drives_on = right
|calling_code = ]<ref group="N">The Faroe Islands (]) and Greenland (]) have their own country calling codes.</ref>
|cctld = ]<ref group="N">The ] ] is shared with other ] countries. Greenland (]) and the Faroe Islands (]) have their own TLDs.</ref>
}}


==Early life==
'''Denmark''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=en-us-Denmark.ogg|ˈ|d|ɛ|n|m|ɑr|k}}; {{lang-da|Danmark}} {{IPA-da|ˈd̥ænmɑɡ̊||DA-Danmark.ogg}}) is a country in ]. The southernmost of the ], it is located southwest of ] and south of ], and bordered to the south by ]. Denmark forms part of the cultural region called ], together with Sweden and Norway. The '''Kingdom of Denmark'''<ref group="N">{{lang-da|Kongeriget Danmark}}, {{IPA-da|ˈkɔŋəʁiːəð ˈd̥ɛnmɑɡ̊||Kongeriget Danmark.ogg}}. See also: ]</ref> is a ] that comprises Denmark and two autonomous ] in the ]: the ] and ]. Denmark ] has an area of {{convert|43,094|km2|sqmi|lk=in}},<ref name="mundi"> – Geography – Index Mundi. Retrieved 5 June 2012.</ref> and a population of 5,678,348 (July 2015).<ref name="pop1">July 2015 . </ref> The country consists of a peninsula, ], and an ] of ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Denmark in numbers 2010|url=http://www.dst.dk/pukora/epub/upload/14847/dkital.pdf|publisher=Statistics Denmark|accessdate=2 May 2013}}</ref> of which around 70 are inhabited. The islands are characterised by flat, ] and sandy coasts, low elevation and a ] climate.
Peter Nguyen Van Hung grew up in a ] family outside of ], ], with two brothers and five sisters; his father was a ], but died after a long battle with illness, forcing his mother, a devout ] with roots in the country's north, to become the family's main breadwinner. Peter Nguyen Van Hung himself absorbed his mother's faith and devotion. He was an admirer of ], and reportedly stole food from his own family to feed to the poor.


He left ] in 1979 ]; rescued by a ] after just 36 hours and taken to ], he joined the ] upon his arrival.<ref name="Brownlow"></ref>
The ] emerged in the 10th century as a proficient seafaring nation in the struggle for ]. Danish kings and a queen ruled the personal ], established in 1397 (of Denmark, Norway and Sweden), which ended with Swedish secession in 1523. Denmark and Norway remained under the same king until the union was dissolved by outside forces in 1814. Denmark inherited an ] from this union, of which the Faroe Islands and Greenland are remnants. Beginning in the 17th century, there were several ]s of territory; these culminated in the 1830s with a surge of ], which were defeated in the 1864 ]. Denmark remained neutral during ]. In April 1940, a ] saw brief military skirmishes while the ] was active from 1943 until the ] in May 1945. An industrialized exporter of agricultural produce in the second half of the 19th century, Denmark introduced ] in the early 20th century, making the basis for the present ] ] with a highly developed ].


He lived in Japan for three years, studying and taking a variety of jobs to support himself, including as a highway repairman, steel factory worker, and gravedigger. He first came to Taiwan in 1988 as a missionary, after which he went to ], ], ] to study at a ]. He was ] in 1991<ref name="Brownlow"/> and returned to Taiwan the following year (in 1992).
The ] was signed on 5 June 1849, ending the ] which had begun in 1660. It establishes a ]—the current ] is ]—organised as a ] democracy. The ] and ] are seated in ], the nation's ], ] and main commercial centre. Denmark{{refn|The Kingdom of Denmark's territory in ] is referred to as "Denmark ]" ({{lang-da|egentlig Danmark}}), "] Denmark",<ref name="Administrative divisions – Denmark"/> or simply Denmark. In this article, usage of "Denmark" excludes Greenland and the Faroe Islands.|name="proper"|group="N"}} exercises ] influence in the ], ] powers to handle internal affairs. Denmark became a member of the ] in 1973, maintaining ]; it retains its own currency, the ]. It is among the founding members of ], the ], the ], ], and the ]; it is also part of the ].


==Work in Taiwan==
Danes enjoy a high ] and the country ranks highly in numerous comparisons of national performance, including ], ], protection of ], ], ] and ].<ref name="Democracy_Index" /><ref>. '']'', 29 October 2013.</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Denmark Country Profile: Human Development Indicators|url=http://hdrstats.undp.org/en/countries/profiles/DNK.html|publisher=United Nations Development Programme|accessdate=19 April 2013}}</ref> Denmark is frequently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world in cross-national studies of ].<ref name="Levy_article"/><ref name=Earth_Institute_2013/><ref>. ''The Huffington Post.'' June 5, 2015.</ref> The country ranks as having the world's highest ],<ref>Dave Serchuk. ''].'' 12 July 2011</ref> a high <!--not lowest--> level of ],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI/ |title=1997–2001 |work=GINI index |publisher=] |year=1997 |accessdate=11 November 2012}}</ref> has one of the world's ], and has one of the world's ].<ref name=taxation1 /> A large majority of Danes are members of the ], though the Constitution guarantees ].
Peter Nguyen Van Hung established the Vietnamese Migrant Workers and Brides Office in ] (now Taoyuan City) in 2004 to offer assistance to ]. ] radio station Little Saigon Radio and others helped him to rent the second floor of a grammar school; two seventy square foot rooms offer sleeping space, while two others are used for office space. They provide ] classes, room and board, and legal assistance.


Peter Nguyen Van Hung's exposure of abuses against foreign laborers and brides led the ] Department of State to list Taiwan as a "Tier 2" region alongside countries such as ] due to their lack of effort in combating ], which proved a major international embarrassment for the island's government. His work has also made him the target of intimidation in Taiwan.<ref name="Brownlow"/>
==Etymology==
{{Main|Etymology of Denmark}}
The etymology of the word Denmark, and especially the relationship between Danes and Denmark and the unifying of Denmark as a single kingdom, is a subject which attracts debate.<ref>Kristian Andersen Nyrup, Middelalderstudier </ref><ref>''Indvandrerne i Danmarks historie'', Bent Østergaard, Syddansk Universitetsforlag 2007, ISBN 978-87-7674-204-1, pp. 19–24</ref> This is centred primarily on the prefix ''"Dan"'' and whether it refers to the ] or a historical person ] and the exact meaning of the -''"mark"'' ending.

Most handbooks derive the first part of the word, and the name of the people, from a word meaning "flat land",<ref name="et1" /> related to German ''Tenne'' "threshing floor", English ''den'' "cave".<ref name="et1">], ''Altnordisches etymologisches Wörterbuch'', 1962, 73; ], ''Dansk etymologisk ordbog'', 1989, 85–96.</ref> The ''-mark'' is believed to mean woodland or borderland (see ]), with probable references to the border forests in south ].<ref>Navneforskning, Københavns Universitet {{Wayback |df=yes|date=20060716144406 |url=http://navneforskning.ku.dk/stednavne.doc/betydninger.doc |title=Udvalgte stednavnes betydning }}</ref>

The first recorded use of the word ''Danmark'' within Denmark itself is found on the two ], which are ]s believed to have been erected by ] ({{circa|955}}) and ] ({{circa|965}}). The larger stone of the two is popularly cited as Denmark's baptismal certificate (''dåbsattest''),<ref>{{cite book |last=O'Donoghue |first=Heather |authorlink= |title=Old Norse-Icelandic Literature: A Short Introduction |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=lY-g2MTFh9gC&pg=PT27 |year=2008 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |location= |isbn=9780470776834 |page=27}}</ref> though both use the word "Denmark", in the form of ] {{runic|ᛏᛅᚾᛘᛅᚢᚱᚴ}} "tanmaurk" ({{IPA|}}) on the large stone, and ] {{runic|ᛏᛅᚾᛘᛅᚱᚴᛅᚱ}} "tanmarkar" (pronounced {{IPA|}}) on the small stone.<ref>The ] form ''tąnmarku'' (pronounced {{IPA|}}) is found on the contemporaneous Skivum stone.</ref> The inhabitants of Denmark are there called "tani" ({{IPA|}}), or "Danes", in the accusative.

==History==
{{Main|History of Denmark}}
{{See also|History of Greenland|History of the Faroe Islands}}

===Prehistory===

] dating from the Nordic Bronze Age.]]
The earliest ] date back to the ] from 130,000–110,000 BC.<ref>Michaelsen (2002), p. 19.</ref> Denmark has been inhabited since around 12,500 BC and agriculture has been evident since 3900 BC.<ref name="foreign ministry">{{cite web|last=Nielsen|first=Poul Otto|date=May 2003|url=http://www.um.dk/Publikationer/UM/English/Denmark/kap6/6-1.asp|title=Denmark: History, Prehistory|publisher=]|accessdate=1 May 2006 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20051122020555/http://www.um.dk/Publikationer/UM/English/Denmark/kap6/6-1.asp |archivedate=22 November 2005}}</ref> The ] (1800–600 BC) in Denmark was marked by ], which left an abundance of findings including ]s and the ].

During the ] (500 BC&nbsp;– AD 1), native groups began migrating south, although<ref name="foreign ministry"/> the first Danish people came to the country between the Pre-Roman and the ],<ref>Busck and Poulsen (ed.) (2002), p. 20.</ref> in the ] (AD 1–400). The ]s maintained ]s and relations with native tribes in Denmark, and ] have been found in Denmark. Evidence of strong Celtic cultural influence dates from this period in Denmark and much of North-West Europe and is among other things reflected in the finding of the ].

Historians believe that before the arrival of the precursors to the Danes, who came from the east ] (]) and ] and spoke an early form of ], most of ] and the nearest islands were settled by ]. They were later invited to Great Britain as mercenaries by ] King ] and were granted the south-eastern territories of ], the ] among other areas, where they settled. They were later absorbed or ] by the invading ] and ], who formed the ]. The remaining population in Jutland assimilated in with the ].

A short note about the ''Dani'' in "]" by the historian ] is believed to be an early mention of the Danes, one of the ]s from whom modern ] are descended.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jordanes|coauthors=translated by ]|date=22 April 1997|url=http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~vandersp/Courses/texts/jordgeti.html#III |title=The Origin and Deeds of the Goths, chapter III|accessdate=1 May 2006}}</ref><ref>Busck and Poulsen (ed.) (2002), p. 19.</ref> The ] defence structures were built in phases from the 3rd century forward and the sheer size of the construction efforts in AD 737 are attributed to the emergence of a Danish king.<ref name="danevirke">Michaelsen (2002), pp. 122–23.</ref><ref name="danevirke"/> A ] was first used around the same time and ], the oldest town of Denmark, was founded about AD 700.

===Viking and Middle Ages===
{{Main|Viking Age|Kalmar Union}}
], the largest ship burial found in Denmark.]]
From the 8th to the 10th century, the ], ] and ] were known as ]. They colonized, raided, and traded in all parts of Europe. Viking explorers first discovered ] by accident in the 9th century, on the way towards the ] and eventually came across "]" (Land of wine), known today as ], in ]. The Danish Vikings were most active in the ] and Western Europe. They conquered and settled parts of England (known as the ]) under King ] in 1013, ], and France where they founded ]. More ] ] of this period have been found in Denmark than in England.<ref name="Lund">*{{cite web| last =Lund| first =Niels| date =May 2003| url =http://www.um.dk/Publikationer/UM/English/Denmark/kap6/6-2.asp| archiveurl =//web.archive.org/web/20060510174200/http://www.um.dk/Publikationer/UM/English/Denmark/kap6/6-2.asp| archivedate =10 May 2006| title =Denmark – History – The Viking Age| work =Denmark| publisher =]| accessdate =24 June 2012 }}</ref>

].]]
As attested by the ], the Danes were united and ] about 965 by ]. It is believed that Denmark became Christian for political reasons so as not to get invaded by the rising ] in Europe, the ], which was an important trading area for the Danes. In that case Harald built six ] around Denmark called ] and built a further ]. In the early 11th century, ] won and united Denmark, England, and Norway for almost 30 years.<ref name="Lund"/>

Throughout the ] and ], Denmark also included ] (], ], and ]) and Danish kings ruled ], as well as the ] of ] and ]. Most of the latter two now form the state of ] in northern Germany.

In 1397, Denmark entered into a ] with ] and ], united under Queen ]. The three countries were to be treated as equals in the union. However, even from the start Margaret may not have been so idealistic—treating Denmark as the clear "senior" partner of the union.<ref name="Lauring">Lauring, Palle (1960) ''A History of the Kingdom of Denmark'', Host & Son Co.: Copenhagen, p. 108.</ref> Thus, much of the next 125 years of ] revolves around this union, with Sweden breaking off and being re-conquered repeatedly. The issue was for practical purposes resolved on 17 June 1523, as ] ] conquered the city of ].

