The Kingdom of Denmark is an interesting country, just like the rest of Scandinavia. Long gone are the days when the harsh Vikings from these lands terrified half of Europe. Today, Denmark is one of the most stable, calm, safe and prosperous states.
Facts about Denmark
- In addition to the main possessions, Denmark also includes many islands — 409 from the local archipelago, plus Greenland, plus the Faroe Islands (interesting facts about Greenland).
- It was here that fingerprints were first used to prove the guilt of a suspect. This happened back in 1902.
- Denmark owns the world’s largest island, the aforementioned Greenland.
- The Danish flag is the world’s oldest active flag. The first mention of it dates back to the 13th century.
- The oldest amusement park in the world, Tivoli, is located in Denmark. It was he who inspired Walt Disney, creating his own Disneyland.
- For an attempt to escape from a local prison, the sentence is not increased. Local laws are based on the fact that the desire for freedom is a natural part of a person, and one cannot be punished for it.
- The Faroe Islands, formerly belonging to Norway, went to Denmark after the Danish king won them at cards from the Norwegian.
- Copenhagen Strøget is the longest pedestrian street and also the oldest pedestrian area in the world.
- Biking is almost as popular in this country as in the Netherlands (Facts about the Netherlands).
- Danes usually get up early and go to bed early. The working day for most people here starts at 8 am and ends at 4 pm.
- The total taxes associated with owning a car in Denmark are comparable to the cost of the car itself.
- Exactly the famous LEGO constructor was invented in this country.
- In Denmark, there is neither severe frost nor heat. Almost all year round, the temperature here fluctuates from cool to more or less warm.
- There are twice as many bicycles in this country as cars.
- Denmark has a land border with only one country – with Germany (facts about Germany).
- Danes can easily eat herring with cold milk.
- Each taxi in this country is equipped with a special bike carrier.
- Swimming is a compulsory school curriculum in Denmark.
- The Danes are not afraid of cold weather. Some calmly bathe in water, the temperature of which does not exceed 8-10 degrees.
- The most famous Dane is the writer Hans Christian Andersen, whose books have been translated into 125 different languages.
- Denmark was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
- The Danish monarchy is the oldest in Europe.
- Most Danes are completely non-religious.
- Denmark has the lowest birth rate among European countries, and one of the lowest in the world.
- Wealth gap among the richest and the poorest citizens of the country here is the smallest in the world.
- When choosing a name for a child, Danish parents must choose from a list of allowed names, of which there are about 7 thousand. If they want to name a baby by a name that is not on the list, they must first obtain special permission.
- Almost all Danes speak English well. Many also speak Norwegian and German.
- The monthly stipend for students in Denmark is about 900 euros.
- Almost all buildings in this country are no higher than five floors. Actually, more precisely, six, but the first floor here is considered «zero».