"text":"Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is participating in the general political and economic integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973. However, the country has opted out of certain elements of the European Union's Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), European defense cooperation, and issues concerning certain justice and home affairs."
}
},
"Geography":{
"Location":{
"text":"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)"
},
"Geographic coordinates":{
"text":"56 00 N, 10 00 E"
},
"Map references":{
"text":"Europe"
},
"Area":{
"total":{
"text":"43,094 sq km"
},
"land":{
"text":"42,434 sq km"
},
"water":{
"text":"660 sq km"
},
"note":{
"text":"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"
}
},
"Area - comparative":{
"text":"slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts"
"text":"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"
},
"Environment - current issues":{
"text":"air pollution, principally from vehicle and power plant emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea; drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes and pesticides"
},
"Environment - international agreements":{
"party to":{
"text":"Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling"
},
"signed, but not ratified":{
"text":"none of the selected agreements"
}
},
"Geography - note":{
"text":"controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in greater Copenhagen"
"text":"Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority)",
"note":{
"text":"English is the predominant second language"
}
},
"Religions":{
"text":"Evangelical Lutheran (official) 80%, Muslim 4%, other (denominations of less than 1% each, includes Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Serbian Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Baptist, and Buddhist) 16% (2012 est.)"
"text":"Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972); Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born on 26 May 1968)"
},
"head of government":{
"text":"Prime Minister Helle THORNING-SCHMIDT (since 3 October 2011)"
},
"cabinet":{
"text":"Council of State appointed by the monarch"
},
"elections/appointments":{
"text":"the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch"
}
},
"Legislative branch":{
"description":{
"text":"unicameral People's Assembly or Folketing (179 seats, including 2 representing Greenland and 2 representing the Faroe Islands; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote; members serve 4-year terms unless the Folketing is dissolved earlier)"
},
"elections":{
"text":"last held on 18 June 2015 (next to be held by June 2019)"
},
"election results":{
"text":"percent of vote by party - SDP 26.3%, DF 21.1%, V 19.5%, EL 7.8%, LA 7.5%, AP 4.8%, SLP 4.6%, SF 4.2%, C 3.4%, other 0.9%; seats by party - SDP 47, DF 37, V 34, EL 14, LA 13, AP 9, SLP 8, SF 7, C 6; note - does not include the two seats from Greenland and the two seats from the Faroe Islands"
}
},
"Judicial branch":{
"highest court(s)":{
"text":"Supreme Court (consists of the court president and 18 judges)"
},
"judge selection and term of office":{
"text":"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":{
"text":"Special Court of Indictment and Revision; 2 High Courts; Maritime and Commercial Court; county courts"
}
},
"Political parties and leaders":{
"text":"Alternative Party or AP [Uffe ELBAEK] ++ Conservative People's Party or C [Soren PAPE POULSEN] ++ Danish People's Party or DF [Kristian THULESEN DAHL] ++ Liberal Alliance or LA [Anders SAMUELSEN] ++ Liberal Party or V [Lars LOKKE RAMUSSEN] ++ Red-Green Alliance (Unity List) or EL [collective leadership, spokesperson Johanne SCHMIDT-NIELSEN] ++ Social Democratic Party or SDP [Mette FREDERIKSEN] ++ Social Liberal Party or SLP [Morten OSTERGAARD] ++ Socialist People's Party or SF [Pia OLSEN DYHR]"
},
"Political pressure groups and leaders":{
"text":"Confederation of Danish Employers or DA [President Jorn Neergaard LARSEN] ++ Confederation of Danish Industries [CEO Karsten DYBVAD] ++ Confederation of Danish Labor Unions (Landsorganisationen) or LO [President Harald BORSTING] ++ DaneAge Association [President Bjarne HASTRUP] ++ Danish Shipowners' Association [Chairman Carsten MORTENSEN] ++ Danish Bankers Association [CEO Joergen HORWITZ] ++ Danish Society for Nature Conservation [President Ella Maria BISSCHOP-LARSEN]",
"other":{
"text":"environmental groups; humanitarian relief; development assistance; human rights NGOs"