The ] came to Scandinavia in the 1530s, and following the ] civil war, Denmark converted to ] in 1536. Later that year, Denmark entered into a ].

===Early modern history (1536–1849)===
{{main|Denmark–Norway|Danish colonial empire}}
], an early map of Scandinavia, made around the start of the union with Norway.]]
After Sweden permanently broke away from the Kalmar Union in 1523, Denmark tried on two occasions to reassert control over Sweden. The first was in the ] which lasted from 1563 until 1570. The second occasion was the ] when King ] attacked Sweden in 1611 but failed to accomplish his main objective of forcing Sweden to return to the union with Denmark. The war led to no territorial changes, but Sweden was forced to pay a ] of 1&nbsp;million silver ] to Denmark, an amount known as the '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smb.nu/svenskakrig/1611.asp|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20071011111014/http://smb.nu/svenskakrig/1611.asp|archivedate=11 October 2007 |title=Kalmarkriget 1611–1613 |accessdate=4 May 2007 |publisher=Svenskt Militärhistoriskt Bibliotek}}</ref> This turned out to be the last great Danish victory over Sweden. In the following decades Sweden gained the upper hand in the battles for supremacy in Scandinavia. Even today Sweden remains the largest Scandinavian country in terms of area and population.

King Christian used the money from the war reparations to found several towns and fortresses, most notably ] (founded as a rival to ]), ] (following a fire destroying the original city of ]), ], ], and ]. Christian also constructed a number of buildings, most notably ], ], ], ], a ], and a ].<!--less important were Christianspris (near Kiel) and Christianopel (near Brømsebro in Blekinge) --> Inspired by the ], he founded a similar ] and planned to claim ] as a colony, but the company only managed to acquire ] on India's ]. Denmark's large ] were limited to a few key ] in Africa and India. The empire was sustained by trade with other major powers, and ]s – ultimately a lack of resources led to its stagnation.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-first=James Stuart |editor1-last=Olson |editor2-first=Robert |editor2-last=Shadle |year=1991 |title=Historical Dictionary of European Imperialism |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=uyqepNdgUWkC&pg=PA167&lpg=PA167|accessdate=15 May 2014}}</ref>

In the ], Christian tried to become the leader of the ] ] but suffered a crushing defeat at the ].<ref>Parker, pp. 69–70.</ref> The result was that the Catholic army under ] was able to invade, occupy, and pillage Jutland, forcing Denmark ].<ref>Parker, p. 70.</ref> Denmark managed to avoid territorial concessions, but ]' intervention in Germany was seen as a sign that the military power of Sweden was on the rise while Denmark's influence in the region was declining. Swedish armies ] in 1643 and claimed Skåne in 1644. According to ], "The Swedish occupation caused a drop in agricultural production and a shortage of capital; harvest failure and ] ravaged the land between 1647 and 1651; Denmark's population fell by 20 per cent."<ref>Geoffrey Parker (2001). ''Europe in crisis, 1598–1648''. Wiley-Blackwell. p.205. ISBN 0-631-22028-3</ref>

In the 1645 ], Denmark surrendered Halland, ], the last parts of Danish Estonia, and several provinces in Norway. In 1657, King ] declared war on Sweden and marched on ]. This led to a massive Danish defeat and the armies of King ] of Sweden conquered both ], ], and much of ] before signing the ] in February 1658 which gave Sweden control of ], ], ], and the island of ]. Charles X Gustav quickly regretted not having destroyed Denmark completely and in August 1658 he began a two-year-long siege of ] but failed to take the capital. In the following peace settlement, Denmark managed to maintain its independence and regain control of Trøndelag and Bornholm.

] during the Scanian War, between an allied ]-] fleet and the Swedish navy, 1 June 1676.]]
Denmark tried to regain control of Skåne in the ] (1675–79) but this attempt was a failure. Following the ] (1700–21), Denmark managed to restore control of the parts of ] and ] ruled by the house of ] in 1721 and 1773, respectively. In the ], Denmark originally tried to pursue a policy of neutrality{{citation needed|date=June 2014}} and trade with both ] and the ] and joined the ] with ], Sweden, and ]. The British considered this a hostile act and attacked Copenhagen in both ] and ], in one case carrying off the ], in the other, burning large parts of Copenhagen.

This led to the so-called Danish-British ]. The British control of the waterways between Denmark and Norway proved disastrous to the union's economy and in 1813, Denmark-Norway went ]. The Danish-Norwegian union was dissolved by the ] in 1814. In the treaty the Danish monarchy "irrevocably and forever" renounced claims to the Kingdom of Norway in favour of the Swedish king. After the dissolution of the union with Norway, Denmark kept the possessions of ] (which retained the Danish monarchy until 1944), the ] and ], all of which had originally been governed by Norway for centuries.<ref>{{cite book|last=Dörr|first=Oliver|title=Kompendium völkerrechtlicher Rechtsprechung : eine Auswahl für Studium und Praxis|date=2004|publisher=Mohr Siebeck|location=Tübingen|isbn=3-16-148311-1|pages=101}}</ref>

===Constitutional monarchy (1849–present)===
] in 1848 to adopt the ]]]
A nascent Danish liberal and national movement gained momentum in the 1830s; after the European ], Denmark peacefully became a ] on 5 June 1849. A ] was established. Denmark faced war against both ] and ] in what became known as the ], lasting from February to October 1864. Denmark was easily defeated and obliged to ] ] to ]. This loss came as the latest in the long series of defeats and territorial loss that had begun in the 17th century. After these events, Denmark pursued a policy of neutrality in Europe.

] came to Denmark in the second half of the 19th century.<ref>{{cite book|last=Tellier|first=Luc-Normand|title=Urban world history an economic and geographical perspective|date=2009|publisher=Presses de l'Université du Québec |location=Québec|isbn=9782760522091|pages=457 |url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=cXuCjDbxC1YC&pg=PA457}}</ref> The ] were constructed in the 1850s, and improved communications and overseas trade allowed industry to develop in spite of Denmark's lack of natural resources. ]s developed starting in the 1870s. There was a considerable migration of people from the countryside to the cities, and Danish agriculture became centred on the export of dairy and meat products.

Denmark maintained its neutral stance during ]. After the defeat of Germany, the ] offered to return the region of Schleswig-Holstein to Denmark. Fearing German ], Denmark refused to consider the return of the area without a ]; the two ] took place on 10 February and 14 March 1920, respectively. On 10 July 1920, Northern Schleswig was recovered by Denmark, thereby adding some 163,600 inhabitants and {{convert|3984|km2|sqmi}}.

In 1939 Denmark signed a 10-year non-aggression pact with ] but ] on 9 April 1940 and the Danish government quickly surrendered. ] was characterized by economic co-operation with Germany until 1943, when the Danish government refused further co-operation and ] scuttled most of its ships and sent many of its officers to Sweden. The government and the ] performed a ] that managed to evacuate several thousand ] and their families to safety in Sweden before the Germans could send them to death camps. Some Danes supported ] by joining the ] or volunteering to fight with Germany as part of the ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Rugg|first=Andy|title=Traitor Danes: most soldiers return heroes, but this lot came home total zeroes|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201083832/http://cphpost.dk//culture/through-looking-glass/traitor-danes-most-soldiers-return-heroes-lot-came-home-total-zeroes |work=Copenhagen Post |accessdate=30 January 2013}}</ref> Iceland severed ties to Denmark and ] in 1944; ] in May 1945; in 1948, the Faroe Islands gained ]; in 1949, Denmark became a founding member of ].

] in 2007.]]
Denmark was a founding member of ] (EFTA). During the 1960s, the EFTA countries were often referred to as the ], as opposed to the ] of what was then the ] (EEC).<ref>{{cite news |title=Finland: Now, the Seven and a Half |work=TIME |date=7 April 1961 |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,874317,00.htm |accessdate=18 July 2009 }}</ref> In 1973, along with Britain and Ireland, Denmark joined the European Economic Community (now the ]) after a ]. The ], which involved further European integration, ] by the Danish people in 1992; it was only accepted after a ] in 1993, which provided for ] from policies. The Danes rejected the euro as the national currency in ]. Greenland gained home rule in 1979 and was awarded ] in 2009. Neither the ] nor ] are members of the Union, the Faroese having declined membership of the EEC in 1973 and Greenland in 1986, in both cases because of fisheries policies.

Constitutional change in 1953 led to a ] parliament elected by proportional representation, female accession to the Danish throne, and Greenland becoming an integral part of Denmark. The ] ] led a string of coalition governments for most of the second half of the 20th century in a country generally known for its liberal traditions. The ] and the ] have also led ] governments. In recent years the ], a ] party,<ref>{{cite book|author=David Arter|title=Democracy in Scandinavia: Consensual, Majoritarian Or Mixed?|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=iLH4C0mUAC4C&pg=PA52|year=2006|publisher=Manchester University Press|isbn=978-0-7190-7047-1|page=52}}</ref> has emerged as a major party—becoming the second-largest following the ]—during which time immigration and integration have become major issues of public debate.

==Geography==
{{Main|Geography of Denmark}}
{{Hatnote|Also related: ] and ]}}
]
Located in Northern Europe, Denmark{{#tag:ref|The Kingdom of Denmark's territory in ] is referred to as "Denmark ]" ({{lang-da|egentlig Danmark}}), "] Denmark",<ref name="Administrative divisions – Denmark"> ]. Access date: 14 April 2012</ref> or simply Denmark. In this article, usage of "Denmark" excludes Greenland and the Faroe Islands.|name="proper"|group="N"}} consists of the peninsula of ] and ] (1,419 islands above {{convert|100|m2|sqft}} in total).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.kms.dk/C1256AED004EA666/(AllDocsByDocId)/1D7EE8822587E667C1256AEF0030ABF6?open&page=strste&omr=KORT_DK_I_TAL |title=Landet i tal&nbsp; – Største øer |accessdate=14 July 2007 |date=23 September 2003 |publisher=]}}</ref> Of these, 74 are inhabited (January 2015),<ref>Statistikbanken.dk/bef4</ref> with the largest being ], the ], and ]. The island of ] is located east of the rest of the country, in the ]. Many of the larger islands are connected by bridges; the ] connects Zealand with Sweden; the ] connects Funen with Zealand; and the ] connects Jutland with Funen. ] or ] connect to the smaller islands. The ] with populations over 100,000 are the capital ] on Zealand; ] and ] in Jutland; and ] on Funen.

]
The country occupies a total area of {{convert|43,094|km2|sqmi|lk=in|sigfig=5}}<ref name="mundi"/><ref name="factbook">{{cite web|date=19 January 2012|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/da.html|title=Denmark|work=The World Factbook|publisher=CIA|accessdate=4 February 2012}}</ref> The area of inland water is {{convert|700|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}, variously stated as from 500 – 700&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> (193-270 sq m). The size of the land area cannot be stated exactly since the ocean constantly erodes and adds material to the coastline, and because of human ] projects (to counter erosion). A circle enclosing the same area as Denmark would be 234 kilometres (more than 145 miles) in ] with a ] of {{convert|742|km|0|abbr=on}}. It shares a border of {{convert|68|km| mi}} with ] to the south and is otherwise surrounded by {{convert|8750|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} of tidal ] (including small ]s and ]s).<ref name="Nature and Environment">{{cite web|url=http://denmark.dk/portal/page?_pageid=374,520337&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20070403235436/http://denmark.dk/portal/page?_pageid=374,520337&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL|archivedate=3 April 2007 |title=Nature & Environment |accessdate=3 February 2007 |work=Denmark.dk|publisher=]}}</ref> No location in Denmark is further from the coast than {{convert|52|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}. On the south-west coast of Jutland, the tide is between {{convert|1|and|2|m|ft|2|abbr=on}}, and the tideline moves outward and inward on a {{convert|10|km|mi|1|abbr=on}} stretch.<ref>Nationalencyklopedin, (1990)</ref> Denmark's territorial waters total {{convert|105,000|km2|0|abbr=off}}.

Denmark's northernmost point is ]'s point (the north beach of the Skaw) at 57° 45' 7" northern latitude; the southernmost is ] point (the southern tip of ]) at 54° 33' 35" northern latitude; the westernmost point is ] at 8° 4' 22" eastern longitude; and the easternmost point is ] at 15° 11' 55" eastern longitude. This is in the archipelago ] {{convert|18|km|mi}} north-east of Bornholm. The distance from east to west is {{convert|452|km|mi|0}}, from north to south {{convert|368|km|mi|0}}.

The country is flat with little elevation; having an average height ] of {{convert|31|m|ft|0}}. The highest natural point is ], at {{convert|170.86|m|ft|2}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nyt højeste punkt i Danmark|url=http://www.gst.dk/nyheder/nyhedsarkiv/2005/feb/hoejste-punkt/|publisher=]|accessdate=26 May 2014|language=Danish}}</ref> A sizeable portion of Denmark's ] consists of rolling ]s whilst the coastline is sandy, with large ]s in northern Jutland. Although once extensively forested, today Denmark largely consists of ]. It is drained by a ], and the most significant include the ], ], ], ] and ]—a river that flows along its southern border with Germany.

