
Denmark
EuropeDA January 08, 2026




Background
Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is part of the general political and economic integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973. The country has opted out of certain elements of the EU's Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic and Monetary Union and justice and home affairs issues. a 2022 referendum resulted in the removal of Denmark's 30-year opt-out on defense issues, now allowing Denmark to participate fully in the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy.
Geographic coordinates
56 00 N, 10 00 E
Natural hazards
flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g., parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland) that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes
Area - comparative
slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts; about two-thirds the size of West Virginia
Environmental issues
air pollution, principally from vehicle and power-plant emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea; water pollution from animal wastes and pesticides
International environmental agreements
Party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
Signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protection
Signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protection
Climate
temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers
Coastline
7,314 km
Land boundaries
Total: 141 km
Border countries (2): Germany 140 km; Canada 1.3 km
Border countries (2): Germany 140 km; Canada 1.3 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 65.5% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 59.1% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.7% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 5.6% (2023 est.)
Forest: 16% (2023 est.)
Other: 18.5% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 59.1% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.7% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 5.6% (2023 est.)
Forest: 16% (2023 est.)
Other: 18.5% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Contiguous zone: 24 nm
Exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, fish, arable land, salt, limestone, chalk, stone, gravel and sand
Geography - note
composed of the Jutland Peninsula and a group of more than 400 islands (Danish Archipelago); controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in greater Copenhagen
Terrain
low and flat to gently rolling plains
Location
Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes several major islands (Sjaelland, Fyn, and Bornholm)
Map references
Europe
Irrigated land
2,420 sq km (2022)
Total renewable water resources
6 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
population centers tend to be along coastal areas, particularly in Copenhagen and the eastern side of the country's mainland
Elevation
Highest point: Store Mollehoj 171 m
Lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m
Mean elevation: 34 m
Lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m
Mean elevation: 34 m
Area
Total : 43,094 sq km
Land: 42,434 sq km
Water: 660 sq km
Note: Includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major islands of Sjaelland and Fyn) but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland
Land: 42,434 sq km
Water: 660 sq km
Note: Includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major islands of Sjaelland and Fyn) but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland
Age structure
0-14 years: 16.2% (male 496,793/female 471,018)
15-64 years: 62.9% (male 1,903,315/female 1,856,615)
65 years and over: 20.8% (2024 est.) (male 575,153/female 670,242)
15-64 years: 62.9% (male 1,903,315/female 1,856,615)
65 years and over: 20.8% (2024 est.) (male 575,153/female 670,242)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Dane(s)
Adjective: Danish
Adjective: Danish
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 18 years (2023 est.)
Male: 18 years (2023 est.)
Female: 19 years (2023 est.)
Male: 18 years (2023 est.)
Female: 19 years (2023 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 88.5% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 0.54% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 0.54% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
1.381 million COPENHAGEN (capital) (2023)
Physician density
7.24 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Hospital bed density
2.5 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
29.8 years (2020 est.)
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 57.2 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 24.7 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 32.5 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 24.7 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 32.5 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Danish (includes Greenlandic (who are predominantly Inuit) and Faroese) 84.2%, Turkish 1.1%, other 14.7% (largest groups are Polish, Romanian, Syrian, Ukrainian, German, and Iraqi) (2023 est.)
Note: Data represent population by country of origin
Note: Data represent population by country of origin
Religions
Evangelical Lutheran (official) 71.4%, Muslim 4.3%, other/none/unspecified (denominations include Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Serbian Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Baptist, Buddhist, Church of Jesus Christ, Pentecostal, and nondenominational Christian) 24.3% (2024 est.)
Languages
Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority); note - English is the predominant second language
Major-language sample(s):
Verdens Faktabog, den uundværlig kilde til grundlæggende oplysninger. (Danish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Major-language sample(s):
Verdens Faktabog, den uundværlig kilde til grundlæggende oplysninger. (Danish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Health expenditure
9.5% of GDP (2022)
17.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
17.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.73 (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
54.3% (2024 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 18: 0.7% (2021)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 12.1% (2024 est.)
Male: 12.3% (2024 est.)
Female: 11.9% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 12.3% (2024 est.)
Female: 11.9% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
7.12 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
Total: 42.2 years (2025 est.)
