Where is Denmark? The capital, state language, population and currency of Denmark

Russians basically can very roughly answer the question of where Denmark is. And the details about everyday life, culture, and state structure are generally known to the units. And meanwhile, Denmark is a country with a very interesting history, developed economy and a special way of life.

Geographical position

So where is Denmark? In the very north of Europe, in Scandinavia. The borders of the country are washed by the waters of the North and Baltic seas. By land, it adjoins Germany, on the water - with Norway and Sweden. The area of the country together with the water expanses is 700 thousand square meters. Km. The land occupies only 42 thousand square meters. Km. The coastline of the country is 7300 km. Numerous islands of Denmark are counted here as well. Formally, Greenland is part of the country, but it has its own management, which makes it independent. The peculiarity of the state is that it owns a large number of islands (about 400), 80 of which are inhabited. The largest island is Zealand. Many island parts are so close to each other that they are connected by bridges.

Denmark as a whole extends to the plains, only in the center of the Jutland peninsula there are small ridges of hills. The highest point of the country is 170 meters above sea level (Molleha hill), and the average height of the territories is about 30 meters. The coast of Denmark is distinguished by an intricate, fjord-cut form.

The country is very rich in water resources, about a dozen rivers flow here, the longest of which is Gudeno. 60% of Denmark's land is suitable for agriculture. During the rapid population of the country, natural forests were almost destroyed, and today the state spends a lot of resources for their restoration. Annually here plant oaks and beeches about 3 thousand hectares. The country is actively developing existing oil, limestone, natural gas, salt, chalk, sand, gravel deposits on its territory.

History of the country

In those places where Denmark is today, the first people appeared about 10 thousand years ago. They came from more southern territories after the retreating glacier. A stable culture of fairly high development was formed here in the 2nd millennium BC. At the beginning of a new era in the north of Europe lived the tribes of the Dans, who actively conquered the lands south of Jutland and in England. The genes of tribes living on the territory of modern Denmark, have become one of the significant components in the formation of the English ethnos. In the Middle Ages, the Danish Viking tribes became famous for their militancy. They successfully seized the land in the region of the River Seine and created the duchy of Normandy there. Success was accompanied by them and in the conquest of the English territories. In the 10-11 century, England was almost completely subordinate to the Danish king Knud the Second and paid him tribute. In the 11th century, the territory of Denmark was very large, it included parts of modern Norway, Germany, Sweden. But later serious internal disagreements arose between the ruling forces and the clergy. The 13th century was a time of protracted civil wars, but Kings Valdemar Fourth, Erik Copenhagen, Christian First and Queen Margrethe actively suppressed internal resistance and conquered new lands. Until the 15th century Denmark strengthened its positions in Europe, in the 16th century Protestantism penetrated the country and became the state religion. In the 16th century there was a rapid development of Danish culture.

At the same time, throughout its history, the country has participated almost non-stop in various wars, in the North of Europe the struggle for territories was actively going on, different peoples that are part of the state periodically raised uprisings, and there were systemic conflicts between the people and the aristocracy. In the 18th and 19th century, serious social and political changes were taking place in the country, monarchs were trying to reduce the influence of the church and give the people a chance to live better. There is also a strong external pressure, especially with Sweden. At the beginning of the 19th century, Denmark became a constitutional monarchy, after which the "golden" century began, many outstanding scientists, artists, philosophers work here. However, in the second half of the 19th century, new times are approaching, after the war with Prussia, Denmark is losing a large number of lands. The beginning of the 20th century is marked by internal political struggle, a multi-party system is being established in the country, socialist sentiments are growing. In 1936, Denmark concluded a treaty of non-aggression with Germany, but still in 1940 the Germans occupied the country. Liberation came along with the British army in 1945. For several decades the country negotiated for membership in the European Union and in 1996 became a full member of the Schengen agreement.

Climate

The climate zone, where Denmark is located, is under the influence of the warm current of the Gulf Stream. The country has a mild marine climate with a very high amount of precipitation. On average, 600 to 800 mm of precipitation falls in Denmark every year. The rainiest season is autumn. In the country there is a cool short summer and a damp, mild winter. On average, the thermometer rises to 18 degrees in summer, and in winter it is held in the vicinity of zero. The snow cover in Denmark lasts no more than 3 weeks a year. The best time to visit Denmark is from May to September, but then you need to be prepared for the fact that at any time it will rain.

Administrative-territorial division

Since 2007, Denmark, on the map of which five territorial units are allocated, has refused to divide its territory into communes, as it was before. Now the country is divided into five districts, in their turn, cities and communes are allocated. Traditionally, the Danes themselves divide their country into 4 large parts: South, Central and Northern Denmark and Zealand, the metropolitan region is kept apart. Each district and city has its elected bodies - representative councils. Greenland and the Faroe Islands are endowed with a special status and are autonomous units, with their own laws and administration.