The Kingdom of Denmark includes two overseas territories, both well to the west of Denmark: Greenland, the ], and the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. These territories are self-governing and form part of the ].

===Climate===
Denmark has a ] climate, characterised by mild winters, with mean temperatures in January of {{convert|1.5|°C|°F|1}}, and cool summers, with a mean temperature in August of {{convert|17.2|°C|°F|1}}.<ref name="Denmark climate">{{cite web |url=http://www.dmi.dk/vejr/arkiver/normaler-og-ekstremer/klimanormaler-dk/vejrnormal/ |title=Climate Normals for Denmark |accessdate=2 January 2015 |work=]}} Figures, labeled in Danish: First plot is the whole country; Nedbør=Precipitation, Nedbørdage=Precipitation days (>1 mm), (Dag/Middel/Nat)temp.=(Daytime/Average/Nighttime) temperature, Solskinstimer=Hours of sunshine.</ref> Denmark has an average of 179 days per year with precipitation, on average receiving a total of {{convert|765|mm|in|0}} per year; autumn is the wettest season and spring the driest.<ref name="Denmark climate"/>

Because of Denmark's northern location, there are large seasonal variations in daylight. There are short days during the winter with sunrise coming around 8:45&nbsp;am and sunset 3:45&nbsp;pm (standard time), as well as long summer days with sunrise at 4:30&nbsp;am and sunset at 10&nbsp;pm (]).<ref name="sunrise sunset">{{cite web|url=http://www.gaisma.com/en/location/kobenhavn.html|title=Copenhagen, Denmark&nbsp; – Sunrise, sunset, dawn and dusk times for the whole year|work=Gaisma|accessdate=24 June 2012}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location= Denmark (2001–2010)
|metric first=Yes
|single line=Yes
|Jan high C = 3.3
|Feb high C = 3.3
|Mar high C = 6.1
|Apr high C = 11.5
|May high C = 15.5
|Jun high C = 18.5
|Jul high C = 21.6
|Aug high C = 21.2
|Sep high C = 17.5
|Oct high C = 12.3
|Nov high C = 7.9
|Dec high C = 4.2
|year high C = 11.9
|Jan mean C= 1.5
|Feb mean C= 1.2
|Mar mean C= 3.0
|Apr mean C= 7.5
|May mean C= 11.4
|Jun mean C= 14.6
|Jul mean C= 17.4
|Aug mean C= 17.2
|Sep mean C= 13.8
|Oct mean C= 9.4
|Nov mean C= 5.7
|Dec mean C= 2.2
|year mean C = 8.8
|Jan low C= −0.8
|Feb low C= −1.3
|Mar low C= −0.2
|Apr low C= 3.6
|May low C= 7.4
|Jun low C= 10.6
|Jul low C= 13.4
|Aug low C= 13.5
|Sep low C= 10.2
|Oct low C= 6.2
|Nov low C= 3.2
|Dec low C= −0.3
|year low C= 5.5
|Jan precipitation mm=66
|Feb precipitation mm=50
|Mar precipitation mm=43
|Apr precipitation mm=37
|May precipitation mm=53
|Jun precipitation mm=68
|Jul precipitation mm=77
|Aug precipitation mm=91
|Sep precipitation mm=62
|Oct precipitation mm=83
|Nov precipitation mm=75
|Dec precipitation mm=61
|year precipitation mm=765
|unit rain days=1mm
|Jan rain days=18
|Feb rain days=15
|Mar rain days=13
|Apr rain days=11
|May rain days=13
|Jun rain days=13
|Jul rain days=14
|Aug rain days=16
|Sep rain days=14
|Oct rain days=17
|Nov rain days=20
|Dec rain days=17
|Jan sun=47
|Feb sun=71
|Mar sun=146
|Apr sun=198
|May sun=235
|Jun sun=239
|Jul sun=232
|Aug sun=196
|Sep sun=162
|Oct sun=111
|Nov sun=58
|Dec sun=45
|year sun=1739
|source 1=<!--|date=Jan 2015] -->
}}

===Biodiversity and environment===
{{Further|List of forests in Denmark|List of mammals of Denmark|List of birds of Denmark}}
{{multiple image
|align=right
|direction=
|image1=Grib skov.jpg
|caption1=] are common throughout Denmark, especially in the sparse woodlands.
|width1=184
|image2=Baltic sea coast of skagen.JPG
|caption2=The Danish landscape is characterised by flat, ] and sandy coasts.
|width2=260
}}

Denmark belongs to the ] and can be subdivided into two ]s: the Atlantic mixed forests and Baltic mixed forests.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Hogan|first1=C Michael|title=Ecoregions of Denmark|url=http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/152021/|publisher=Encyclopedia of Earth|accessdate=26 August 2015|archivedate=8 November 2011}}</ref> Most of Denmark's temperate forests have been substantially destroyed or fragmented, chiefly for agricultural uses over the last millennia. In all, 12.9% of the land is forested.<ref>{{cite web|title=Forest area (% of land area)|url=http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.LND.FRST.ZS|website=worldbank.org|publisher=The World Bank|accessdate=26 August 2015}}</ref> ] occupy the countryside in growing numbers, and large-antlered ] can be found in the sparse woodlands of Jutland. The country also is home to smaller mammals, such as ]s and ]s. Approximately 400 bird species inhabit Denmark and about 160 of those breed in the country.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bird list of Denmark|url=http://www.netfugl.dk/dklist.php|publisher=Netfugl.dk|accessdate=26 August 2015|quote=It involves all category A, B and C birds recorded in Denmark (according to SU/BOURC/AERC standard).}}</ref> Fish, particularly ], ], and ], are abundant in Danish waters and form the basis for a large fishing industry.

Land and water pollution are two of Denmark's most significant ]s although much of country's household and industrial waste is recycled. Denmark has historically taken a progressive stance on ]; in 1971 Denmark established a Ministry of Environment and was the first country in the world to implement an ] in 1973.<ref>. Marie-Louise Larsson.</ref> To mitigate environmental degradation and ] the Danish Government has signed the ].<ref name="factbook"/> However, the national ] is 8.26 global hectares per person, which is very high compared to a world average of 1.7 in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ecological Footprint Atlas 2010|url=http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/ecological_footprint_atlas_2010|publisher=Global Footprint Network|accessdate=26 August 2015|date=2010}}</ref> Contributing factors to this value are an exceptional high value for cropland but also a relatively high value for grazing land,<ref>WWF (2014): Living Planet Report.</ref> which may be explained by the substantially high meat consumption in Denmark ({{convert|115.8|kg}} meat annually per capita) and the large economic role of the meat and dairy industries.<ref>AMI (2012); preliminary data for 2011</ref>

], such as ], the capital city]]

Copenhagen is the spearhead of the ] in Denmark.<ref>. Ron Pernick, Clint Wilder. Pg. 265.</ref> Copenhagen's most important environment research institutions are the ], ],<ref>{{cite web |title=The win-win ways of Cleantech business |work=CBS Observer |date=26 March 2009 |url=http://cbsobserver.dk/win-win-ways-cleantech-business |accessdate=24 July 2009}}</ref> ] and the ], which Risø is now part of. Leading up to the ] (Copenhagen Summit), the University of Copenhagen held the ] conference where the need for comprehensive action to mitigate ] was stressed by the international ].

Denmark's greenhouse gas emissions per dollar of value produced has been for the most part unstable since 1990, seeing sudden growths and falls. Overall though, there has been a reduction in gas emissions per dollar value added to its market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www02.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=denmark+green+house+gas+emission+per+denmark+gdp |title=Denmark |publisher=Wolfram Alpha |accessdate=20 August 2009}}</ref> It lags behind other ] such as Norway<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www03.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=norway+green+house+gas+emission+per+norway+GDP |title=Norway publisher=Wolfram Alpha |accessdate=20 August 2009}}</ref> and Sweden.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www03.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=Sweden+green+house+gas+emission+per+Sweden+GDP |title=Sweden publisher=Wolfram Alpha |accessdate=8 July 2009}}</ref> In December 2014, the ] for 2015 placed Denmark at the top of the table, explaining that although emissions are still quite high, the country was able to implement effective climate protection policies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://germanwatch.org/en/download/10407.pdf|title=The Climate Change Performance Index: Results 2015|author=Jan Burck, Franziska Marten, Christoph Bals|publisher=Germanwatch|accessdate=9 December 2014 |language=}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Administrative divisions==
{{Main|Regions of Denmark|Municipalities of Denmark}}
<!--This section only details divisions with an administrate purpose-->
{{Danish regions|float=right}}
Denmark, with a total area of {{convert|43,094|km2|sqmi|lk=in|sigfig=5}}, is divided into five administrative regions ({{lang-da|regioner}}). The regions are further subdivided into ] (''{{lang|da|kommuner}}''). The easternmost land in Denmark, the ] archipelago, with an area of 39 hectares (0.16 sq m), is neither part of a municipality nor a region but belongs to the ].<ref>{{cite news |first=Jonas |last=Michael Kjær |title=Christiansø betaler ikke sundhedsbidrag |date=15 November 2006 |url=http://www.dr.dk/Regioner/Bornholm/Nyheder/Christiansoe/2006/11/15160130.htm |work=dr.dk |accessdate=12 August 2007|language=da}}</ref>

The regions were created on 1 January 2007 to replace the sixteen ]. At the same time, smaller municipalities were merged into larger units, reducing the number from 270. Most municipalities have a population of at least 20,000 to give them financial and professional sustainability, although a few exceptions were made to this rule.<ref> – Statistics and Maps on ''City Population''.</ref> The administrative divisions are led by directly elected councils, elected proportionally every four years; the most recent ] were held on 19 November 2013. Other regional structures use the municipal boundaries as a layout, including the ], the ] and the ].

===Regions===
The governing bodies of the regions are the ] with forty-one members elected for four-year terms. The head of the council is the regional council chairman (''{{lang|da|regionsrådsformand}}''), who is elected by the council.<ref name="brief">{{cite book|title=The Danish Regions – in Brief|date=2007|publisher=Danske Regioner|location=Copenhagen|isbn=978-87-7723-471-2|edition=3rd revised edition.}}</ref>
The areas of responsibility for the regional councils are the ], ] and ].<ref name="brief" /><ref name=regioner>{{cite web|title=Regional Tasks in Denmark|url=http://www.regioner.dk/in+english/regional+denmark/regional+tasks|website=regioner.dk|publisher=Danske Regioner|accessdate=23 August 2015}}</ref> Unlike the counties they replaced, the regions are not allowed to levy taxes and the health service is primarily financed by a national health care contribution of 6% (''{{lang|da|sundhedsbidrag}}'') combined with funds from both government and municipalities.<ref name=taxation1>{{cite web|title=The Danish Tax System|url=http://ias.au.dk/taxation/the-danish-tax-system/|website=ias.au.dk|publisher=]|accessdate=23 August 2015}}</ref>

The ] and populations of the regions vary widely; for example, the ], which encompasses the ] and the island of ], has a population three times larger than that of ], which covers the more sparsely populated area of northern Jutland. Under the county system certain densely populated municipalities, such as ] and ], had been given a status equivalent to that of counties, making them first-level administrative divisions. These '']'' municipalities were incorporated into the new regions under the 2007 reforms.

