Country Profile: Denmark

Denmark, a northern European nation, is located on a peninsula north of Germany and includes several major islands. The country is known for its temperate climate and flat terrain, which contributes to its agricultural productivity, with 65.6% of the land used for farming. With a population of approximately 5.97 million, Denmark boasts a high-income economy heavily reliant on pharmaceuticals, energy, and public sector services. Governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, it emphasizes democratic values and has recently enhanced its participation in the European Union's defense initiatives.

Geography

Denmark is situated in Northern Europe, bordered by the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, and includes the Jutland Peninsula along with over 400 islands, the largest being Zealand, Funen, and Bornholm. The country features a temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers, characterized by low and flat terrain.

Total area: 43,094 sq km
Coastline: 7,314 km
Highest point: Store Mollehoj at 171 m
Lowest point: Lammefjord at -7 m
Natural resources: Petroleum, natural gas, fish
Population centers: Major concentration in coastal areas, especially Copenhagen

People and Society

Denmark has an estimated population of 5,973,136 (2024), predominantly ethnic Danes, with a significant concentration in urban areas such as Copenhagen. The country exhibits high life expectancy and low infant mortality rates, reflecting its advanced healthcare system and social welfare.

Ethnic composition: 84.2% Danish
Urban population: 88.5% of total (2023)
Life expectancy: 82.1 years (2024)
Birth rate: 11.3 births per 1,000 (2024)
Death rate: 9.6 deaths per 1,000 (2024)
Total fertility rate: 1.77 children per woman (2024)
Median age: 42.2 years (2024)

Economy

Denmark has a high-income, trade-oriented economy characterized by a strong public sector and reliance on exports, particularly in pharmaceuticals and energy. The economy maintains a stable growth trajectory and a low unemployment rate, supported by a tight labor market and higher retirement age policies.

Real GDP (PPP): $440.558 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita: $73,700 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 5.6% (2024 est.)
GDP composition: 64% services, 24% industry, 0.7% agriculture (2024 est.)
Exports: $299.405 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance: $55.901 billion (2024 est.)
Public debt: 35.3% of GDP (2017 est.)

Government

Denmark operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the monarch serving as the head of state and the prime minister as the head of government. The legislative body, the Folketing, is unicameral and consists of 179 members. Denmark's legal system is based on civil law, with an emphasis on human rights and democratic governance.

Capital: Copenhagen
Administrative divisions: 5 regions
Current monarch: King Frederik X (since January 2024)
Head of government: Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (since June 2019)
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Last election: November 1, 2022
Next election expected: October 2026

Military and Security

The Danish Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with a focus on international peacekeeping and NATO commitments. Military service is compulsory for both men and women, and Denmark has recently voted to enhance its defense contributions within the EU framework.

Active military personnel: Approximately 17,000 (2025)
Military expenditures: 3.2% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military service age: 18 years, with compulsory and voluntary options
Current deployments: Approximately 800 personnel in Latvia (2024)
Military equipment: Modern European and US weapons systems

Energy

Denmark is noted for its commitment to renewable energy, particularly wind power, which constitutes the majority of its electricity generation capacity. The country has achieved full electrification for its population and is working towards reducing its carbon emissions.

Installed electricity capacity: 20.794 million kW (2023 est.)
Electricity consumption: 35.253 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Wind energy share: 57.6% of total capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas consumption: 2.309 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Electricity access: 100% of population (2022 est.)

Environment

Denmark faces environmental challenges such as air pollution and nitrogen runoff in the North Sea. The country is an active participant in various international environmental agreements aimed at combating climate change and promoting biodiversity.

Carbon dioxide emissions: 29.915 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 35.4% (2022 est.)
Agricultural land: 65.6% of total land (2022 est.)
Natural hazards: Flooding in some coastal areas
International agreements: Party to numerous environmental protocols

Transportation

Denmark boasts a well-developed transportation infrastructure that includes extensive rail networks and a significant maritime fleet. The country has multiple ports and a robust civil aviation sector with numerous airports.

Total railways: 2,682 km (2020)
Number of airports: 102 (2025)
Merchant marine: 715 vessels (2023)
Total ports: 69 (2024)
Airports with oil terminals: 33

Communications

Denmark has achieved high levels of connectivity, with a fully electrified population and comprehensive internet access. It supports a robust media landscape with public and private broadcasting services.

Internet penetration: 100% of population (2024 est.)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 7.5 million (2023 est.)
Fixed broadband subscriptions: 2.65 million (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines: 755,000 (2023 est.)
Telecommunications infrastructure: Strong public-sector presence in media

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	5,973,136 (2024 est.)
Area	43,094 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$440.558 billion	2024 est.
Unemployment Rate	5.6%	2024 est.
Birth Rate	11.3 births/1,000	2024 est.
Life Expectancy	82.1 years	2024 est.
Total Fertility Rate	1.77 children born/woman	2024 est.
Electricity Access	100%	2022 est.
Military Expenditures	3.2% of GDP	2025 est.
Urban Population	88.5%	2023 est.