What You Need to Know About Denmark
The Kingdom of Denmark comprises of Denmark as well as the Faroe Islands and Greenland, which were granted self-government in 1948 and 1979 respectively. Denmark is located at the southern most of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. The country consists of a large peninsula, Jutland and many islands known as the Danish Archipelago.
Copenhagen as the capital city
Its capital city is Copenhagen. It is a major regional centre of various sectors including culture, business, media and science. Information technology, shipping, research and development play major roles in the city’s economy. It is also one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities.
Denmark was the first European country to abolish slavery
It was the first country to ban slavery through legislation in 1972. It took effect only on 1st January 1803.
The ‘Dannebrog’ is the oldest national flag in the world
The red and white flag which has a cross design, which represents Christianity, was adopted by various countries – Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Legend has it that during the Battle of Lyndanisse, also known as the Battle of Valdemar, the flag fell from heaven onto the hands of the king. He waved it in front of his troops, giving them hope and leading them to victory when the battle was going badly.
The average tax rate in Denmark is 49%
The high rate of tax imposed means that citizens enjoy extensive securities. They are supported in times of sickness, unemployment, old age, childbirth and childcare. The taxes finance a list of welfare services – kindergartens, education, medical aid and hospitals.
Denmark is the fifth largest exporter of food in the world
Denmark’s main food export was grain to the United Kingdom in the 19th century. As it was outcompeted but the USA and Russia, it began to export pigs and butter from dairy herds. Its export rose when Danish imports were welcomed in the UK during the Industrial Revolution.
Denmark came up with Lego
The famous building blocks Lego (means play-well) was initiated from Denmark. The Lego Group began in the workshops of Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter who began making wooden toys in 1932. The group has released multiple play themes such as town and city, space, robots, pirates, trains, Vikings, castle, dinosaurs, undersea exploration and wild west, just to name a few.
Carlsberg and Tuborg are two of the most famous Danish beer brands
Denmark produces two of the world’s famous beer brands, Carlsberg and Tuborg. Calsberg acquired Tuborg in 1970, leaving it total monopoly of Danish beer.
There are more than 400 islands in Denmark
The number of islands changes every few years when small islands are created or eradicated by nature. About 70 of them are inhabited. Zealand is Denmark’s largest island. Among other islands are Bornholm Island, The Faroe Islands and Elleore Island.