{|class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
|- style="background:#ccc;"
! ] name !! English name !! ] !! Largest city <br/><small>(populous)</small>|| Population<br><small>(July 2015)</small> !! Total area<br/><small>(km²)</small>
|-
|| Hovedstaden || ] || ] || ] || style="text-align:right;"| 1,775,479 || style="text-align:right;"| 2,568.29
|-
|| Midtjylland || ] || ] || ] || style="text-align:right;"| 1,286,679 || style="text-align:right;"| 13,095.80
|-
|| Nordjylland || ] || ] || ] || style="text-align:right;"| 583,471 || style="text-align:right;"| 7,907.09
|-
|| Sjælland || ] || ] || ] || style="text-align:right;"| 824,199 || style="text-align:right;"| 7,268.75
|-
|| Syddanmark || ] || ] || ] || style="text-align:right;"| 1,208,520 || style="text-align:right;"| 12,132.21
|-
| colspan=6 |'''Source:'''
|}
{{clear}}

===Greenland and the Faroe Islands===
The Kingdom of Denmark is a ] that comprises, in addition to Denmark proper, two ] ] in the ]: ] and the ]. They have been integrated parts of the ] since the 18th century; however, due to their separate historical and cultural identities, these parts of the Realm have extensive political powers and have assumed ] and administrative responsibility in a substantial number of fields.<ref> – Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker (GFBV). Retrieved 13 March 2012.</ref> The Faroe Islands gained ] in 1948 and Greenland in 1979, having previously had the status of ].<ref name=stm> – Statsministeriet – stm.dk. Retrieved 13 March 2012.</ref>

The two territories have their own home governments and parliaments and are effectively ] in regards to domestic affairs.<ref name=stm/> ]s (''{{lang|da|Rigsombudsmand}}'') act as representatives of the Danish government in the Faroese ] and in the ], but they can not vote.<ref name=stm/> The Faroese home government is defined to be an equal partner with the Danish national government,<ref>{{cite web|title=Act on the Faroese authorities acquisition of affairs and fields |url=https://www.retsinformation.dk/Forms/R0710.aspx?id=20991|website=retsinformation.dk|accessdate=11 June 2014|language=Danish |trans_title =Lov om de færøske myndigheders overtagelse af sager og sagsområder|date=24 June 2005}}</ref> while the ] are defined as a separate people with the right to ].<ref> {{da icon}}. Retsinformation.dk. "I erkendelse af, at det grønlandske folk er et folk i henhold til folkeretten med ret til selvbestemmelse, bygger loven på et ønske om at fremme ligeværdighed og gensidig respekt i partnerskabet mellem Danmark og Grønland.</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"
|-
! ]
! ] {{small|(2013)}}
! Total area
! ]
! ]
! Prime Minister
|-
| {{flag|Greenland}} {{small|(''{{lang|kl|Kalaallit Nunaat}}'')}}
| 56,370<ref name="Greenland pop"> ]. Retrieved 2 September 2013</ref>
| {{convert|2,166,086|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sigfig=6}}
| {{coat of arms|Nuuk}}
| '']''
| ]
|-
| {{flag|Faroe Islands}} {{small|(''{{lang|fo|Føroyar}}'')}}
| 49,709<ref name="faroes pop"> – ''The World Factbook''. Retrieved 6 June 2012</ref>
|{{convert|1,399|km2|sqmi|abbr=on|sigfig=5}}
| {{coat of arms|Tórshavn}}
| '']''
| ]
|-
|}

==Government and politics==
{{Main|Politics of Denmark}}
{{See also|Politics of the Faroe Islands|Politics of Greenland}}

{{multiple image
| caption_align = center
| width1 = 151
| width2 = 143
| image1 = Drottning Margrethe av Danmark crop.jpg
| caption1 = ],<br/> ] since 1972
| image2 = Lars Løkke Rasmussen (2009).jpg
| caption2 = ],<br/> ] since 2015
}}

The Kingdom of Denmark is a ], in which ] is the head of state. The monarch officially retains ] and presides over the ] (]).<ref>"The executive power is vested in the King." </ref><ref>"The body of Ministers shall form the Council of State, in which the Successor to the Throne shall have a seat when he is of age. The Council of State shall be presided over by the King..." </ref> However, following the introduction of a ] of government, the duties of the monarch have since become strictly representative and ],<ref> – ''The Danish Monarchy'' (kongehuset.dk). Access date: 16 June 2012</ref> such as the formal appointment and dismissal of the ] and other Government ministers. The monarch is not answerable for his or her actions, and the monarch's person is sacrosanct.<ref>"The King shall not be answerable for his actions; his person shall be sacrosanct." </ref>

The ], while acknowledging that democracy is difficult to measure, listed Denmark 5th on its ].<ref name="Democracy_Index">{{cite web|title=Democracy Index 2014|url=http://www.sudestada.com.uy/Content/Articles/421a313a-d58f-462e-9b24-2504a37f6b56/Democracy-index-2014.pdf|publisher=The Economist/Economist Intelligence Unit|accessdate=23 August 2015|date=2015}}</ref> Denmark also ranks 1st on the ], for government transparency and lack of corruption.<ref name="Burnett">{{cite web |title=Denmark|url=https://www.transparency.org/cpi2014/results |work=Corruption Perceptions Index 2014: Results|publisher=Transparency International|accessdate=22 August 2015}}</ref>

===Political system===
{{Main|Folketing|Cabinet of Denmark}}

The Danish political system operates under a framework laid out in the ]. Changes to it require an absolute majority in two consecutive parliamentary terms and majority approval through a referendum (and the referendum majority must constitute at least 40 per cent of the electorate).<ref>{{cite web|author=Tschentscher, Axel |url=http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/da00000_.html |title=The Constitution of Denmark – Section 88 |publisher=Servat.unibe.ch |accessdate=5 July 2012}}</ref> It has been revised four times, ] in 1953.
]

The Danish Parliament is called the Folketing ({{lang|da|''Folketinget''}}). It is the ] of the Kingdom of Denmark, passing ] that apply in Denmark and, in limited cases, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The Folketing is also responsible for adopting the ], approving the state's accounts, appointing and exercising control of the Government, and taking part in international cooperation. ] may be initiated by the Government or by ]. All bills passed must be presented before the Council of State to receive ] within thirty days in order to become law.<ref>"A Bill passed by the Parliament shall become law if it receives the Royal Assent not later than thirty days after it was finally passed." </ref>

Denmark is a ] with ]. Membership of the Folketing is based on ] of political parties,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/da00000_.html|title=ICL - Denmark - Constitution - Section 31. Elections|work=unibe.ch}}</ref> with a 2% electoral threshold. Danes elect 175 members to the Folketing, with Greenland and the Faroe Islands electing an additional two members each.<ref>{{harvnb|Jørgensen|1995|p=16.}}</ref> Parliamentary elections are held at least every four years, but it is within the powers of the Prime Minister to ask the monarch to call for an election before the term has elapsed. On a ], the Folketing may force a single minister or the entire government to resign.<ref>"A Minister shall not remain in office after the Parliament has passed a vote of no confidence in him." </ref>

] houses the Folketing, the ], and the Prime Minister's Office.]]

The Government of Denmark takes the form of a ], where executive authority is exercised—formally on behalf of the monarch—by the Prime Minister and other ]s, who head ]. As the executive branch, the Cabinet is responsible for proposing bills and a budget, executing the laws, and guiding the foreign and internal policies of Denmark. The position of prime minister belongs to the person most likely to command the ] of a majority in the Folketing; this is usually the current leader of the largest ] or, more effectively, through a ]. A single party generally does not have sufficient political power in terms of the number of seats to form a cabinet on its own; Denmark has often been ruled by ], themselves sometimes ]s dependent on non-government parties.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.b.dk/din-mening/radikale-ved-historisk-skillevej|title=Radikale ved historisk skillevej|work=]|date=17 June 2007|accessdate=17 August 2007}}</ref>

Following a ], in June 2015 ], leader of the ] (''{{lang|da|Socialdemokraterne}}''), resigned as Prime Minister. She was succeeded by ], the leader of the ] (''{{lang|da|Venstre}}''). Rasmussen heads ] which, unusually, consists entirely of ministers from his own party.

===Judicial system===
{{Main|Law of Denmark|Courts of Denmark}}

The judicial system of Denmark is a ] system divided between courts with regular civil and ] jurisdiction and administrative courts with jurisdiction over litigation between individuals and the public administration. The Kingdom of Denmark does not have a single unified judicial system – Denmark has one system, Greenland another, and the Faroe Islands a third.<ref>{{harvnb|Gammelgaard|Sørensen|1998|p=18.}}</ref> However, decisions by the highest courts in Greenland and the Faroe Islands may be appealed to the Danish High Courts. The ] is the highest civil and criminal court responsible for the administration of justice in the Kingdom.

Articles sixty-two and sixty-four of the Constitution ensure ] from government and Parliament by providing that judges shall only be guided by the law, including acts, statutes and practice.<ref>"The administration of justice shall always remain independent of the executive power. Rules to this effect shall be laid down by Statute&nbsp;..." </ref>

== Foreign relations ==
{{Main|Foreign relations of Denmark}}
{{See also|Denmark and the European Union}}
] chamber in ]. Denmark is one of 28 member states of the European Union.]]

Foreign relations are substantially influenced by ] of the ] (EU); Denmark joined the ] (EEC), the EU's predecessor, in 1973.<ref group="N">The Faroese declined membership in 1973; Greenland ] the EEC in 1985, following ].</ref> Denmark held the ] on seven occasions, most recently from January to June 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Danish Presidency of the European Union 2012|url=http://eu2012.dk/en|publisher=European Union|accessdate=25 May 2014}}</ref> Following ], Denmark ended its two-hundred-year-long policy of ]. It has been a member of the ] (NATO) since its founding in 1949, and membership remains highly popular.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3167.htm|title= US Department of State: Denmark|author= Government of the United States|accessdate=25 May 2014}}</ref>

Denmark is today pursuing a proactive foreign policy, where ], democracy and other crucial values are to be defended actively. In recent years Greenland and the Faroe Islands have been guaranteed a say in foreign policy issues such as fishing, ], and geopolitical concerns.

=== Military ===
{{Main|Danish Defence}}
{{See also|Military history of Denmark}}

]

Denmark's ] are known as the ] ({{lang-da|Forsvaret}}). During peacetime, the ] employs around 33,000 in total. The main military branches employ almost 27,000: 15,460 in the ], 5,300 in the ] and 6,050 in the ] (all including conscripts). The monarch is ] of the Danish Defence, and serves as chief ] official abroad.

The ] ({{lang|da|''Beredskabsstyrelsen''}}) employs 2,000 (including conscripts), and about 4,000 are in non-branch-specific services like the ], the ] and the ]. Furthermore, around 55,000 serve as volunteers in the ] ({{lang|da|''Hjemmeværnet''}}).

The country is a strong supporter of international ]. The Danish Defence has around 1,400<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forsvaret.dk/FMN/Verdenskort/ |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20071227125607/http://forsvaret.dk/FMN/Verdenskort/ |archivedate=27 December 2007 |title=Forsvarsministerens Verdenskort |publisher=//web.archive.org |date=27 December 2007 |accessdate=20 August 2009}}</ref> staff in international missions, not including standing contributions to ]. The three largest contributions are in ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]). Between 2003 and 2007, there were approximately 450 Danish soldiers in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2007/02/200852514261678446.html |title=Denmark follows UK Iraq pullout |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=21 February 2007 |accessdate=20 August 2009}}</ref> It has been involved in coordinating Western assistance to the Baltic states (],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ambtallinn.um.dk/en/menu/TheEmbassy/DanishEstonianDefenceCooperation/DanishEstonianDefenceCooperation.htm|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20090309101430/http://www.ambtallinn.um.dk/en/menu/TheEmbassy/DanishEstonianDefenceCooperation/DanishEstonianDefenceCooperation.htm|archivedate=9 March 2009|title=Danish – Estonian Defence Cooperation|author=Danish embassy in Tallinn, Estonia|accessdate=22 February 2011}}</ref> ], and ]) in the Alliance.

==Economy==
{{further|Economy of Denmark}}
] bricks are produced by ], headquartered in ].]]
Denmark has a ] that ranks 18th in the world in terms of ] and 6th in ] – {{As of|2014}}.<ref>, World Bank. Database updated on 14 April 2015. Accessed on 22 August 2015.</ref><ref> (selecting all countries, GDP per capita (current US$), , ]. Accessed on 22 August 2015.</ref> A liberalisation of import tariffs in 1797 marked the end of ] and further liberalisation in the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century established the Danish liberal tradition in international trade that was only to be broken by the 1930s.<ref>Mathias, Peter and Polard, Sidney (eds.) (1989) ''The Cambridge Economic History of Europe''. Cambridge University Press. p. 22.</ref> ] have enjoyed strong protection. Denmark's economy stands out as one of the most free in the ] and the ].<ref>, 2012 Index of Economic Freedom. Retrieved 12 January 2012.</ref><ref name="2011-09-20_fraserinstitute" >{{cite web | url = http://www.freetheworld.com/2011/reports/world/EFW2011_complete.pdf | title = Economic Freedom of the World: 2011 Annual Report Complete Publication (2.7 MB) | work = ] | publisher = ] | year = 2011 | format = PDF | accessdate =20 September 2011 }}</ref> Denmark is the 13th most competitive economy in the world, and 8th in Europe, according to the ] in its ''Global Competitiveness Report 2014–2015''.<ref name="wefcomp">{{cite web|url=http://www.weforum.org/issues/global-competitiveness |title=Global Competitiveness Report 2014–2015 |publisher=World Economic Forum |accessdate=22 August 2015}}</ref>