The capital of Denmark

The largest city of the country and its capital - Copenhagen - is on the islands of Zealand, Amager, Slotsholmen. Its history dates back to the 12th century. At that time, Denmark on the map of Europe was quite a significant state and over time it only gained strength, like its capital. Today Copenhagen is the safest metropolis in Europe. In the city there are 569 thousand people, and if you count the whole agglomeration - then more than 1.1 million. The density of population in the capital is very high - about 6.2 thousand people per square meter. Km. But this does not have a negative impact on the quality of life. The city is very comfortable for living, in its 10 districts and four suburban areas created very favorable conditions for living. Copenhagen is rich in sights and museums, but most visitors are struck by the absolutely pacifying atmosphere of the city. It's nice to walk around, viewing architectural monuments and breathing fresh air from the sea.

Government structure

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. Officially, the head of Denmark is the king, today is Queen Margaret, she runs the country together with the parliament, the government and the prime minister. On the queen mainly represent functions, she heads the armed forces, takes parades, meets foreign guests. All the main tasks of the executive power lie on the Prime Minister, he is subordinated to the heads of the districts of the country. A multi-party system has been established in Denmark , trade unions represent a significant political force.

National currency

Despite the fact that Denmark is a member of the European Union, the country has its own monetary unit - the Danish krone. In one crown is the 100th era. Modern banknotes of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 kroons were issued in 1997. Since 2009, new series of banknotes have been issued. The financial center of Denmark is Copenhagen, in which the country's mint issues all the bills and coins. Here is the largest stock exchange in Northern Europe.

Population

Today, 5.7 million people live in Denmark, the number of men and women is almost the same, the difference is 1 percent in favor of women. The density of the population of Denmark is 133 people per square meter. M. The favorable economic situation and stability in the country contribute to the fact that the annual population increases by about 20 thousand people, the mortality rate is slightly behind the birth rate. About 65% of the country's inhabitants belong to the working age, this contributes to the economic well-being of the state. The average life expectancy in Denmark is 78.6 years, which is 7 years higher than the global average. The migration crisis that has engulfed Europe today, almost did not affect Denmark, although the number of visitors is about 20 thousand people a year. But the government imposes serious demands on migrants, so while the flow can be restrained.

Language and religion

The officially recognized state language of Denmark is Danish. About 96% of the population speaks it. The Danish language came from the Common Scandinavian language, but during the period of autonomous development it acquired unique features, so understanding among the inhabitants of different countries of northern Europe would be difficult if they did not communicate in English. Also in circulation at some part of the inhabitants German, Greenlandic and Faroese languages. In addition, 86% of the population speak English, 58% - German, 12% - French.

The official religion of the country is the Lutheran Church of the Danish people, according to the constitution the monarch must profess this religion. And although the Danes are not very religious, 81% of the population says that they profess the state religion, that is, they are parishioners of the church. According to the constitution, freedom of religion is guaranteed in Denmark and there are Muslim, Buddhist and Jewish communities in the country.

Economy

Denmark is a country with a well-developed economy, inflation is only 2.4%, the budget surplus is estimated at 400 billion dollars. The country's economy is one of the most stable in Europe. Presence of own oil and gas deposits allowed the country to avoid dependence on world energy prices. Denmark is characterized by highly efficient and technologically advanced agriculture. The leading industry is meat and dairy production. But also cultivation of potatoes, wheat, vegetables of daily demand, sugar beet is developed. The cooperative form of management creates about 80% of all agricultural products of the country. Therefore, consumer prices in Denmark are low at a fairly high average wage. The country is distinguished by a high level of development of modern technologies, at one time the state made a breakthrough in industrialization and today it is bearing fruit. Modern enterprises of metallurgical, light, chemical industry, as well as mechanical engineering create high-quality and competitive goods. About 40% of the national income is provided by industry. Also, the service market is actively growing and developing.

Culture

Denmark is a country with a rich cultural heritage, which is carefully preserved and promoted here. At one time the state language of Denmark became the unifying principle of the country and literature played an important role in this. The most famous Danish writer is G.-H. Andersen, although there are a lot of other important authors, for example, Peter Heg and his novel "Smily's Snowy Feeling". Denmark is a country of castles and architectural monuments of different historical epochs, only about 600 world-level monuments. About Denmark made her contribution to the development of world cinema, director Lars von Trier forever introduced her name into the history of cinema.

Quality and features of life

The Danes are an industrious and quiet people. Due to the fact that they always had to fight for existence with nature and external forces, and also partly Protestantism, a special type of character was formed in the nation. Danes do a lot and work hard, they are used to a stable income, but they have little inherent in excessive consumption. This is a very practical people. Therefore, life in Denmark is quite comfortable. There are no strong social unrest, because the government pays much attention to the social protection of the population. Denmark ranks fifth in the world in assessing the quality of life index. And it says a lot.