"text":"Ambassador Lars Gert LOSE (since 17 September 2015)"
},
"chancery":{
"text":"3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008"
},
"telephone":{
"text":"[1] (202) 234-4300"
},
"FAX":{
"text":"[1] (202) 328-1470"
},
"consulate(s) general":{
"text":"Chicago, New York"
}
},
"Diplomatic representation from the US":{
"chief of mission":{
"text":"Ambassador Rufus GIFFORD (since 13 September 2013)"
},
"embassy":{
"text":"Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen 0"
},
"mailing address":{
"text":"Unit 5280, DPO, AE 09716"
},
"telephone":{
"text":"[45] 33 41 71 00"
},
"FAX":{
"text":"[45] 35 43 02 23"
}
},
"Flag description":{
"text":"red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side; the banner is referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world; traditions as to the origin of the flag design vary, but the best known is a legend that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th century battle; caught up by the Danish king before it ever touched the earth, this heavenly talisman inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner or ensign",
"note":{
"text":"the shifted cross design element was subsequently adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden"
}
},
"National symbol(s)":{
"text":"lion, mute swan; national colors: red, white"
},
"National anthem":{
"name":{
"text":"\"Der er et yndigt land\" (There is a Lovely Land); \"Kong Christian\" (King Christian)"
},
"lyrics/music":{
"text":"Adam Gottlob OEHLENSCHLAGER/Hans Ernst KROYER; Johannes EWALD/unknown"
},
"note":{
"text":"Denmark has two national anthems with equal status; \"Der er et yndigt land,\" adopted 1844, is a national anthem, while \"Kong Christian,\" adopted 1780, serves as both a national and royal anthem; \"Kong Christian\" is also known as \"Kong Christian stod ved hojen mast\" (King Christian Stood by the Lofty Mast) and \"Kongesangen\" (The King's Anthem); within Denmark, the royal anthem is played only when royalty is present and is usually followed by the national anthem; when royalty is not present, only the national anthem is performed; outside Denmark, the royal anthem is played, unless the national anthem is requested"
}
}
},
"Economy":{
"Economy - overview":{
"text":"This thoroughly modern market economy features a high-tech agricultural sector, state-of-the-art industry with world-leading firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy, and a high dependence on foreign trade. Denmark is a member of the European Union (EU); Danish legislation and regulations conform to EU standards on almost all issues. Danes enjoy a high standard of living and the Danish economy is characterized by extensive government welfare measures and an equitable distribution of income. Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance of payments surplus, but depends on imports of raw materials for the manufacturing sector. Within the EU, Denmark is among the strongest supporters of trade liberalization. After a long consumption-driven upswing, Denmark's economy began slowing in 2007 with the end of a housing boom. Housing prices dropped markedly in 2008-09 and, following a short respite in 2010, have since continued to decline. Household indebtedness is still relatively high at more than 275% of gross disposable income in the first half of 2013. The global financial crisis has exacerbated this cyclical slowdown through increased borrowing costs and lower export demand, consumer confidence, and investment. Denmark made a modest recovery in 2010, in part because of increased government spending; however, the country experienced a technical recession in late 2010-early 2011 and has been slow to emerge from it in 2012-14 . Historically low levels of unemployment rose sharply with the recession and have remained at about 6% in 2010-13, based on the national measure, about two-thirds average EU unemployment. An impending decline in the ratio of workers to retirees will be a major long-term issue. Denmark maintained a healthy budget surplus for many years up to 2008, but the budget balance swung into deficit in 2009, where it remains. In spite of the deficits, the new coalition government delivered a modest stimulus to the economy in 2012. Despite previously meeting the criteria to join the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), Denmark has negotiated an opt-out with the EU and is not required to adopt the euro."