Male: 41 years
Female: 43.4 years
Male: 41 years
Female: 43.4 years
Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.5 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Population
Total: 5,973,136 (2024 est.)
Male: 2,975,261
Female: 2,997,875
Male: 2,975,261
Female: 2,997,875
Infant mortality rate
Total: 3.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Male: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 2.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 2.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 14.3% (2025 est.)
Male: 14.4% (2025 est.)
Female: 14.3% (2025 est.)
Male: 14.4% (2025 est.)
Female: 14.3% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
19.7% (2016)
Death rate
10.56 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Birth rate
9.81 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 9.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 3.42 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 4.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 3.42 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 4.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 82.1 years (2024 est.)
Male: 80.2 years
Female: 84.1 years
Male: 80.2 years
Female: 84.1 years
Education expenditure
6.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
14.2% national budget (2022 est.)
14.2% national budget (2022 est.)
Population growth rate
0.64% (2025 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 382.787 million cubic meters (2022)
Industrial: 45.076 million cubic meters (2022)
Agricultural: 506.487 million cubic meters (2022)
Industrial: 45.076 million cubic meters (2022)
Agricultural: 506.487 million cubic meters (2022)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.911 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 35.4% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 35.4% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
10.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
29.915 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 2.54 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 22.535 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 4.841 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 2.54 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 22.535 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 4.841 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
98.513 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth A. HOWERY (since 5 November 2025)
Embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Kobenhavn 0
Mailing address: 5280 Copenhagen Place, Washington DC 20521-5280
Telephone: [45] 33-41-71-00
FAX: [45] 35-43-02-23
Email address and website:
CopenhagenACS@state.gov
https://dk.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Kobenhavn 0
Mailing address: 5280 Copenhagen Place, Washington DC 20521-5280
Telephone: [45] 33-41-71-00
FAX: [45] 35-43-02-23
Email address and website:
CopenhagenACS@state.gov
https://dk.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
metropolitan Denmark - 5 regions (regioner, singular - region); Hovedstaden (Capital), Midtjylland (Central Jutland), Nordjylland (North Jutland), Sjaelland (Zealand), Syddanmark (Southern Denmark)
Capital
Name: Copenhagen
Geographic coordinates: 55 40 N, 12 35 E
Time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October; note - applies to continental Denmark only, not to its North Atlantic components
Etymology: Name derives from the Danish words køber (merchant or buyer) and havn (harbor or port)
Geographic coordinates: 55 40 N, 12 35 E
Time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October; note - applies to continental Denmark only, not to its North Atlantic components
Etymology: Name derives from the Danish words køber (merchant or buyer) and havn (harbor or port)
Constitution
History: Several previous; latest adopted 5 June 1953
Amendment process: Proposed by the Folketing (Parliament) with consent of the government; passage requires approval by the next Folketing following a general election, approval by simple majority vote of at least 40% of voters in a referendum, and assent of the chief of state
Amendment process: Proposed by the Folketing (Parliament) with consent of the government; passage requires approval by the next Folketing following a general election, approval by simple majority vote of at least 40% of voters in a referendum, and assent of the chief of state
Executive branch
Chief of state: King FREDERIK X (since 14 January 2024)
Head of government: Prime Minister Mette FREDERIKSEN (since 27 June 2019)
Cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch
Election/appointment process: The monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the monarch usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister
Note: Queen MARGRETHE II abdicated on 14 January 2024, the first Danish monarch to voluntarily abdicate since King ERIC III in 1146
Head of government: Prime Minister Mette FREDERIKSEN (since 27 June 2019)
Cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch
Election/appointment process: The monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the monarch usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister
Note: Queen MARGRETHE II abdicated on 14 January 2024, the first Danish monarch to voluntarily abdicate since King ERIC III in 1146
Flag
Description: Red field with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the left
History: Referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world; the origin of the design is unclear; one legend says that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th-century battle and inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner
Note: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands subsequently adopted the shifted-cross design