Denmark has the fourth highest ratio of ] holders in the world.<ref>, Shared fourth with Finland at a 30.3% ratio. Graph on p28, table on p194.</ref> The country ranks highest in the world for ].<ref>Kevin Short (28 May 2014). . ''].'' Retrieved 28 May 2014.</ref> ] was the 13th highest in 2009. The country has a market income inequality close to the ] average,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oecd.org/eco/public-finance/TacklingincomeinequalityTheroleoftaxesandtransfers.pdf |title=Tackling income inequality. The role of taxes and transfers. |authors=Isabelle Joumard, Mauro Pisu, Debbie Bloch |publisher=OECD |date=2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbs.dk/files/cbs.dk/new_papers_4.pdf |title=Sources and impact of rising inequality in Denmark |authors=Ioana Neamtu and Niels Westergaard-Nielsen |date=March 2013 }}</ref> but after public cash transfers the income inequality is ]. According to the ], Denmark has ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2010/02/weodata/index.aspx |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2010 Edition |publisher=Imf.org |date=6 October 2010 |accessdate=5 July 2012}}</ref> As Denmark has no minimum wage legislation, the high wage floor has been attributed to the power of ]s. For example, as the result of a collective bargaining agreement between the ] and the employers group ], workers at ] and other ]s make the equivalent of ]20 an hour, which is more than double what their counterparts earn in the United States, and have access to five weeks' paid vacation, ] and a pension plan.<ref>Liz Alderman and Steven Greenhouse (27 October 2014). . ''].'' Retrieved 28 October 2014.</ref>
]'s ]]]

As a result of its acclaimed "]" model, Denmark has the most free ] in Europe, according to the ]. Employers can hire and fire whenever they want (flexibility), and between jobs, ] compensation is very high (security).<ref name="investindk">{{cite web|url=http://www.investindk.com/Why-Denmark/10-good-reasons |title=10 Good Reasons to Invest in Denmark |publisher=Investindk.com }}</ref> Establishing a business can be done in a matter of hours and at very low costs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.investindk.com/Why-Denmark |title=The world's best business environment |publisher=Investindk.com |accessdate=5 July 2012}}</ref> No restrictions apply regarding overtime work, which allows companies to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.<ref name="investindk" /> Denmark has a competitive ] rate of 24.5% and a special time-limited tax regime for expatriates.<ref>, Invest in Denmark</ref> The Danish taxation system is broad based, with a 25% ], in addition to excise taxes, income taxes and other fees. The overall level of taxation (sum of all taxes, as a percentage of GDP) is estimated to be 46% in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skm.dk/tal_statistik/skatter_og_afgifter/510.html |title=Skattetrykket |publisher=Danish Ministry of Taxation |accessdate=24 June 2012}}{{dead link|date=January 2014}}</ref>

Denmark's currency, the '']'' (DKK), is ] at approximately 7.46 kroner per euro through the ]. Although a ] rejected adopting the ]<ref name=denmarkandtheeuro>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalbanken.dk/DNUK/Euro.nsf/side/Denmark_and_the_euro!OpenDocument |title=Denmark and the euro |accessdate=3 February 2007 |date=17 November 2006 |publisher=]}}</ref>– and entering the ] – the country in practice follows the policies set forth in the ] and meets the economic ] needed to adopt the euro. The majority of the political parties in the Folketing support adopting the euro, but as yet a new referendum has not been held, despite plans;<ref>{{cite news |title=Denmark to have second referendum on euro |date=22 November 2007 |url=http://euobserver.com/18/25202|accessdate=22 November 2007}}</ref> scepticism of the EU among Danish voters has historically been strong.

] is the name of a large ] maintained by the central authority of statistics in Denmark. Online distribution of statistics has been a part of the dissemination strategy in Denmark since 1985.
{{clear}}

===Industry and exports===
{{See also|Fishing industry in Denmark}}
], and the largest exporter of pork products in the EU.<ref> by Karen Hamann – The Institute for Food Studies & Agroindustrial Development. Access date: 23 July 2012.</ref>]]
Once a predominantly ] country on account of its ] landscape, since 1945 Denmark has greatly expanded its ] so that by 2006 industry contributed about 25% of GDP and agriculture less than 2%.<ref>{{cite web|title=Denmark:Economy|url=http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/world/denmark-economy.html|publisher=Pearson Education|accessdate=29 May 2014}}</ref> Support for ] is high – in a 2007 poll 76% responded that globalisation is a good thing.<ref>, Time Magazine</ref> 70% of trade flows are inside the European Union. {{As of|2011}}, Denmark has the 10th highest ].<ref name="factbook"/>

Denmark's major industries include ], ], ], ], and ].<ref name="factbook" /> The country's main exports are: industrial production/manufactured goods 73.3% (of which machinery and instruments were 21.4%, and fuels (oil, natural gas), chemicals, etc. 26%); agricultural products and others for consumption 18.7% (in 2009 meat and meat products were 5.5% of total export; fish and fish products 2.9%).<ref name="factbook"/> Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and has for a number of years had a ] surplus while battling an equivalent of approximately 39% of GNP ] or more than ] 300&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://liveweb.archive.org/http://www.dst.dk/pukora/epub/upload/16217/headword/dk/407.pdf|title=Statens Gæld og Låntagning |publisher=Statistics Denmark}}</ref>

In 2013, the 20 largest companies by turnover were ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finans.tv2.dk/nyheder/article.php/id-72274889 |title=Top 20: Danmarks største virksomheder |publisher=TV2 |date=2013-10-25 }}</ref> Smaller notable companies include ] and ].
{{clear}}

===Energy===
{{Main|Energy in Denmark}}
], an offshore wind farm near ].]]

Denmark has considerably large deposits of oil and natural gas in the ] and ranks as number 32 in the world among net exporters of ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/country/country_energy_data.cfm?fips=DA |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20100304094837/http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/country/country_energy_data.cfm?fips=DA |archivedate=4 March 2010 |title=EIA – International Energy Data and Analysis for Denmark |publisher=Tonto.eia.doe.gov |date=15 May 2009 |accessdate=29 May 2009}}</ref> and was producing 259,980 barrels of crude oil a day in 2009.<ref> – indexmundi.</ref> Most electricity is produced from coal, but 25–28% of electricity demand is supplied through wind turbines.<ref>. www.ens.dk (2010).</ref> Denmark is a long-time leader in wind energy, and {{as of|2011|05|alt=in May 2011}} Denmark derived 3.1% of its gross domestic product from renewable (clean) energy technology and energy efficiency, or around €6.5&nbsp;billion ($9.4&nbsp;billion).<ref> – yourolivebranch.org. Retrieved 3 January 2012</ref> Denmark is connected by ] to other European countries. On 6 September 2012, Denmark launched the biggest wind turbine in the world, and will add four more over the next four years.

] has integrated energy sources such as wind power into the national grid. Denmark now aims to focus on intelligent battery systems (]) and ] in the transport sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.energymap.dk/Technology-Areas/Intelligent-Energy/Plug-in-and-Electrical-Vehicles |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20110719122621/http://www.energymap.dk/Technology-Areas/Intelligent-Energy/Plug-in-and-Electrical-Vehicles |archivedate=19 July 2011 |title=Plug-in and Electrical Vehicles |publisher=EnergyMap.dk |accessdate=10 October 2009}}</ref> The country is a member nation of the ] (IRENA).<ref name="IRENAstates">{{cite news|title=Global support for International Renewable Energy Agency growing fast|url=http://www.irena.org/Menu/index.aspx?PriMenuID=13&mnu=Pri|date=10 September 2014|accessdate=10 September 2014|publisher=''IRENA''}}</ref>

===Transport===
{{Main|Transport in Denmark}}
] is the largest airport in Scandinavia and ].<ref name="cph" />]]

Significant investment has been made in building road and rail links between regions in Denmark, most notably the ], which connects ] and ]. It is now possible to drive from ] in northern ] to ] on eastern Zealand without leaving the motorway. The main railway operator is ] for passenger services and ] for freight trains. The railway tracks are maintained by ]. The North Sea and the Baltic Sea are intertwined by various, international ferry links. Construction of the ], connecting Denmark and Germany with a second link, will start in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Denmark-Germany undersea Fehmarn tunnel gets go-ahead|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33633879|accessdate=19 August 2015|publisher=BBC News|date=23 July 2015}}</ref>

Copenhagen has a ] system, the ], and the ] area has an extensive electrified suburban railway network, the ]. In the four biggest cities - ], ], ], ] - light rail systems are planned to be in operation around 2020. The light rail in Greater Copenhagen will traverse 11 municipalities, providing a much needed corridor from ] in the north to ] in the south .<ref>{{cite web|title=Ring 3 summary report|url=http://www.ringtre.dk/fileadmin/filer/freesites/ringtre/filer/Letbane/Dokumenter/Resume_UK_final03.pdf|accessdate=12 April 2014}}</ref>

With Norway and Sweden, Denmark is part of the ]. ] is Scandinavia's busiest passenger airport, handling over 25 million passengers in 2014.<ref name="cph">{{cite web|title=Group Annual Report 2014|url=https://www.cph.dk/globalassets/om-cph/investor/publikationer/arsraporter_uk/cph_uk_ar_report_2015_03_18_final.pdf|website=cph.dk|publisher=Copenhagen Airports A/S|accessdate=19 August 2015|format=PDF}}</ref> Other notable airports are ], ], and ].

] is a common form of transport, particularly for the young and for city dwellers. With a network of bicycle routes extending more than 12,000&nbsp;km<ref>{{cite web |url=//web.archive.org/web/20120315171238/http://www.visitdenmark.dk/danmark/da-dk/menu/turist/inspiration/aktivferie/cykel/cykel-ruter-og-regioner.htm |title=Cykelruter og regioner |publisher=Visitdenmark.com |language=Danish}}</ref> and an estimated 7,000&nbsp;km<ref name="vcta">{{cite web |url=http://www.vcta.dk/OmVCTA.aspx |title=Vi cykler til arbejde 2011 |accessdate=16 August 2011 |publisher=] |language=Danish}}</ref> of ], Denmark has a solid ].

Private vehicles are increasingly used as a means of transport. Because of the ] (180%), ] (25%), and one of the world's highest income tax rates, new cars are very expensive. The purpose of the tax is to discourage car ownership.
In 2007, an attempt was made by the government to favour environmentally friendly cars by slightly reducing taxes on high mileage vehicles. However, this has had little effect, and in 2008 Denmark experienced an increase in the import of fuel inefficient old cars,<ref>{{cite news |title=Tyske miljøzoner sender gamle biler til Danmark |date=9 January 2009 |url=http://politiken.dk/indland/ECE626918/tyske-miljoezoner-sender-gamle-biler-til-danmark/ |work=Politiken.dk |accessdate=29 November 2010 |language=Danish}}</ref> as the cost for older cars—including taxes—keeps them within the budget of many Danes.
{{As of|2011}}, the average car age is 9.2 years.<ref>{{cite book |chapter=Transport|title=Statistical Yearbook 2012|publisher=dst.dk |url=http://www.dst.dk/pukora/epub/upload/16251/13tra.pdf |accessdate=3 September 2012 }}</ref>

===Technology===
{{See also|Internet in Denmark}}
In the 20th century, Danes have also been innovative in several fields of the technology sector. Danish companies have been influential in the shipping industry with the design of ], and Danish engineers have contributed to the design of ] engines. In the software and electronic field, Denmark contributed to design and manufacturing of ]s, and the now-defunct Danish company ] was among the first to develop ] mobile phones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.investindk.com/Clusters/ICT/Wireless-and-mobile-technology|title=Danish wireless and mobile industry is among the world's strongest in communication technology and software engineering|publisher=|accessdate=7 October 2014}}</ref>

Danish engineers are world-leading in providing diabetes care equipment and medication products from ] and, since 2000, the Danish ] company ], the world market leader in enzymes for first generation starch based bioethanol, has pioneered development of enzymes for converting waste to ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canadianbiomassmagazine.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&Itemid=132&id=3101|title=Novozymes, the world's leading provider of enzymes to the biofuels industry|publisher=|accessdate=7 October 2014}}</ref> '']'', spanning the ] between Zealand and Sweden, is one of Europe's largest ] clusters, containing a large number of life science companies and research institutions located within a very small geographical area. Danish software engineers have taken leading roles in some of the world's important programming languages: ], (], ], ]); ], (]); ], (]); ], (]); ], a pioneer in virtual machines (], ], ]); ] (physicist), the first person to stop light, leading to advances in ], ] and ].