"text":"iron, steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, food processing, machinery and transportation equipment, textiles and clothing, electronics, construction, furniture and other wood products, shipbuilding and refurbishment, windmills, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment"
},
"Industrial production growth rate":{
"text":"-1% (2014 est.)"
},
"Labor force":{
"text":"2.771 million (2014 est.)"
},
"Labor force - by occupation":{
"agriculture":{
"text":"2.6%"
},
"industry":{
"text":"20.3%"
},
"services":{
"text":"77.1% (2011 est.)"
}
},
"Unemployment rate":{
"text":"6.5% (2014 est.) ++ 5.7% (2013 est.)"
},
"Population below poverty line":{
"text":"13.4% (2011 est.)"
},
"Household income or consumption by percentage share":{
"lowest 10%":{
"text":"1.9%"
},
"highest 10%":{
"text":"28.7% (2007)"
}
},
"Distribution of family income - Gini index":{
"text":"24.8 (2011 est.) ++ 24.7 (1992)"
},
"Budget":{
"revenues":{
"text":"$192.6 billion"
},
"expenditures":{
"text":"$197.5 billion (2014 est.)"
}
},
"Taxes and other revenues":{
"text":"55.5% of GDP (2014 est.)"
},
"Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)":{
"text":"-1.4% of GDP (2014 est.)"
},
"Public debt":{
"text":"44.3% of GDP (2014 est.) ++ 43.7% of GDP (2013 est.)",
"note":{
"text":"data cover general government debt, and includes 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; intra-governmental 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"
}
},
"Fiscal year":{
"text":"calendar year"
},
"Inflation rate (consumer prices)":{
"text":"0.6% (2014 est.) ++ 0.8% (2013 est.)"
},
"Central bank discount rate":{
"text":"0.75% (31 December 2011) ++ 0.75% (31 December 2010)"
},
"Commercial bank prime lending rate":{
"text":"3.9% (31 December 2014 est.) ++ 4.04% (31 December 2013 est.)"
},
"Stock of narrow money":{
"text":"$155.6 billion (31 December 2014 est.) ++ $162.3 billion (31 December 2013 est.)"
},
"Stock of broad money":{
"text":"$181.1 billion (31 December 2014 est.) ++ $189.2 billion (31 December 2013 est.)"
},
"Stock of domestic credit":{
"text":"$648.4 billion (31 December 2014 est.) ++ $695.7 billion (31 December 2013 est.)"
},
"Market value of publicly traded shares":{
"text":"$224.9 billion (31 December 2012 est.) ++ $179.5 billion (31 December 2011) ++ $231.7 billion (31 December 2010 est.)"
"Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy":{
"text":"40.51 million Mt (2012 est.)"
}
},
"Communications":{
"Telephones - fixed lines":{
"total subscriptions":{
"text":"1.88 million"
},
"subscriptions per 100 inhabitants":{
"text":"34 (2014 est.)"
}
},
"Telephones - mobile cellular":{
"total":{
"text":"7.1 million"
},
"subscriptions per 100 inhabitants":{
"text":"128 (2014 est.)"
}
},
"Telephone system":{
"general assessment":{
"text":"excellent telephone and telegraph services"
},
"domestic":{
"text":"buried and submarine cables and microwave radio relay form trunk network, multiple cellular mobile communications systems"
},
"international":{
"text":"country code - 45; a series of fiber-optic submarine cables link Denmark with Canada, Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and UK; satellite earth stations - 18 (6 Intelsat, 10 Eutelsat, 1 Orion, 1 Inmarsat (Blaavand-Atlantic-East)); note - the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) share the Danish earth station and the Eik, Norway, station for worldwide Inmarsat access (2011)"
}
},
"Broadcast media":{
"text":"strong public-sector TV presence with state-owned Danmarks Radio operating 4 channels and publicly owned TV2 operating roughly a half dozen channels; broadcasts of privately owned stations are available via satellite and cable feed; DR operates 4 nationwide FM radio stations, 15 digital audio broadcasting stations, and about 15 web-based radio stations; approximately 250 commercial and community radio stations (2007)"
},
"Radio broadcast stations":{
"text":"AM 1, FM 355, shortwave 0 (1998)"
},
"Television broadcast stations":{
"text":"172 (2008)"
},
"Internet country code":{
"text":".dk"
},
"Internet users":{
"total":{
"text":"5.4 million"
},
"percent of population":{
"text":"96.1% (2014 est.)"