History: Referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world; the origin of the design is unclear; one legend says that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th-century battle and inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner
Note: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands subsequently adopted the shifted-cross design
Independence
ca. 965 (unified and Christianized under Harald I GORMSSON); 5 June 1849 (became a parliamentary constitutional monarchy)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the court president and 18 judges)
Judge selection and term of office: Judges appointed by the monarch upon the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, with the advice of the Judicial Appointments Council, a 6-member independent body of judges and lawyers; judges appointed for life with retirement at age 70
Subordinate courts: Special Court of Indictment and Revision; 2 High Courts; Maritime and Commercial Court; county courts
Judge selection and term of office: Judges appointed by the monarch upon the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, with the advice of the Judicial Appointments Council, a 6-member independent body of judges and lawyers; judges appointed for life with retirement at age 70
Subordinate courts: Special Court of Indictment and Revision; 2 High Courts; Maritime and Commercial Court; county courts
Legal system
civil law; judicial review of legislative acts
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Parliament (Folketinget)
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Chamber name: The Danish Parliament (Folketinget)
Number of seats: 179 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 11/1/2022
Parties elected and seats per party: Social Democratic Party (50); Liberal Party (Venstre) (23); Moderates (M) (16); Socialist People's Party (SF) (15); Danish Democrats (Æ) (14); Liberal Alliance (14); Conservative People's Party (10); Unity List-Red-Green Alliance (9); Other (24)
Percentage of women in chamber: 43.6%
Expected date of next election: October 2026
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Chamber name: The Danish Parliament (Folketinget)
Number of seats: 179 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 11/1/2022
Parties elected and seats per party: Social Democratic Party (50); Liberal Party (Venstre) (23); Moderates (M) (16); Socialist People's Party (SF) (15); Danish Democrats (Æ) (14); Liberal Alliance (14); Conservative People's Party (10); Unity List-Red-Green Alliance (9); Other (24)
Percentage of women in chamber: 43.6%
Expected date of next election: October 2026
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
National holiday
Constitution Day, 5 June (1849)
Note: closest equivalent to a national holiday
Note: closest equivalent to a national holiday
Political parties
The Alternative or AP
Conservative People's Party or DKF or C
Danish People's Party or DF or O
Denmark Democrats or E
Green Left or SF or F (formerly Socialist People's Party or SF or F)
Liberal Alliance or LA or I
Liberal Party (Venstre) or V
Moderates or M
New Right Party or NB or D
Red-Green Alliance (Unity List) or EL
Social Democrats or SDP or A
Social Liberal Party or SLP or B
Conservative People's Party or DKF or C
Danish People's Party or DF or O
Denmark Democrats or E
Green Left or SF or F (formerly Socialist People's Party or SF or F)
Liberal Alliance or LA or I
Liberal Party (Venstre) or V
Moderates or M
New Right Party or NB or D
Red-Green Alliance (Unity List) or EL
Social Democrats or SDP or A
Social Liberal Party or SLP or B
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Country name
Conventional long form: Kingdom of Denmark
Conventional short form: Denmark
Local long form: Kongeriget Danmark
Local short form: Danmark
Etymology: The name derives from the words Dane, a tribal name with unclear Germanic origins, and mark, a Danish word that refers to a march (borderland)
Conventional short form: Denmark
Local long form: Kongeriget Danmark
Local short form: Danmark
Etymology: The name derives from the words Dane, a tribal name with unclear Germanic origins, and mark, a Danish word that refers to a march (borderland)
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Jesper Møller SØRENSEN (since 15 September 2023)
Chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300
FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470
Email address and website:
Wasamb@um.dk
https://usa.um.dk/en
Consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, Silicon Valley (CA)
Chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300
FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470
Email address and website:
Wasamb@um.dk
https://usa.um.dk/en
Consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, Silicon Valley (CA)
National anthem(s)
Title: "Der er et yndigt land" (There is a Lovely Country)
Lyrics/music: Adam Gottlob OEHLENSCHLAGER/Hans Ernst KROYER; Johannes EWALD/unknown
History: Adopted 1844; national anthem
_____
Title: “Kong Christian stod ved højen mast” (King Christian Stood by the Lofty Mast)
Lyrics/music: Johannes EWALD/unknown
History: Adopted 1780; one of the oldest royal anthems in the world; used for events when Danish royalty is present; anthem has equal status with the national anthem
Note: Denmark is one of only two countries that has two national anthems of equal status (New Zealand is the other)
Lyrics/music: Adam Gottlob OEHLENSCHLAGER/Hans Ernst KROYER; Johannes EWALD/unknown
History: Adopted 1844; national anthem
_____
Title: “Kong Christian stod ved højen mast” (King Christian Stood by the Lofty Mast)
Lyrics/music: Johannes EWALD/unknown