===Public policy===
{{See also|Flexicurity|Taxation in Denmark}}
].<ref>{{cite news|title=Denmark Confirms Participation in E-ELT|url=http://www.eso.org/public/announcements/ann13033/|accessdate=17 April 2013|newspaper=ESO Announmentes}}</ref> ]]

After ] the labour market in the 1990s, Denmark has one of the most free labour markets among the European countries. According to ] labour market rankings, the ] is at the same levels as the United States. The model is called "Flexicurity". Denmark is also characterized by the ]. The largest taxes are 25% ] and ] (minimum tax rate for adults is 42% scaling to over 60%).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skat.dk/SKAT.aspx?oId=133800 |title=Skattesatser; bundgrænser, procenter og fradrag |publisher=Skat.dk |accessdate=29 April 2010}}</ref> Other taxes include the registration tax on private vehicles, at a rate of 180%, on top of VAT. In July 2007, this was changed slightly in an attempt to favour more ] cars whilst maintaining the average taxation level.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skm.dk/foreign/english/taxindenmark2007/5344/#104|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20070927035651/http://www.skm.dk/foreign/english/taxindenmark2007/5344/#104|archivedate=27 September 2007 |title=Registration tax for cars |date=24 March 2008 |publisher=Skatteministeriet}}</ref>

{{As of|2014}}, 6% of the population was reported to live below the ], when adjusted for taxes and transfers. Denmark has the 2nd lowest relative poverty rate in the ], below the 11.3% OECD average.<ref name=OECD1 /> The share of the population reporting that they feel that they cannot afford to buy sufficient food in Denmark is less than half of the OECD average.<ref name=OECD1 /> With an employment rate of 72.8%, Denmark ranks 7th highest among the OECD countries, and above the OECD average of 66.2%.<ref name=OECD1>{{cite web|title=Society at a Glance 2014 Highlights: DENMARK OECD Social Indicators|url=http://www.oecd.org/denmark/OECD-SocietyAtaGlance2014-Highlights-Denmark.pdf|publisher=OECD|accessdate=23 August 2015}}</ref> The number of unemployed people is forecast to be 65,000 in 2015.<ref name="2006forecasts">{{cite book |last=Madsen |first=Bjarne |author2=Svend Lundtorp |title=Arbejdsmarkedet på Sjælland og øerne i 2015 |page=10|year=2006 |publisher=Akf forlaget |url=http://www.akf.dk/udgivelser/2006/pdf/arbejdsmarkedet_sjaelland_oeer.pdf/ |accessdate=3 February 2007|isbn=87-7509-801-6}}</ref> The number of people in the ] group, less disability pensioners etc., will grow by 10,000 to 2,860,000, and jobs by 70,000 to 2,790,000;<ref name="2006forecasts" /> ] jobs are included.<ref>Statistikbanken.dk, tables AB513+ BESK11+12+13.</ref> Because of the present high demand and short supply of skilled labour, for instance for factory and service jobs, including hospital nurses and physicians, the annual average ] have risen, especially compared with the ] 1987–1993.<ref name="BusinessDK">{{cite news |first=Jens |last=Nüchel |author2=Lars Erik Skovgaard |title=Danskere arbejder mere og mere |date=13 December 2006 |work=] |url=http://www.business.dk/karriere/artikel:aid=2014652 |archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20071011104002/http://www.business.dk/karriere/artikel:aid=2014652 |archivedate=11 October 2007 |work=Business.dk |accessdate=3 February 2007}}</ref> Increasingly, service workers of all kinds are in demand, i.e. in the ] and as bus drivers, and academics.<ref>{{cite news |first=Annette |last=Bonde |title=Virksomheder foretrækker tysk arbejdskraft |date=24 September 2007 |work=] |url=http://www.business.dk/karriere/virksomheder-foretraekker-tysk-arbejdskraft |work=Business.dk |accessdate=23 September 2007}}</ref>

The level of ] is dependent on former employment (the maximum benefit is at 90% of the wage) and at times also on membership of an unemployment fund, which is almost always—but need not be—administered by a trade union, and the previous payment of contributions. However, the largest share of the financing is still carried by the central government and is financed by general taxation, and only to a minor degree from earmarked contributions. There is no taxation, however, on proceeds gained from selling one's home (provided there ''was'' any ] ({{lang|da|''friværdi''}})), as the marginal tax rate on capital income from housing savings is around 0%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dors.dk/sw5855.asp |title=Danish Economic Council Spring Report 2008 English Summary,p. 11 |publisher=Dors.dk |accessdate=20 August 2009}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{Main|Demographics of Denmark}}
{{See also|List of cities in Denmark by population}}
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Population by ancestry (2012){{#tag:ref|Immigrants and their descendants and foreign nationals – ''Statistics Denmark''.<br> {{dead link|date=January 2014}} from 1 January 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
*{{dead link|date=January 2014}}
*{{dead link|date=January 2014}}
|name="Ethnic groups"}}
|label1 = People of Danish origin
|value1= 89.6
|color1= DarkBlue
|label2 = Immigrant
|value2 = 7.9
|color2 = MediumBlue
|label3 = Descendent of an immigrant
|value3 = 2.5
|color3 = DarkGray
}}

{{As of|2014}}, the ] age is 41.4 years, with 0.97 males per female. The ] is 1.73 children born per woman; despite the low birth rate, the population is still growing at an average annual rate of 0.22%.<ref name="factbook"/>

Denmark is frequently ranked as the happiest country in the world in cross-national studies of ].<ref name="Levy_article">Francesca Levy, , '']'' 14 July 2010; See also: </ref><ref name=Earth_Institute_2013>John Helliwell, Richard Layard and ]. . '']'' at ], p. 8. See also: , p. 23.; ''].'' 22 October 2013.</ref><ref name="BruceStokes">Bruce Stokes (8 June 2011). . ''].'' Retrieved 20 September 2013</ref> This has been attributed to the country's highly regarded education and ] systems,<ref name=Taylor>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/denmark-is-the-worlds-happiest-country--official-410075.html |title=Denmark is the world's happiest country – official – Europe, World |work=The Independent |location=London |date=1 August 2006 |accessdate=5 May 2009 |first=Jerome |last=Taylor}}</ref> and its low level of ].<ref name=eurogini>{{cite web|title=Gini coefficient of equivalised disposable income (source: SILC)|url=http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=ilc_di12|publisher=Eurostat Data Explorer|accessdate=13 August 2013}}</ref>

Like its Scandinavian neighbours, Denmark is an historically ] nation. However, immigration has been a significant source of population growth and cultural change throughout much of the history of Denmark, and in recent centuries the country has been transformed from a nation of ], ending after World War I, to a nation of net immigration, from World War II onwards.

] consists particularly of ]s and persons who arrive as family dependants.<ref name=migrants>{{cite web|title=Denmark: Integrating Immigrants into a Homogeneous Welfare State|url=http://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/denmark-integrating-immigrants-homogeneous-welfare-state|publisher=Migration Policy Institute|accessdate=24 August 2015}}</ref> In addition, Denmark annually receives a number of citizens from ], notably Nordic countries, the EU, and North America, who seek residency to work or study for a definite period of time. Recently, substantial numbers of workers—probably between 5,000 and 10,000—from the ], especially Poland and the Baltic nations, have arrived to perform menial labour in construction, agriculture, consumer industries, and cleaning.<ref name=migrants /> Overall, the net migration rate is 2.2 migrants per capita.<ref name="factbook"/>

There are no official statistics on ]s, but according to 2012 figures from ], 89.6% of Denmark's population of 5,580,516 is of ] descent—defined as having at least one parent who was born in Denmark and has Danish citizenship.{{refn|Immigrants and their descendants and foreign nationals – ''Statistics Denmark''.<br> {{dead link|date=January 2014}} from 1 January 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
*{{dead link|date=January 2014}}
*{{dead link|date=January 2014}}
*{{dead link|date=January 2014}}
|name="Ethnic groups"}}<ref name="denonly" group="N">This data is for Denmark ] only. For data relevant to ] and the ] see their respective articles.</ref> Many of the remaining 10.4% are immigrants or descendants of recent immigrants, that came mainly from ], ], ], ], ] and the ]. Of the 10.4%, approximately 200,000 (34%) are of a Western background, and approximately 390,000 (66%) have a non-Western background, primarily from Turkey, Iraq, Romani, Somalia, Pakistan, Iran, and Thailand.<ref> – ''Statistcs Denmark''. Published: 1 January 2012. Accessed: 25 August 2012.</ref>

===Languages===
{{Main|Languages of Denmark}}
] is the ''de facto'' ] of Denmark and the ] of the Kingdom of Denmark.<ref name="Ethnologue" /> ] and ] are the official ]s of the Faroe Islands and Greenland respectively.<ref name="Ethnologue">{{cite book |editor1-first=M. Paul |editor1-last=Lewis |year=2009 |title=Ethnologue: Languages of the World |edition=16th |publisher=SIL International. |location=Dallas, Texas |isbn= 978-1-55671-216-6 |url=http://www.ethnologue.com/ |accessdate=27 August 2012}}</ref> ] is a recognised ] in the area of the former ] (now part of the ]), which was part of the German Empire prior to the ].<ref name="Ethnologue" /> Danish and Faroese belong to the ] (Nordic) branch of the ], along with ], ] and ].<ref name="language">{{cite web|title=Language|url=http://www.norden.org/en/the-nordic-region/language|publisher=The Nordic Council|accessdate=7 June 2014}}</ref> The languages are so closely related that it is possible for Danish, Norwegian and Swedish speakers to ] with relatively little effort. Danish is more distantly related to German, which is a ] language. Greenlandic or "Kalaallisut" belongs to the ]; it is closely related to the ] in Canada, such as ], and entirely unrelated to Danish.<ref name="language" />

A large majority (86%) of Danes speak ] as a second language,<ref>{{cite web|title=Europeans and their Languages|url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_243_en.pdf|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=22 May 2014|date=February 2006}}</ref> generally with a high level of ]. German is the second-most spoken foreign language, with 47% reporting a conversational level of proficiency.<ref name="Ethnologue" /> Denmark had 25,900 ] of German in 2007 (mostly in the South Jutland area).<ref name="Ethnologue" />

===Religion===
{{Main|Religion in Denmark}}

{{As of|2014|01|alt=In January 2015}}, 77.8%<ref name="church stats"> Kirkeministeriet {{da icon}}</ref> of the population of Denmark were members of the ] ({{lang|da|''Den Danske Folkekirke''}}), the ] church, which is ] in tradition.<ref> – Part I – Section 4 : "The Evangelical Lutheran Church shall be the Established Church of Denmark, and, as such, it shall be supported by the State."</ref> This is down 0.6% compared to the year earlier and 1.3% down compared to two years earlier. Despite the high membership figures, only 3% of the population regularly attend Sunday services.<ref name="report 2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2009/127307.htm |title=Denmark – Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor |year=2009 |work=International Religious Freedom Report 2009 |publisher=U.S. Department of State |accessdate=23 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/13117/religion-europe-trust-filling-pews.aspx |title=Religion in Europe: Trust Not Filling the Pews |last=Manchin |first= Robert |date=21 September 2004 |work=Gallup Poll |publisher=] |accessdate=23 August 2012}}</ref>

] has been the burial place of Danish royalty since the 15th century. In 1995 it became a ].]]
The ] states that a member of the ] must be a member of the Church of Denmark, though the rest of the population is free to adhere to other faiths.<ref> – Part II – Section 6 .</ref><ref> – Part VII – Section 70: "No person shall for reasons of his creed or descent be deprived of access to complete enjoyment of his civic and political rights, nor shall he for such reasons evade compliance with any common civic duty."</ref><ref name=FoR> – The Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs – May 2006</ref> In 1682 the state granted limited recognition to three religious groups dissenting from the Established Church: ], ] and ],<ref name=FoR /> although conversion to these groups from the Church of Denmark remained illegal initially. Until the 1970s, the state formally recognised "religious societies" by ]. Today, religious groups do not need official government recognition, they can be granted the right to perform weddings and other ceremonies without this recognition.<ref name=FoR />

] make up approximately 3% of the population and form the country's second largest religious community and largest minority religion.<ref name="report 2009"/><ref name="muslimpopulation">- '''' and ''Muslimpopulation.com'' – Retrieved 8 June 2012.</ref> As of 2009 there are nineteen recognised Muslim communities in Denmark.<ref name="muslimpopulation"/><ref>{{dead link|date=June 2012}} – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Published/Last edited 10 May 2009. Retrieved 24 March 2012. http://www.ambdhaka.um.dk</ref> As per an overview of various religions and denominations by the Danish Foreign Ministry, other religious groups comprise less than 1% of the population individually and approximately 2% when taken all together.<ref>{{Wayback |df=yes|date=20060208030036 |url=http://www.um.dk/Publikationer/UM/English/Denmark/kap1/1-14.asp |title=Religion in Denmark }} – From the ]. Archive retrieved on 3 January 2012.</ref>

According to a 2010 ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf|title=Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, page 204|others=Fieldwork: Jan–Feb 2010|format=PDF}}</ref> 28% of Danish citizens polled responded that they "believe there is a God", 47% responded that they "believe there is some sort of spirit or life force" and 24% responded that they "do not believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force". Another poll, carried out in 2009, found that 25% of Danes believe ] is the ], and 18% believe he is the ] of the world.<ref>Poll performed in December 2009 among 1114 Danes between ages 18 and 74, (One in four Danes believe in Jesus), Kristeligt Dagblad, 23 December 2009 {{da icon}}</ref>

===Education===
{{Main|Education in Denmark}}
].]]

