Back in 1989, Denmark granted legal recognition to same-sex unions, becoming the first country to do so.
Denmark, also known as the Pearl of the Scandinavian Peninsula, is a miniature kingdom that boasts an impressive concentration of cultural and historical treasures.
Recently, Denmark has become a popular tourist destination, particularly for those interested in taking a ferry trip to visit multiple Scandinavian countries.
Discover more about this small kingdom with these 15 delightful facts about Denmark!
According to research conducted at the University of Leicester, the Danes are considered the happiest and most content people in the world.
The Royal Library in Copenhagen, established in 1673, is the oldest in Scandinavia and contains over 500,000 volumes and 20,000 manuscripts, including impressive collections in Sanskrit, Pali, and Sinhalese.
The Danish flag, Dunnebrog, is the oldest active flag in the world and has been in use since the beginning of the 13th century. It features a red background with a white cross.
Tivoli, an amusement park in Copenhagen, is not only one of the largest and most popular in Europe, but also the oldest amusement park in the world. Walt Disney was so impressed with Tivoli that he later created Disneyland.
In Denmark, attempting to escape from prison is not considered a crime. If caught, the fugitive will only have to serve the remainder of their original sentence.
Also in 1989, Denmark became the first country to legally recognize same-sex unions and has since granted homosexual couples the same rights as heterosexual couples.
The Faroe Islands were once part of Norway, but Norway lost the islands in a poker game to the King of Denmark.
The world’s longest pedestrian street is Stroget, located in the heart of Copenhagen. It was also the world’s first pedestrian zone and spans a total of 1.8 km across four streets connecting the Town Hall Square and the Opera Square.
In 1902, Denmark became the first country to use fingerprints as evidence of guilt in a criminal case.
Due to the high tax on car ownership in Denmark, many locals cannot afford to buy one. The car tax in Denmark is one of the highest in Europe and often exceeds the cost of the car itself. However, converting a car into a truck can lower the tax amount.
Danish buses have a unique feature where they can lean to the right, making it easier for disabled individuals and parents with children in wheelchairs to board. Additionally, the buses offer free Wi-Fi, but passengers must enter their CPR number to connect, which means they won’t be anonymous.
Danish Lifestyle and Culture
Typically, Danes start their workday at 8 am and finish at 4 pm. Many shops stay open until 5-6 pm, so people usually buy products on weekends for the whole week. This shop schedule is due to taxes, as the longer a store is open, the more taxes it has to pay.
Real estate in Denmark is quite expensive, although the quality of it is not always ideal. New homes in the city often have creaking floors and small rooms. Budget apartments cost less than 100 thousand euros and usually have a shared bathroom and kitchen that may be part of the hallway.
The climate in Denmark is quite unusual, with temperatures not exceeding 50-70 degrees (10-20 °C) per year. It rains most of the time, although it may not always be heavy. Danes even joke that the only difference between summer and winter is that the rain is a little warmer.
One of the most famous Danish inventions is LEGO toys for children.
FAQ
1. What is the origin of the Danish flag?
The Danish flag has been around for over 800 years and is believed to have been created during the Battle of Lyndanisse in 1219. According to legend, the Danish flag fell from the sky during the battle and helped lead to a victory. The flag, known as the Dannebrog, has been a symbol of Danish pride and patriotism ever since.
2. What is the traditional Danish cuisine?
Traditional Danish cuisine is known for its hearty and filling dishes. Popular dishes include smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), frikadeller (meatballs), flæskesteg (roast pork), and stegt flæsk med persillesovs (fried pork belly with parsley sauce). Additionally, Denmark is famous for its pastries and sweets, such as Danish pastries and marzipan candies.
3. What is the Danish education system like?
The Danish education system is known for its high quality and emphasis on creativity and critical thinking. Children start school at age six and attend primary school for nine years. After primary school, students have the option to attend a gymnasium (pre-university school) or vocational school. Higher education is free for Danish citizens and residents, and many universities offer programs taught in English.
4. What is the significance of the Little Mermaid statue?
The Little Mermaid statue is located in Copenhagen and was created by Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen in 1913. The statue is based on the fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen and has become a symbol of Copenhagen and Denmark as a whole. Visitors from around the world come to see the statue and take pictures with it.
5. What is hygge?
Hygge is a Danish concept that roughly translates to “coziness” or “contentment.” It is a central part of Danish culture and involves creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, often through simple pleasures like lighting candles, drinking hot beverages, and spending time with loved ones. Hygge is seen as a way to promote well-being and happiness.
6. What is the Danish monarchy like?
The Danish monarchy is the oldest continuing monarchy in the world, with a history dating back over 1000 years. The current monarch is Queen Margrethe II, who ascended to the throne in 1972. The Danish royal family is known for being relatively down-to-earth and humble, often riding bicycles and taking public transportation instead of using private cars. They also play an important symbolic role in Danish politics and culture.
7. What is the Danish approach to sustainability?
Denmark is known for its progressive approach to sustainability, with a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The country has invested heavily in renewable energy sources like wind power and has implemented policies to reduce carbon emissions, such as a carbon tax. Additionally, Danish cities are designed to promote sustainable transportation, with extensive bike lanes and public transportation systems.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.