Denmark, known officially as the Kingdom of Denmark, is a country that occupies the Jutland Peninsula and an archipelago of over 400 islands situated in Northern Europe. It is the southernmost of the Scandinavian nations, with borders adjacent to Sweden to the northeast, Norway to the north, and Germany to the south. The autonomous territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands are also part of the Danish Realm. Metropolitan Denmark’s coordinates are 56°N 10°E, with a total area of 42,943 square kilometers, making it the 130th largest country in the world.
Topography and Climate
Denmark’s topography is distinguished by flat, arable land, sandy coasts, and low elevation, with the highest natural point being Møllehøj at 170.86 meters. The country is renowned for its scenic coastline which measures 7,314 kilometers and is home to numerous beaches, cliffs, and coves. The Danish landscape is also marked by a significant number of freshwater lakes and rivers, with Lake Arresø being the largest lake, and the Elbe and the Gudenå being prominent rivers.
Denmark experiences a temperate climate and is known for its moderate winters and cool summers. The country’s environment is conducive to agriculture, forestry, and renewable energy production, which are integral to its economy and way of life.
Population
As of early 2023, Denmark’s estimated population was approximately 5.94 million people, positioned as the 112th most populous country globally. Copenhagen, the capital city, is the largest urban area, with a population of around 800,000 in the city proper and 2 million in the greater metropolitan area.
The ethnic composition predominantly comprises Danish nationals, including those from the Faroe Islands and Greenland. The 2020 statistics indicate that 86.11% of the population is Danish, with the remainder belonging to various ethnic backgrounds, including a significant number of immigrants from other European countries and the Middle East. Danish is the official language, and German is recognized as a minority language, especially in the region of Southern Jutland.