The Danish education system provides access to ], ] and ]. All college and university education in Denmark is free of charges; there are no tuition fees to enroll in courses. Students in secondary school or higher and aged 18 or above may apply for state educational support grants, known as ''] (SU)'' which provides fixed financial support, disbursed monthly.<ref>Rick Noack (February 4, 2015). . ''].'' Retrieved February 5, 2015.</ref>

Primary school is known as the '']''. Attendance at pre-school is not compulsory, but most Danish children go to primary school for 10 years, from the age of 6 to 16. There are no final exams, but pupils in primary schools can choose to go to a test when finishing ninth grade. The test is obligatory if further education is to be attended. Pupils can alternatively attend a private independent school ({{lang|da|''friskole''}}), or a private school ({{lang|da|''privatskole''}}) – schools that are not under the administration of the ], such as ]s or ].

Following graduation from primary school, there are several educational opportunities; the ] attaches importance in teaching a mix of humanities and science, ] focuses on scientific subjects and the ] emphasizes on subjects in economics. ] is similar to ''Gymnasium (STX)'', but is one year shorter.
For specific professions, there is ], training young people for work in specific ] by a combination of teaching and ].

Danish universities and other higher education institutions offer international students a range of opportunities for obtaining an internationally recognised qualification in Denmark. Many programmes may be taught in the ], the academic ], in ]s, ]s, ]s and ]mes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://studyindenmark.dk/ |title=Study in Denmark, official government website on international higher education in Denmark}}</ref>

===Health===
{{See also|Health care in Denmark}}

{{As of|2012}}, Denmark has a ] of 79.5 years at birth (77 for men, 82 for women), up from 75 years in 1990.<ref name=WHO>{{cite web|title=Life expectancy |url=http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.688?lang=en |publisher=World Health Organization |accessdate=31 May 2014|date=2013}}</ref> This ] 37th among 193 nations, behind the other ]. The ''National Institute of Public Health'' of the ] has calculated 19 major risk factors among Danes that contribute to a lowering of the life expectancy; this includes smoking, alcohol, ] and ].<ref name="health report">{{cite book|last=Brønnum-Hansen|first=Knud Juel, Jan Sørensen, Henrik|title=Risk factors and public health in Denmark - Summary report|date=2007|publisher=National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark|location=København|isbn=978-87-7899-123-2|url=http://www.si-folkesundhed.dk/upload/2745_-_risk_factors_and_public_health_in_denmark.pdf|accessdate=31 May 2014}}</ref> The large number of Danes becoming ] is an increasing problem and results in an annual additional consumption in the health care system of ] 1,625 million.<ref name="health report" />

Denmark has a ] ], characterised by being publicly financed through taxes and, for most of the services, run directly by the regional authorities. The primary source of income is a national health care contribution of 6% (''{{lang|da|sundhedsbidrag}}'')<ref name=taxation1 /> This means that most ] is free at the point of delivery for all residents. Additionally, roughly two in five have complementary ] to cover services not fully covered by the state, such as ].<ref name=commonwealth /> {{As of|2012}}, Denmark spends 11.2% of its GDP on health care; this is up from 9.8% in 2007 (US$3,512 per capita).<ref name=commonwealth>{{cite web|title=International Profiles of Health Care Systems |url=http://www.commonwealthfund.org/~/media/Files/Publications/Fund%20Report/2010/Jun/1417_Squires_Intl_Profiles_622.pdf |publisher=The Commonwealth Fund |accessdate=31 May 2014}}</ref> This places Denmark above the ] average and above the other Nordic countries.<ref name=commonwealth /><ref>{{cite web|title=COUNTRY COMPARISON :: LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2102rank.html|work=The World Factbook|publisher=CIA|accessdate=31 May 2014}}</ref>

==Culture==
{{Main|Culture of Denmark}}
{{See also|Law of Jante|LGBT rights in Denmark}}
Denmark shares strong cultural and ] ties with its Scandinavian neighbours Sweden and Norway. It has historically been one of the most socially progressive cultures in the world. In 1969, Denmark was the first country to legalise ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.um.dk/publikationer/um/english/factsheetdenmark/denmarkanoverview/html/chapter05.htm |title=Denmark&nbsp; – An Overview |date=22 September 2007 |accessdate=22 September 2007|archiveurl=//web.archive.org/web/20080122084309/http://www.um.dk/publikationer/um/english/factsheetdenmark/denmarkanoverview/html/chapter05.htm|archivedate=22 January 2008}}</ref> and in 2012, Denmark replaced its "]" laws, which it had been the first country to introduce in 1989,<ref>Sheila Rule: – '']''. Published: 2 October 1989. Retrieved 7 June 2012</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://marriage.about.com/cs/samesexmarriage/a/samesex.htm |title=Same-Sex Marriage FAQ |publisher=Marriage.about.com |date=17 June 2003 |accessdate=5 May 2009}}</ref> with ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Rainbow wedding bells: Denmark allows gay marriage in church |url=http://www.rt.com/news/denmark-same-sex-marriage-church-283/ |publisher=] |date=7 June 2012 |accessdate=7 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Denmark passes bill allowing gays to marry in church |author=AFP |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/390257/denmark-passes-bill-allowing-gays-to-marry-in-church/ |newspaper=] |date=7 June 2012 |accessdate=7 June 2012}}</ref> Modesty, punctuality but above all ] are important aspects of the Danish way of life.<ref>. Retrieved 4 December 2008.</ref>

] ].]]
The astronomical discoveries of ] (1546–1601), ]'s (1815–88) neglected articulation of the principle of ], and the contributions to atomic physics of ] (1885–1962) indicate the range of Danish scientific achievement. The fairy tales of ] (1805–1875), the philosophical essays of ] (1813–55), the short stories of ] (penname ]), (1885–1962), the plays of ] (1684–1754), and the dense, aphoristic poetry of ] (1905–96), have earned international recognition, as have the symphonies of ] (1865–1931). From the mid-1990s, Danish films have attracted international attention, especially those associated with ] like those of ].

There are five Danish heritage sites inscribed on the ] ]: ], the ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/dk|title=Denmark: Properties inscribed on the World Heritage List (8)|publisher=UNESCO|accessdate=19 July 2015 |language=}}</ref>

===Media===
<!--linked from {{main|Media of Denmark}}-->
{{Main|Cinema of Denmark|Television in Denmark}}

Danish ] date back to the 1540s, when handwritten fly sheets reported on the news. In 1666, ], the father of Danish journalism, began a ]. In 1834, the first liberal, factual newspaper appeared, and the 1849 Constitution established lasting ]. Newspapers flourished in the second half of the 19th century, usually tied to one or another political party or trade union. Modernisation, bringing in new features and mechanical techniques, appeared after 1900. The total circulation was 500,000 daily in 1901, more than doubling to 1.2 million in 1925.<ref name="media1">Kenneth E. Olson, ''The history makers: The press of Europe from its beginnings through 1965'' (LSU Press, 1966) pp 50 – 64, 433</ref> The ] during World War II brought informal censorship; some offending newspaper buildings were simply blown up by the Nazis. During the war, the underground produced 550 newspapers—small, surreptitiously printed sheets that encouraged sabotage and resistance.<ref name="media1" />

], who co-created the Dogme film movement.]]

Danish cinema dates back to 1897 and since the 1980s has maintained a steady stream of product due largely to funding by the state-supported ]. There have been three big internationally important waves of Danish cinema: erotic melodrama of the ]; the increasingly explicit sex films of the 1960s and 1970s; and lastly, the ] movement of the late 1990s, where directors often used hand-held cameras to dynamic effect in a conscious reaction against big-budget studios. Danish films have been noted for their realism, religious and moral themes, sexual frankness and technical innovation. The Danish filmmaker ] (1889–1968) is considered one of the greatest directors of ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Carl Dreyer:Day of Wrath, Ordet, Gertrud|url=http://brightlightsfilm.com/29/carldreyer.php|work=Bright Lights Film Journal|accessdate=1 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|last=Ebert|first=Robert|title=The Passion of Joan of Arc|url=http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-the-passion-of-joan-of-arc-1928|work=Chicago Sun Times|accessdate=1 July 2013|date=16 February 1997|quote=...Carl Theodor Dreyer (1889–1968), the Dane who was one of the greatest early directors.}}</ref>

Other Danish filmmakers of note include ], the creator of the popular '']'' films; ], an ]-winner for '']'' in 1987; and ], the ]-, ]- and ]-winner for '']'' in 1988. In the modern era, notable filmmakers in Denmark include ], who co-created the Dogme movement, and multiple award-winners ] and ]. ] is a world-renowned Danish actor, having starred in films such as '']'', '']'', the Danish film '']'', and currently in the American TV series '']''. Another renowned Danish actor ] is internationally known for playing the role of ] in the critically acclaimed HBO series '']''.

Danish mass media and news programming are dominated by a few large corporations. In printed media ] and ], between them, control the largest newspapers '']'', '']'' and '']'' and major tabloids '']'' and '']''. ], publicly owned stations ] and ] have large shares of the viewers.<ref>; Television station viewer statistics, figures for July 2012 (week 28). Retrieved 20 July 2012.</ref> Especially DR is famous for its high quality TV-series often sold to foreign broadcast and often with strong leading female characters like internationally known actresses ] and ]. In radio, DR has a near monopoly, currently broadcasting on all four nationally available ] channels, competing only with local stations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Commercial radio|url=http://www.kulturstyrelsen.dk/english/media/media-structure-radio-and-tv/non-public-service-media/commercial-radio-and-tv/commercial-radio/|publisher=Danish Agency for Culture|accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref>

===Music===
{{Main|Music of Denmark}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right; float:right; margin-left:1em"
|-
! align=center |]<br/><small>], Op. 43<br> 1st movement</small>
|-
| style="text-align:left; background:#dcdcdc;"| ]
|}

Copenhagen and its multiple outlying islands have a ]. The ] is among the world's oldest orchestras.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Royal Danish Orchestra|url=http://kglteater.dk/about-us/the-royal-danish-orchestra|publisher=The Royal Danish Theatre|accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> Denmark's most famous classical composer is ], especially remembered for his six symphonies and his ], while the ] specializes in the work of the Danish choreographer ]. Danes have distinguished themselves as ] musicians, and the ] has acquired an international reputation. The modern ] and rock scene has produced a few names of note, including ], ], ], ], ], ] and ], among ]. All together, ], the drummer of the band ], has become the first Danish musician to be inducted into the ].

More recently, in 2013 Denmark entered the ] and won with ]'s song "]". The ] was hosted in Copenhagen.<ref>{{cite web |title=Copenhagen announced as host city of Eurovision 2014 |url=http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=89733&_t=copenhagen_announced_as_host_city_of_eurovision_2014#comments |last=Siim |first=Jarmo |date=2 September 2013 |publisher=]|accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref>

===Architecture and design===
{{Main|Architecture of Denmark|Danish design}}
] in Copenhagen. An example of expressionist architecture.]]

Denmark's architecture became firmly established in the ] when first ], then ] churches and cathedrals sprang up throughout the country. From the 16th century, Dutch and Flemish designers were brought to Denmark, initially to improve the country's fortifications, but increasingly to build magnificent royal castles and palaces in the ] style.
During the 17th century, many impressive buildings were built in the ] style, both in the capital and the provinces. ] from France was slowly adopted by native Danish architects who increasingly participated in defining architectural style. A productive period of ] ultimately merged into the 19th-century ].<ref>{{Wayback |df=yes|date=20110719130528 |url=http://www.visitdenmark.com/irland/en-ie/menu/turist/inspiration/detkulturelledanmark/arkitektur/danish-architecture-an-overview.htm |title="Danish Architecture: An Overview" }}, ''Visit Denmark''. Retrieved 3 September 2011.</ref>

The 20th century brought along new architectural styles; including ], best exemplified by the designs of architect ], which relied heavily on Scandinavian brick Gothic traditions; and ], which enjoyed brief popularity in the early decades of the century. It was in the 1960s that Danish architects such as ] entered the world scene with their highly successful ]. This, in turn, has evolved into more recent world-class masterpieces including ]'s ] and ]'s ] in Paris, paving the way for a number of contemporary Danish designers such as ] to be rewarded for excellence both at home and abroad.<ref>{{Wayback |df=yes|date=20100206051248 |url=http://www.ambhanoi.um.dk/en/menu/InfoDenmark/Danish+Culture/Architecture/ |title="Architecture" }}, Embassy of Denmark, Hanoi. Retrieved 3 October 2011.</ref>

Danish design is a term often used to describe a style of ] design and architecture that was developed in the mid-20th century, originating in Denmark. Danish design is typically applied to industrial design, furniture and household objects, which have won many international awards.

The Danish Porcelain Factory ("]") is famous for the quality of its ceramics and export products worldwide. Danish design is also a well-known brand, often associated with world-famous, 20th-century designers and architects such as ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>, ''DDC''. Retrieved 4 September 2011.</ref>

Other designers of note include ] (1923–2003) in the area of industrial design, ] (1919–2008) for kitchen furniture and implements and ] (1903–1985) who had a classical approach to furniture design.

