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Location
Northwest Europe.
Time
Mainland: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Faroe Islands and Torshavn: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Faroe Islands and Torshavn: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Area
43,098 sq km (16,640 sq miles).
Population
5.5 million (official estimate 2007).
Population Density
127 per sq km.
Capital
Copenhagen. Population: 1.2 million, metropolitan area (2007).
Geography
Denmark is the smallest Scandinavian country, consisting of the Jutland peninsula, north of Germany, and over 400 islands of various sizes, some inhabited and linked to the mainland by ferry or bridge. The landscape consists mainly of low-lying, fertile countryside broken by beech woods, small lakes and fjords. Greenland and the Faroe Islands are also under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark, although both have home rule. The Faroe Islands is a group of 18 islands in the North Atlantic inhabited by a population of 46,962 (2005), whose history dates back to the Viking period. Fishing and sheep farming are the two most important occupations. Tórshavn, population 19,282 (2004), the capital of the Faroes, is served by direct flights from Copenhagen. During the summer months, there are direct flights from Aberdeen and Glasgow, plus a ferry connection from Lerwick.
EU
Member since 1973.
Government
Constitutional monarchy.
Head of State
Queen Margrethe II since 1972.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen since 2001.
Recent History
The dominant issue in Danish politics during the 1990s was relations with the European Union, which Denmark joined in 1973. Along with the UK, Denmark is one of the continent's most ‘Eurosceptic' nations, as became apparent when a 1992 referendum rejected Danish acceptance of the Maastricht Treaty on the future development of the EU. (A repeat plebiscite the following year secured a narrow victory.)
Since then, Denmark has decided to stay out of the first wave of countries joining the single European currency. The government, which generally favours membership, made another unsuccessful attempt to persuade the public prior to a referendum held in September 2000.
Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, leader of the Liberal party Ventre, was re-elected for a third consecutive term in 2007, and continues to lead a Liberal/Conservative coalition. In 2006, Denmark was at the centre of worldwide controversy when cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed sparked violent protests in some countries.
Since then, Denmark has decided to stay out of the first wave of countries joining the single European currency. The government, which generally favours membership, made another unsuccessful attempt to persuade the public prior to a referendum held in September 2000.
Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, leader of the Liberal party Ventre, was re-elected for a third consecutive term in 2007, and continues to lead a Liberal/Conservative coalition. In 2006, Denmark was at the centre of worldwide controversy when cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed sparked violent protests in some countries.
Language
The official language is Danish. Many Danes also speak English, German or French.
Religion
Predominantly Evangelical Lutheran with small Roman Catholic and Muslim minorities.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Continental two-pin plugs are standard. On many campsites, 110-volt power plugs are also available.
Social Conventions
Normal courtesies should be observed. Guests should refrain from drinking until the host toasts his or her health. Casual dress is suitable for most places but formal wear is required at more exclusive dining rooms and social functions. Smoking is restricted on public transport and in some public buildings.
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