Country Profile: Denmark

Denmark is a highly developed Nordic nation located in Northern Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. It encompasses the Jutland Peninsula and several major islands, with a total population of approximately 5.97 million. The country's economy is characterized by high income levels, a strong focus on services, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy, while its governance is structured as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Denmark plays an active role in international alliances, including NATO and the EU.

Geography

Denmark is situated in Northern Europe, comprising the Jutland Peninsula and over 400 islands, with the largest including Zealand, Funen, and Bornholm. Its geography features low and flat terrain, with the highest point being Store Mollehoj at 171 meters. Denmark's coastline spans 7,314 kilometers, showcasing its extensive maritime boundaries.

Area: 43,094 sq km
Coastline: 7,314 km
Land use for agriculture: 65.6% (2022)
Population centers: Primarily along coastal areas, especially in Copenhagen

People and Society

Denmark has a population of approximately 5.97 million, with a balanced gender ratio. The majority of its inhabitants are ethnic Danes, with a significant presence of foreign communities. The nation boasts a high level of urbanization, with about 88.5% of the population living in urban areas, primarily in the capital, Copenhagen.

Population (2024): 5,973,136
Urban population: 88.5% (2023)
Life expectancy: 82.1 years (2024)
Major urban area: Copenhagen (1.381 million population in 2023)

Economy

Denmark's economy is classified as high-income and trade-oriented, with significant contributions from agriculture, industry, and services. The country has a robust fiscal position characterized by low public debt and a tight labor market. Denmark’s GDP is driven by sectors such as pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.

GDP (PPP, 2024): $440.558 billion
Real GDP per capita (2024): $73,700
Unemployment rate: 5.6% (2024)
Exports (2024): $299.405 billion
Main export commodities: Packaged medicine, fish, vaccines

Government

Denmark operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the capital located in Copenhagen. The monarchy is hereditary, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Folketing (Parliament) consists of 179 directly elected members.

Government type: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Prime Minister: Mette Frederiksen (since June 2019)
Citizenship: Dual citizenship recognized; naturalization requires 7 years of residency
Universal suffrage: Age 18 and above

Military and Security

The Danish Armed Forces include the Royal Danish Army, Navy, and Air Force, focusing on various missions, including NATO commitments and international peacekeeping. Denmark has increased military expenditures recently, aiming for enhanced defense capabilities.

Military expenditures: 2.4% of GDP (2024)
Active personnel: Approximately 17,000 (2024)
Military service age: 18 years for both men and women
Deployments: Approximately 800 in Latvia (NATO)

Energy

Denmark is notable for its innovation in renewable energy, especially wind power, which constitutes the majority of its electricity generation capacity. The nation has a 100% electrification rate, with a growing focus on sustainability.

Electricity generation from wind: 57.6% of total installed capacity (2023)
Total installed capacity: 20.794 million kW (2023)
Electricity consumption: 35.253 billion kWh (2023)

Environment

Denmark faces several environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, primarily from agricultural runoff and industrial emissions. It actively participates in numerous international environmental agreements to mitigate these issues.

Major environmental issues: Air and water pollution
Total renewable water resources: 6 billion cubic meters (2020)
Municipal solid waste recycled (2015): 27.3%

Transportation

Denmark has an extensive transportation network, including a well-developed railway system and numerous airports. The country's ports are crucial for trade, with a considerable merchant marine fleet.

Total railways: 2,682 km (2020)
Airports: 102 (2025)
Merchant marine total: 715 vessels (2023)

Communications

Denmark boasts a highly developed communications infrastructure, with nearly universal internet access and a robust broadcasting sector.

Internet users: 100% of the population (2024)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 7.5 million (2023)
Fixed-line telephone subscriptions: 755,000 (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,973,136	2024 estimate
Area	43,094 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$440.558 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	5.6%	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	82.1 years	2024 estimate
Exports	$299.405 billion	2024 estimate
Electricity Access	100%	2022 estimate
Military Expenditure	2.4% of GDP	2024 estimate
Urban Population	88.5%	2023 estimate
Agricultural Land	65.6%	2022 estimate