===Literature and philosophy===
{{Main|Danish literature|Danish philosophy}}
] (1836), by ]]]
The first known Danish literature is myths and ] from the 10th and 11th century. ], normally considered the first Danish writer, worked for bishop ] on a chronicle of ] ('']''). Very little is known of other Danish literature from the ]. With the ] came ] whose comedy plays are still being performed.

In the late 19th century, literature was seen as a way to influence society. Known as the ], this movement was championed by ], ] (awarded the ]) and ]. ] influenced the renowned writer and poet ], known for his stories and ]s, e.g. '']'', '']'' and '']''. In recent history ] was also awarded the ]. ] is famous for her novels and short stories. Other Danish writers of importance are ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].

Danish philosophy has a long tradition as part of ]. Perhaps the most influential Danish philosopher was ], the creator of ]. Kierkegaard had a few Danish followers, including ], who later in his life moved on to join the movement of ]. Among Kierkegaard's other followers include ] who was impressed with Kierkegaard's views on the individual, and ], who helped create ]. Another Danish philosopher of note is ], whose philosophy gave rise to a new form of non-aggressive nationalism in Denmark, and who is also influential for his theological and historical works.

===Painting and photography===
{{main|Danish art|Photography in Denmark}}
]]]

While Danish art was influenced over the centuries by trends in Germany and the Netherlands, the 15th- and 16th-century ], which can be seen in many of the country's older churches, are of particular interest as they were painted in a style typical of native Danish painters.<ref>. Retrieved 12 August 2009. Adopting the ] approach, they present many of the most popular stories from the ] and ]s.</ref>

The ], which began in the first half of the 19th century, was inspired by a new feeling of nationalism and romanticism, typified in the later previous century by ] ]. ] was not only a productive artist in his own right but taught at the ] where his students included notable painters such as ], ], ], ], and ].

In 1871, ] and ] visited ] in the far north of ] where they quickly built up one of Scandinavia's most successful ] specializing in ] and ] rather than in the traditional approach favoured by the Academy. Hosted by ] and his wife ], they were soon joined by ], ] and ]. All participated in painting the natural surroundings and local people.<ref> Retrieved 9 December 2008.</ref> Similar trends developed on Funen with the '']'' who included ], ] and ],<ref name=Funish>{{dead link|date=January 2014}}, ''Johannes Larsen Museet''. Retrieved 12 August 2011.</ref> and on the island of Bornholm with the ] including ], ] and ].<ref>{{dead link|date=January 2014}} Retrieved 10 December 2008.</ref>

Danish photography has developed from strong participation and interest in the very beginnings of the ] in 1839 to the success of a considerable number of ] in the world of ] today. Pioneers such as ] and ] paved the way for a rapidly growing profession during the last half of the 19th century while both artistic and press photographers made internationally recognised contributions. Today Danish photographers such as ] and ] are active both at home and abroad, participating in key exhibitions around the world.<ref>{{dead link|date=January 2014}}. Retrieved 28 January 2010.</ref>

Collections of modern art enjoy unusually attractive settings at the ] north of ] and at the North Jutland Art Museum in ]. Notable artists include the ] ], ] with his wild and colourful paintings,<ref>{{cite web|url=//web.archive.org/web/20101206040809/http://www.camdenartscentre.org/exhibitions/?id=100436|title=Tal R: The Sum. 2 May 2008 – 29 June 2008. Top Five Exhibitions, The Independent|publisher=Camden Arts Gallery |accessdate=31 October 2011}}</ref> ]'s space exhibitions<ref>. Retrieved 27 January 2010.</ref> and ]'s installations.<ref>. Retrieved 4 March 2010.</ref>

===Cuisine===
{{Main|Danish cuisine|New Danish cuisine}}
]
The ] of Denmark, like that of the other Nordic countries and of ], consists mainly of meat and fish. This stems from the country's agricultural past, its geography, and its climate of long, cold winters. With {{convert|145.9|kg|1|abbr=on}} of meat per person consumed in 2002, Denmark has the highest consumption of meat per person of any country in the world.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/datablog/2009/sep/02/meat-consumption-per-capita-climate-change |title=Meat consumption per capita |work=The Guardian |accessdate=10 May 2012 |first=Felicity |last=Brown |date=2 September 2009}}</ref>

The open sandwiches, known as '']'', which in their basic form are the usual fare for lunch, can be considered a national speciality when prepared and decorated with a variety of fine ingredients. Hot meals traditionally consist of ]s, such as '']'' (meat balls), or of more substantial meat and fish dishes such as '']'' (roast pork with crackling) or ''kogt torsk'' (poached cod) with mustard sauce and trimmings. In 2014, ] was voted the national dish of Denmark. Denmark is known for its ] and ] beers and for its ] and ] although imported wine is now gaining popularity.

Danish chefs, inspired by continental practices, have in recent years developed an innovative series of ] dishes based on high-quality local produce. As a result, Copenhagen and the provinces now have a considerable number of highly acclaimed restaurants of which several have been awarded ]. In 2015, Michelin Guide has awarded 18 stars to 15 restaurants in Copenhagen, most notable ones are noma, Geranium and AOC.<ref>http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/gastronomy/michelin-starred-restaurants</ref> restaurant ] has been ranked best restaurant in the world by ] in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014.

===Sports===
{{Main|Sport in Denmark}}
], named the best Danish player of all time by the Danish Football Association.]]
<!--Keep this section SHORT and concise. Before listing players or awards consider whether they would be better placed in the main article-->

Sports are popular in Denmark, and its citizens participate in and watch a wide variety. The ] is ] (soccer), with over 320,000 players in more than 1600 ]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=DIF specialforbunds medlems|url=http://public.tableausoftware.com/profile/#!/vizhome/DIFidraettenital2013-dif_dk/DIFmedl-foren-tal|publisher=Danmarks Idrætsforbund|accessdate=15 June 2014|language=Danish|year=2013}}</ref> Denmark qualified six times consecutively for the ] between 1984 and 2004, and won the ]; other significant achievements include winning the Confederations Cup in 1995 and reaching the quarter-final of the 1998 World Cup. Notable Danish footballers include ], named the best player in Europe in ], ], named the "World's Best Goalkeeper" in 1992 and 1993, and ], named the best Danish player of all time by the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Laudrup bedste spiller gennem tiderne |publisher=DBU |date=13 November 2006 |url= http://www.dbu.dk/news/newsShow.aspx?id=235647 |accessdate=18 November 2012}}</ref>

There is much focus on ], too. The ] celebrated great successes during the 1990s. On the ], Denmark has won eight medals—two gold (in 2008 and 2012), three silver (in 2011, 2013 and 2014) and three bronze (in 2002, 2004 and 2006)—the most that have been won by any team in ] history.<ref>{{cite web|title=National Team rankings|url=http://www.eurohandball.com/2013/article/011996|work=EHF|publisher=European Handball Federation|accessdate=13 May 2014}}</ref>

In recent years, Denmark has made a mark as a strong ] nation, with ] reaching ] status in the ] in 2005 and 2006. Other popular sports include golf—which is mostly popular among those in the older demographic;<ref>{{Wayback |df=yes|date=20070716195104 |url=http://www.dif.dk/OmDIF/Forside/Idraetten%20i%20tal/medlemstal.aspx |title=Om DIF – Medlemstal }} {{Link language|da}}, ''The National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark''</ref> ]—in which Denmark is successful on a professional level; rugby—the ] dates back to 1950;<ref>Bath, Richard (ed.) ''The Complete Book of Rugby'' (Seven Oaks Ltd, 1997 ISBN 1-86200-013-1) p66. Archived from July 2007 and Retrieved June 2012.</ref> rowing—Denmark specialize in light-weight rowing and are particularly known for their light-weight coxless four, having won six gold and two silver World Championship medals and three gold and two bronze ] medals; and several indoor sports—especially badminton, ] and gymnastics, in each of which Denmark holds World Championships and ]. Denmark's numerous beaches and resorts are popular locations for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and many other water-themed sports.

==See also==
* ]
* ]
{{Portal bar|Denmark|Faroe Islands|Greenland|European Union|Europe|Geography}}

==Notes==
{{reflist|group="N"|30em}}


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Citations broken|date=August 2015}}
{{Reflist|30em}}

;Bibliography
*{{da icon}} Busck, Steen and Poulsen, Henning (ed.), "Danmarks historie&nbsp; – i grundtræk", Aarhus Universitetsforlag, 2002, ISBN 87-7288-941-1
*{{Cite book|last1=Gammelgaard |first1=Frederik |last2=Sørensen |first2=Niels
|year=1998
|title=Danmark – en demokratisk stat
|publisher=Alinea
|isbn=87-23-00280-8|ref=harv|language=da}}
*{{Cite book|last=Jørgensen |first=Gitte
|year=1995
|title=Sådan styres Danmark
|publisher=Flachs
|isbn=87-7826-031-0|ref=harv|language=da}}
*{{da icon}} Michaelsen, Karsten Kjer, "Politikens bog om Danmarks oldtid", Politikens Forlag (1. bogklubudgave), 2002, ISBN 87-00-69328-6
*{{sv icon}} Nationalencyklopedin, vol. 4, Bokförlaget Bra Böcker, 2000, ISBN 91-7024-619-X.


==External links== ==External links==
{{commonscat|Peter Nguyen Van Hung}}
{{Sister project links|Denmark|b=no|q=no|v=no|voy=Denmark}}
*
*
*{{CIA World Factbook link|da|Denmark}}
* entry at '']''.
* at ''Denmark.net''.
* at ''UCB Libraries GovPubs''.
*{{dmoz|Regional/Europe/Denmark}}
* from the ].
* at ''VisitDenmark''.
* from ].


{{PERSONDATA
;Government
|NAME = Nguyen Van Hung, Peter
*
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Nguyễn Văn Hùng (birth name)
* from ''Statistikbanken''.
|SHORT DESCRIPTION = Taiwan-based Vietnamese Roman Catholic priest and activist

|DATE OF BIRTH = November 21, 1958
;Maps
|PLACE OF BIRTH =
*{{wikiatlas|Denmark}}
|DATE OF DEATH =
*{{osmrelation-inline|50046}}
|PLACE OF DEATH =
* at the ].
;Trade
*
; News and media
*
*
*{{da icon}}
*{{sv icon}} {{en icon}}
*{{Wayback |df=yes|date=20060208174808 |url=http://olddenmark.dk/ |title=Old Denmark in Cyberspace – Information about Denmark – the Danes }}

;Other
* – library of scientific information on the Nordic and Baltic countries.

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Revision as of 17:23, 27 August 2015

For other people named Peter Nguyen, see Peter Nguyen. For other people named Nguyen Van Hung, see Nguyen Van Hung.
File:Phêrô Nguyễn Văn Hùng.jpg
Peter Nguyen Van Hung

Father Peter Nguyen Van Hung (chữ Hán: 阮文雄; born November 21, 1958) is a Vietnamese Australian Roman Catholic priest and human rights activist in Taiwan. He was recognised by the United States Department of State as a "hero acting to end modern day slavery".

Early life

Peter Nguyen Van Hung grew up in a lower middle class family outside of Bình Tuy Province, South Vietnam, with two brothers and five sisters; his father was a fisherman, but died after a long battle with illness, forcing his mother, a devout Catholic with roots in the country's north, to become the family's main breadwinner. Peter Nguyen Van Hung himself absorbed his mother's faith and devotion. He was an admirer of Saint Francis of Assisi, and reportedly stole food from his own family to feed to the poor.

He left Vietnam in 1979 on an overcrowded boat; rescued by a Norwegian ship after just 36 hours and taken to Japan, he joined the Missionary Society of St. Columban upon his arrival.

He lived in Japan for three years, studying and taking a variety of jobs to support himself, including as a highway repairman, steel factory worker, and gravedigger. He first came to Taiwan in 1988 as a missionary, after which he went to Sydney, New South Wales, Australia to study at a seminary. He was ordained in 1991 and returned to Taiwan the following year (in 1992).

Work in Taiwan

Peter Nguyen Van Hung established the Vietnamese Migrant Workers and Brides Office in Taoyuan County (now Taoyuan City) in 2004 to offer assistance to Vietnamese immigrants in Taiwan. Vietnamese American radio station Little Saigon Radio and others helped him to rent the second floor of a grammar school; two seventy square foot rooms offer sleeping space, while two others are used for office space. They provide Mandarin classes, room and board, and legal assistance.

Peter Nguyen Van Hung's exposure of abuses against foreign laborers and brides led the United States Department of State to list Taiwan as a "Tier 2" region alongside countries such as Cambodia due to their lack of effort in combating human trafficking, which proved a major international embarrassment for the island's government. His work has also made him the target of intimidation in Taiwan.

References

  1. Heroes Acting To End Modern-Day Slavery
  2. ^ Where there's darkness …

External links

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