}
}
},
"Transportation":{
"Airports":{
"text":"80 (2013)"
},
"Airports - with paved runways":{
"total":{
"text":"28"
},
"over 3,047 m":{
"text":"2"
},
"2,438 to 3,047 m":{
"text":"7"
},
"1,524 to 2,437 m":{
"text":"5"
},
"914 to 1,523 m":{
"text":"12"
},
"under 914 m":{
"text":"2 (2013)"
}
},
"Airports - with unpaved runways":{
"total":{
"text":"52"
},
"914 to 1,523 m":{
"text":"5"
},
"under 914 m":{
"text":" ++ 47 (2013)"
}
},
"Pipelines":{
"text":"condensate 11 km; gas 4,377 km; oil 647 km; oil/gas/water 2 km (2013)"
},
"Railways":{
"total":{
"text":"2,414 km"
},
"standard gauge":{
"text":"2,414 km 1.435-m gauge (626 km electrified) (2014)"
}
},
"Roadways":{
"total":{
"text":"73,929 km"
},
"paved":{
"text":"73,929 km (includes 1,143 km of expressways) (2012)"
}
},
"Waterways":{
"text":"400 km (2010)"
},
"Merchant marine":{
"total":{
"text":"367"
},
"by type":{
"text":"bulk carrier 4, cargo 48, carrier 1, chemical tanker 125, container 94, liquefied gas 4, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 40, petroleum tanker 36, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 8, specialized tanker 3"
},
"foreign-owned":{
"text":"27 (Germany 9, Greenland 1, Norway 2, Sweden 15)"
},
"registered in other countries":{
"text":"582 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Bahamas 69, Belgium 4, Brazil 3, Curacao 1, Cyprus 6, Egypt 1, France 11, Gibraltar 7, Hong Kong 42, Isle of Man 30, Italy 4, Jamaica 1, Liberia 8, Lithuania 8, Luxembourg 1, Malaysia 1, Malta 34, Marshall Islands 7, Moldova 1, Netherlands 27, Norway 7, Panama 41, Philippines 2, Portugal 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 9, Singapore 149, Sweden 4, UK 43, Uruguay 1, US 31, Venezuela 1, unknown 4) (2010)"
"text":"Defense Command: Army Operational Command, Admiral Danish Fleet, Arctic Command, Tactical Air Command, Home Guard (2010)"
},
"Military service age and obligation":{
"text":"18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscripts serve an initial training period that varies from 4 to 12 months according to specialization; reservists are assigned to mobilization units following completion of their conscript service; women eligible to volunteer for military service (2012)"
},
"Manpower available for military service":{
"males age 16-49":{
"text":"1,236,337"
},
"females age 16-49":{
"text":"1,224,182 (2010 est.)"
}
},
"Manpower fit for military service":{
"males age 16-49":{
"text":"1,014,560"
},
"females age 16-49":{
"text":"1,003,921 (2010 est.)"
}
},
"Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually":{
"male":{
"text":"37,913"
},
"female":{
"text":"35,865 (2010 est.)"
}
},
"Military expenditures":{
"text":"1.37% of GDP (2013) ++ 1.41% of GDP (2012) ++ 1.35% of GDP (2011) ++ 1.41% of GDP (2010)"
}
},
"Transnational Issues":{
"Disputes - international":{
"text":"Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm; Faroese continue to study proposals for full independence; sovereignty dispute with Canada over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and Greenland; Denmark (Greenland) and Norway have made submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) and Russia is collecting additional data to augment its 2001 CLCS submission"