History: Adopted 1780; one of the oldest royal anthems in the world; used for events when Danish royalty is present; anthem has equal status with the national anthem
Note: Denmark is one of only two countries that has two national anthems of equal status (New Zealand is the other)
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
lion, mute swan
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Denmark
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Denmark
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 12 (8 cultural, 4 natural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Denmark: Mounds, Runic Stones, and Church at Jelling (c); Roskilde Cathedral (c); Kronborg Castle (c); Wadden Sea (n); Stevns Klint (n); Christiansfeld, Moravian Church Settlement (c); Par force hunting landscape, North Zealand (c); Greenland: Ilulissat Icefjord (n); Kujataa, Norse and Inuit Farming (c); Aasivissuit–Nipisat, Inuit Hunting Ground (c); Viking-Age Ring Fortresses (c); Møns Klint (n)
Note: includes three sites in Greenland
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Denmark: Mounds, Runic Stones, and Church at Jelling (c); Roskilde Cathedral (c); Kronborg Castle (c); Wadden Sea (n); Stevns Klint (n); Christiansfeld, Moravian Church Settlement (c); Par force hunting landscape, North Zealand (c); Greenland: Ilulissat Icefjord (n); Kujataa, Norse and Inuit Farming (c); Aasivissuit–Nipisat, Inuit Hunting Ground (c); Viking-Age Ring Fortresses (c); Møns Klint (n)
Note: includes three sites in Greenland
National color(s)
red, white
Population below poverty line
12.4% (2021 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 3.6% (2022 est.)
Highest 10%: 24.5% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 24.5% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
packaged medicine, fish, vaccines, refined petroleum, pork (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 13%, USA 10%, Sweden 9%, Netherlands 7%, China 5% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
milk, wheat, potatoes, barley, sugar beets, pork, rapeseed, rye, oats, chicken (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $149.393 billion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $136.662 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $136.662 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
natural gas, cars, garments, packaged medicine, refined petroleum (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
6.894 (2024 est.)
6.89 (2023 est.)
7.076 (2022 est.)
6.287 (2021 est.)
6.542 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
6.894 (2024 est.)
6.89 (2023 est.)
7.076 (2022 est.)
6.287 (2021 est.)
6.542 (2020 est.)
Industries
wind turbines, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, shipbuilding and refurbishment, iron, steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, food processing, machinery and transportation equipment, textiles and clothing, electronics, construction, furniture and other wood products
Economic overview
High-income, EU-member, trade-oriented Nordic economy; growth driven by pharmaceuticals, energy, and services; large share of employment in public sector; fixed exchange rate pegged to euro; strong fiscal position and declining public debt; tight labor market mitigated by migrant workers and higher retirement age
GDP (official exchange rate)
$429.457 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 45.5% (2023 est.)
Government consumption: 22.5% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 22.6% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 68% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -59.8% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 22.5% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 22.6% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0.2% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 68% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -59.8% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
Germany 18%, Sweden 11%, Norway 10%, Netherlands 9%, China 7% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 11.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
0.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
3.21 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$108.405 billion (2024 est.)
$109.371 billion (2023 est.)
$96.073 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$109.371 billion (2023 est.)
$96.073 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
35.3% of GDP (2017 est.)
Note: Data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Note: Data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Unemployment rate
5.6% (2024 est.)
5.1% (2023 est.)
4.5% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
5.1% (2023 est.)
4.5% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
31.4% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$440.558 billion (2024 est.)
$424.937 billion (2023 est.)
$414.592 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$424.937 billion (2023 est.)
$414.592 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
1.4% (2024 est.)
3.3% (2023 est.)
7.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
3.3% (2023 est.)
7.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$55.901 billion (2024 est.)
$40.061 billion (2023 est.)
$46.488 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
$40.061 billion (2023 est.)
$46.488 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$73,700 (2024 est.)
$71,500 (2023 est.)
$70,200 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$71,500 (2023 est.)
$70,200 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$252.954 billion (2024 est.)
$243.478 billion (2023 est.)
$245.07 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$243.478 billion (2023 est.)
$245.07 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$299.405 billion (2024 est.)
