GENERAL
Official name of the state
Kingdom of Denmark.
Capital
Copenhagen (København).
Geography
As a country located in Europe according to neovideogames, Denmark, the smallest Scandinavian country, consists of the Jutland peninsula and around 500 islands of various sizes. The inhabited islands are connected to the mainland by bridges or ferries. Denmark borders Germany in the south. The landscape consists of fertile plains, heathland, birch forests, small lakes and fjords.
Greenland and the Faroe Islands are under the sovereignty of the Danish royal family, but have their own administration. The Faroe Islands (“Sheep Islands”) consist of 18 inhabited and 6 uninhabited islands in the North Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland with 48,354 inhabitants (2014). The main attractions are the beautiful nature and the rich bird life. Direct flights connect the capital Thórshavn with Copenhagen and Billund. The Faroe Islands and Greenland are represented by the Danish Tourist Office.
Government
Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary-democratic system of government since 1953. Constitution of 1953. One-chamber parliament (Folketing) with 179 members (2 representatives each from Greenland and the Faroe Islands). Election every 4 years. Denmark is a member of the EU.
Head of state
Queen Margrethe II, since 1972.
Head of government
Lars Løkke Rasmussen, since June 2015.
Electricity
220 V, 50 Hz. Flat Euro plugs are compatible, an adapter is required for Schuko plugs.
Time zone
Central European Time: CET +2 (CET +3 from March 26 to October 29, 2017)
CULINARY
Regional specialities
Many Danes eat Smørrebrød at lunchtime – sandwiches with sausage, fish or cheese and lavishly garnished, which are eaten with a knife and fork. Cold buffet (Koldt board) with self-service is offered in numerous restaurants. There is often a large selection of fish and meat, sausage and cheese, salads, hot dishes and desserts. You eat the different courses one after the other. For breakfast there is tea or coffee, different types of bread, rolls, jam, cheese, sausage and boiled eggs.
useful information
The Danish Hotel and Restaurant Association identifies restaurants that pay special attention to the needs of diabetics. The sign shows a chef’s hat around which the phrase ‘ Diabetes mad – sund mad for alle ‘ (‘Diabetic food – healthy food for everyone’) is written.
Tip
The tip is already included in the bills of the hotels and restaurants, as well as in taxi fees. Porters and staff in public toilets expect a tip.
Regional drinks
Danish breweries such as Carlsberg and Tuborg produce numerous types of beer (Øl). Another national drink is Akvavit (Aquavit), also called Snaps. Aquavit is served ice cold and drunk with cold meals with beer; however, as everywhere in Scandinavia, alcohol is expensive.
Minimum age for consuming alcoholic beverages
In Denmark you can drink beer and wine from the age of 16 and spirits from the age of 18.
CULTURE
Religion
95% Evangelical Lutheran; there is a small Catholic and Muslim minority; approx. 3000 Jews.
Social rules of conduct
General: The national flag and the royal family are highly valued.
Manners: The Danes are very respectful of one another. You shake hands when you first get to know each other and only again when you haven’t seen each other for a long time. One speaks with the first name and you. Only people over 75 and the queen, who may only be used if she offers it, are approved. Danes say thank you very often.
Invitations: Many Danes take off their shoes before entering an apartment. Guests should only drink after the host raises their glass – “Cheers” means Skål. After dinner, Danes thank the cook with Tak for mad.
Clothing: Casual clothing is accepted everywhere, evening wear is only expected on special occasions and in exclusive hotels and restaurants.
Photographing: People should be asked before photographing them. The residents of the free city of Christiania expressly forbid photography.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all publicly accessible facilities and means of transport, in all public service workplaces and in all larger restaurants and bars. Most of the time, however, there are separate smoking cabins. Smoking is prohibited in pubs larger than one hundred square meters. Only operators of small pubs can decide for themselves whether they want to allow smoking or not. Many hotels offer smoking rooms.
Tipping: Tipping is not very common in Denmark. It is usually already included in the invoice. But it can be given if the service is very satisfied.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
The mostly moderately warm summer lasts from June to August. Mild winters (December – March). February is the coldest month, spring and autumn are mild. The warmest weather in Denmark is from the spring month of April to autumn until mid-October.
Due to its location on the Gulf Stream, the climate of the Faroe Islands is relatively mild, the winters are warm, but there is a lot of wind all year round. The autumn months and the west are the rainiest. The summer months are cool with little sunshine but the lowest rainfall.
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +45 Area (sqkm) 43098 Population 5581503 Population density (per sqkm) 130 Population in 2015 Member of the EU Yes main emergency number 112