Denmark

Year of EU entry: 1973

Political system: Constitutional monarchy

Capital city: Copenhagen

Total area: 43 094 km²

Population: 5.4 million

Currency: Danish krone

Denmark is in northwestern Europe. Danish kingdom was founded by Vikings more than 1,100 years ago, making it one of Europe’s oldest continuous kingdoms. The national flag, the Dannebrog, has been in use since 1219, when it is said to have fallen from heaven to inspire battle-weary troops to victory. Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital and largest city. Historically Denmark is part of Scandinavia. In the past, the Danish monarch ruled some if not all parts of both Norway and Sweden, as well as the island nation of Iceland. Denmark is known as a bridge between continental Europe and the more northerly Scandinavian countries. Denmark also occupies 18 islands that lie northwest of Scotland.

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. Currently it is ruled under the constitution adopted in 1953, which included a provision that for the first time permitted women to inherit the throne. All Danish citizens aged 18 are permitted to vote. The single-chamber parliament or Folketing consists of 179 elected members.

Specialties of Danish cooking include open sandwiches, boiled or sugar browned potatoes, boiled red cabbage, roast pork or roast duck.