$276.646 billion (2023 est.)
$283.37 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$276.646 billion (2023 est.)
$283.37 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
3.7% (2024 est.)
2.5% (2023 est.)
1.5% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
2.5% (2023 est.)
1.5% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
12% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 0.7% (2024 est.)
Industry: 24% (2024 est.)
Services: 64% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 24% (2024 est.)
Services: 64% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Consumption: 1.135 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 124,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 1.296 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 124,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 1.296 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 11.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 9.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 57.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 21.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 9.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 57.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 21.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Production: 2.021 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Consumption: 2.309 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Exports: 8.388 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 8.612 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 29.534 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Consumption: 2.309 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Exports: 8.388 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 8.612 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 29.534 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 63,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 151,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 441 million barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 151,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 441 million barrels (2021 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 20.794 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 35.253 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 16.698 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 19.831 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 1.825 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 35.253 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 16.698 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 19.831 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 1.825 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 100% (2024 est.)
Internet country code
.dk
Broadcast media
strong public-sector TV presence, with Danmarks Radio (DR) operating 6 channels and TV2 operating roughly a half-dozen channels; private stations are available via satellite and cable feed; DR operates 4 FM radio stations, 10 digital audio stations, and 14 web-based radio stations; 140 commercial and 187 community (non-commercial) radio stations (2019)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 7,549,290 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 127 (2024 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 127 (2024 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 2.65 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 755,000 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Railways
Total: 2,682 km (2020) 876 km electrified
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
OY
Airports
102 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 715 (2023)
By type: Bulk carrier 15, container ship 132, general cargo 69, oil tanker 107, other 392
By type: Bulk carrier 15, container ship 132, general cargo 69, oil tanker 107, other 392
Heliports
29 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service for men and women; draftees serve 11 months, including five months of basic training, followed by six months in an operational unit (2025)
Note 1: Denmark has had compulsory military service since 1849; conscripts are chosen by lottery; conscientious objectors can choose to instead serve 6 months in a non-military position, for example in Beredskabsstyrelsen (dealing with non-military disasters like fires, flood, pollution, etc.) or overseas foreign aid work
Note 2: Women have been able serve in all military occupations, including combat arms, since 1988; military conscription was extended to women in June 2025
Note 1: Denmark has had compulsory military service since 1849; conscripts are chosen by lottery; conscientious objectors can choose to instead serve 6 months in a non-military position, for example in Beredskabsstyrelsen (dealing with non-military disasters like fires, flood, pollution, etc.) or overseas foreign aid work
Note 2: Women have been able serve in all military occupations, including combat arms, since 1988; military conscription was extended to women in June 2025
Military expenditures
3.2% of GDP (2025 est.)
2.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
2% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
2.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
2% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security forces
Danish Armed Forces (Forsvaret): Royal Danish Army, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Air Force (2025)
Military - note
the Danish Armed Forces (Forsvaret) have a variety of missions, including enforcing the country’s sovereignty, monitoring Danish waters and airspace, search and rescue, environmental protection, host nation support for alliance partners, international peacekeeping, fulfilling Denmark’s commitments to NATO, and providing assistance to the police for border control, guard tasks, air surveillance, and during national disasters and other emergencies
NATO has been a cornerstone of Danish security and defense police since it joined in 1949 as one of the organization’s original members under the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty); the Forsvaret regularly exercises with NATO allies and participates in a number of NATO missions, including its Enhanced Forward Presence in Eastern Europe, air policing in the Baltics, naval operations in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic, and an advisory mission in Iraq; the Forsvaret leads NATO’s Multinational Division – North (inaugurated 2019), a headquarters based in Latvia that supports the defense planning of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and the coordination of regional military activities, including NATO’s forward deployed forces; it also takes part in other international missions for Europe and the UN ranging from peacekeeping in Africa to protecting Europe's external borders by patrolling the Mediterranean Sea in support of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency; Denmark is a member of the EU and voted to join the EU’s Common Defense and Security Policy in a 2022 referendum; the Forsvaret cooperates closely with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO; established 2009), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden in such areas as armaments, training and exercises, and operations; it also has a joint composite special operations command with Belgium and the Netherlands
The Forsvaret has an Arctic Command to protect the sovereignty of Denmark in the Arctic region, including the Faroe Islands and Greenland, and conducts maritime pollution prevention, environmental monitoring, fishery inspections, search and rescue, and hydrographical surveys, plus support to governmental science missions; there is also a joint service Special Operations Command (SOKOM), which includes the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, an elite unit that patrols the most remote parts of northeast Greenland (2025)
NATO has been a cornerstone of Danish security and defense police since it joined in 1949 as one of the organization’s original members under the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty); the Forsvaret regularly exercises with NATO allies and participates in a number of NATO missions, including its Enhanced Forward Presence in Eastern Europe, air policing in the Baltics, naval operations in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic, and an advisory mission in Iraq; the Forsvaret leads NATO’s Multinational Division – North (inaugurated 2019), a headquarters based in Latvia that supports the defense planning of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and the coordination of regional military activities, including NATO’s forward deployed forces; it also takes part in other international missions for Europe and the UN ranging from peacekeeping in Africa to protecting Europe's external borders by patrolling the Mediterranean Sea in support of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency; Denmark is a member of the EU and voted to join the EU’s Common Defense and Security Policy in a 2022 referendum; the Forsvaret cooperates closely with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO; established 2009), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden in such areas as armaments, training and exercises, and operations; it also has a joint composite special operations command with Belgium and the Netherlands
The Forsvaret has an Arctic Command to protect the sovereignty of Denmark in the Arctic region, including the Faroe Islands and Greenland, and conducts maritime pollution prevention, environmental monitoring, fishery inspections, search and rescue, and hydrographical surveys, plus support to governmental science missions; there is also a joint service Special Operations Command (SOKOM), which includes the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, an elite unit that patrols the most remote parts of northeast Greenland (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 17,000 active-duty military personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Danish military inventory is comprised of modern European, Israeli, US, and domestically produced weapons and equipment; the Danish defense industry is active in the production of naval vessels, defense electronics, and subcomponents of larger weapons systems, such as the US F-35 fighter aircraft; the major warships of the Royal Danish Navy are produced domestically (2025)
Military deployments
Denmark contributes air, ground, and naval forces to a variety of international missions, including grounds troops to NATO's forward defenses in Latvia (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 100,832 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 8,566 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 8,566 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)/Qods Force
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Geoparks
Total global geoparks and regional networks: 3 (2024)
Global geoparks and regional networks: Odsherred; South Fyn Archipelago; Vestjylland (2024)
Global geoparks and regional networks: Odsherred; South Fyn Archipelago; Vestjylland (2024)
Ports
Total ports: 69 (2024)
Large: 1
Medium: 2
Small: 30
Very small: 36
Ports with oil terminals: 33
Key ports: Abenra, Alborg, Arhus, Assens, Augustenborg, Bandholm, Esbjerg, Faborg, Fredericia, Frederikshavn, Haderslev, Holstebro-Stuer, Kalundborg, Kobenhavn, Kolding, Korsor, Marstal, Middelfart, Naestved, Nakskov, Nyborg, Nykobing, Odense, Randers, Ronne, Rudkobing, Sakskobing, Skagen Havn, Sonderborg, Stubbekobing, Studstrup, Svendborg, Vejle
Large: 1
Medium: 2
Small: 30
Very small: 36
Ports with oil terminals: 33
Key ports: Abenra, Alborg, Arhus, Assens, Augustenborg, Bandholm, Esbjerg, Faborg, Fredericia, Frederikshavn, Haderslev, Holstebro-Stuer, Kalundborg, Kobenhavn, Kolding, Korsor, Marstal, Middelfart, Naestved, Nakskov, Nyborg, Nykobing, Odense, Randers, Ronne, Rudkobing, Sakskobing, Skagen Havn, Sonderborg, Stubbekobing, Studstrup, Svendborg, Vejle
National coat of arms
Denmark’s King Frederick VI adopted the national coat of arms in 1819; the crown of King Christian V, who ruled Denmark and Norway from 1670 to 1699, sits atop the shield, symbolizing royal and national authority; the three lions represent a strong and powerful country, with red lily pads in the shape of hearts that stand for strength, valor, and joy
Methane emissions
Energy: 49.7 kt (2022-2024 est.)
Agriculture: 236.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 54.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 5.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Agriculture: 236.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste: 54.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Other: 5.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
29.3 (2022 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality