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Denmark: Country Profile

Denmark is a country that stands out for its unique blend of ancient seafaring history and cutting-edge modern living. While it was once the home of legendary Viking explorers who traveled across the North Atlantic, it has transformed a technologically advanced and sustainable nation. Its flat, island-filled geography has shaped a culture where people are deeply connected to the sea and dedicated to creating a society built on equality and community well-being.

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Explore Denmark:

On this page:

  • Fact List
  • National Identity
  • Daily Life
  • History
  • Fun Facts
  • Sightseeing Destinations

Other options:

  • Quick Games & Activities
  • Food Sample Ideas
  • GSUSA SWAP Suggestions

Fact List

National Identity Info

  • Official Name: Kingdom of Denmark (2026 data)
  • Form of Government: Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy (2026 data)
  • Capital City: Copenhagen. The name comes from the Danish words for “merchant’s harbor” (2026 data)
  • National Symbols: Red and white colors. The primary symbols are the lion and the mute swan (2026 data)
  • Official Language: Danish (2026 data)

Geography & Environment

  • Area: 16,638.6 square miles (43,094 square kilometers) (2026 data)
  • Climate: Temperate and humid with mild, windy winters and cool summers (2026 data)
  • Major Terrain: Low and flat to gently rolling plains. The highest peak is Store Mollehoj at 171 meters (2026 data)

Daily Life & Society

  • Population: 6,051,491 as of 2025 estimate
  • Money: Danish kroner (DKK) (2026 data)
  • Major Religions: Evangelical Lutheran (official) 71.4%, Muslim 4.3%, other/none 24.3% as of 2024 estimate
  • Average Years of Schooling: 18 years total (18 for males, 19 for females) (2023 data)

Health & Wealth

  • GDP Per Capita: $73,700 as of 2024 estimate
  • Physician Density: 7.24 doctors per 1,000 people as of 2021 data
  • Electricity Access: 100% of the population as of 2022 data
  • Major Products: Pharmaceuticals, wind turbines, medical equipment, milk, and wheat (2026 data)

Travel Warnings

While Denmark is generally a very safe country to visit, travelers should remain alert to the global threat of terrorism. International groups like ISIS have been noted in the region, and while the government works hard to maintain security, it is important for visitors to be aware of their surroundings in crowded public areas. (Jan 2026 CIA World Book data)

National Identity

Geography & Terrain

Denmark is located in Northern Europe, positioned on a peninsula known as Jutland that reaches upward from Germany, surrounded by the Baltic and North Seas. The country’s physical base is a series of low-lying plains and gently rolling hills. Visually, the land looks like a scattered puzzle, consisting of one large mainland attached to the rest of Europe and an archipelago of more than 400 islands. The highest point in the entire country, Store Mollehoj, reaches only 171 meters (about 561 feet) above sea level, while the lowest point is below the sea at -7 meters (about -23 feet).

The climate is temperate and often overcast, which supports a landscape that is roughly 65% farmland. Because the land is so flat, there are no massive mountain ranges, but the coastline is incredibly long, stretching over 7,314 kilometers (about 4,545 miles). This coastline is famous for features like the Wadden Sea, a massive system of intertidal sand flats, and dramatic cliffs like Stevns Klint. Two notable landmarks include the Jelling Mounds, which are large Viking burial structures, and the Ilulissat Icefjord in Denmark’s territory of Greenland, which is a massive river of ice that releases giant icebergs into the ocean.

Land Borders

Denmark is a coastal nation that is almost entirely surrounded by water, except for its southern border. It shares a 140-kilometer (about 87-mile) land border with Germany to the south. It also shares a tiny 1.3-kilometer (0.8-mile) land border with Canada on a small island in the Arctic near Greenland. The country has the Skagerrak and Kattegat straits, which link the Baltic Sea to the North Sea, making it a vital gateway for maritime travel.

National Symbols

The national flag, known as the Dannebrog, features a white cross on a bright red field. It was officially acknowledged in 1219, making it the oldest state flag in the world still in use. The vertical part of the cross is shifted toward the left, a design that influenced many other northern nations. Beyond the flag, the country is represented by the mute swan and the lion. The lion has long been used in royal emblems to signify strength, while the swan often represents natural beauty. It is commonly known that these symbols together represent a spirit of long-standing stability and national pride.

Government Structure

Denmark is a Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy. This means that while there is a King, currently Frederik X of the House of Glücksburg, his role is largely ceremonial. The active executive power and day-to-day leadership are handled by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The laws of the land are created by a single-chamber legislative body called the Folketinget, which consists of 179 members who are directly elected by the people. The people have a voice with modern democracy while keeping the historic tradition of the monarchy.

Environmental Innovation

The way Denmark generates energy is a major contributor to its status as a world leader in green technology. The country extracts oil and natural gas from the North Sea, but it is famous for its wind power, with wind turbines providing over 57% of its total electricity. Because of its geography, the nation has developed specialized maritime technology. They have advanced shipbuilding skills and created sustainable fishing methods. The country balances its economy by investing heavily in high-tech industries like pharmaceuticals and wind energy, ensuring that its wealth is tied to innovation that protects the environment.

The Realm & Territories

While the main part of Denmark is in Northern Europe, the Kingdom includes two significant self-governing regions in the North Atlantic: Greenland and the Faroe Islands. These areas are geographically massive and look very different from the flat Danish mainland. A colossal ice sheet covers Greenland, and the Faroe Islands are a jagged, volcanic archipelago. Both territories have their own local parliaments that manage their domestic affairs, such as schools and taxes, while the central government in Copenhagen handles their defense and foreign policy.

Daily Life

Hygge

The word hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) translates roughly to coziness, but it is much more than that. It is a core cultural concept about creating a warm, intimate atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with friends and family. To some it could look like lighting candles during a dark winter evening or sharing a slow meal. Even having a quiet conversation can count as hygge. With the long cold winters, Danes started this concept to find comfort and social connection.

Janteloven

Janteloven, or the “Law of Jante,” is an unwritten social rule that translates to “no one is better than the other.” It emphasizes equality and discourages individuals from showing off their wealth or achievements. This means that people value modesty. An achievement is something shared by the whole country rather than a personal feat. Denmark has historic roots in a desire for a society where everyone feels equal and accepted.

General Social Etiquette

Danes value punctuality and their social etiquette is focused on being direct. Being too indirect can be seen as a waste of time, so people are typically blunt and honest when communicating. There is an unwritten rule of being on time for every meeting, which shows respect for others and their time. A polite nod or handshake is preferred over closer gestures as the Danish value personal space.

Work Life

Many Danes wake around 6:30 AM to begin the day. They enjoy keeping a social balance and end work by 4 or 5 PM to allow families to spend their evenings together. Most adults work in the service industry, manufacturing, or specialized sectors like pharmaceuticals and wind energy. Danes are very active. Because the land is so flat, biking is the primary mode of transportation, with 9 out of 10 people owning a bicycle.

Education

Modern buildings that are well equipped is the center of school life in Denmark. Their five day week, Monday through Friday, is usually from 8 AM to 2 PM. The curriculum focuses on core subjects like math and science, but there is a heavy emphasis on learning multiple languages, with English being the most common second language. The students often work in groups and have an independent vibe. Uniforms are not required and most children walk or bike to school.

Culinary Staples

Rye bread, potatoes, and pork are the local staples that are part of their daily diet. Potatoes used to be used only as food for animals but is now a common garnish. The signature grain is Rugbrød, a dense, dark rye bread that is fermented and savory. The signature flavor of the country include butter, salt, and various forms of preserved fish like herring, or pork. A snack for youth is a romkugle, a sweet, rum-flavored treat made from leftover cake, or a simple piece of fruit from a local garden.

Sustainability

Danes enjoy some of the world’s cleanest tap water, which is sourced from deep underground and is perfectly safe to drink straight from the tap. Waste management is a high priority, featuring a national bottle return system where people get money back for recycling containers. Resource conservation is a daily habit. Many people will use district heating systems in their homes, which turns waste into warmth. There is a strong sense of community stewardship. Clean-up days for local harbors and parks are frequently organized by neighborhood groups.

Family & Community Life

The standard family unit is the nuclear family, but there is a strong emphasis on flexible social networks. Parents and children spend a lot of time together, and there is a high level of respect for the independence of youth. The biggest annual event is Constitution Day on June 5th, which celebrates the birth of their democracy. Celebrations typically involve public parades, communal feasts, and plenty of flags. These gatherings usually happen in town squares or local community centers, where everyone is welcome to join in the festivities.

Fun Facts

  • Denmark is consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the entire world.
  • The Danish language is unique because it has no direct word for the English word “please.”
  • The national flag, the Dannebrog, has been in use since the year 1219, the oldest state flag in the world still in use today.
  • Danes love the cozy feeling of togetherness so much they have a special word for it called hygge.
  • Despite being called “Danish pastry” in many countries, the recipe came from Austrian bakers in the 1840s. Danes call it wienerbrød, “Vienna bread.”
  • The country is so flat that there are absolutely no mountains anywhere in Denmark’s mainland.
  • Biking is a major part of life, and 75% of people continue to cycle even through the snow in winter.
  • Æ, Ø, and Å are three extra letters in the Danish alphabet that are not in English.
  • During the annual carnival called Fastelavn, kids traditionally hit a barrel with a fake black cat inside.
  • Denmark is home to the two oldest amusement parks currently operating in the world.
  • The world-famous LEGO® building bricks were invented by a Danish carpenter in 1949.
  • Only 76 of the 444 islands in the Danish archipelago have people living on them.
  • No matter where you stand in Denmark, you are never more than 52 kilometers (32 miles) from the ocean.
  • The water in the Copenhagen harbor is so clean that you can jump in for a swim.
  • Danish tap water is among the cleanest in the world and can be drunk straight from the faucet.

Sightseeing

Bakken

Visit the world’s oldest amusement park, located just a short train ride from the capital. This park offers a mix of classic rides and a historic atmosphere that has entertained families for centuries. It is a great place to experience traditional Danish fun.

Bogense Old Harbour

Explore a charming coastal town known as Denmark’s nicest market town. You can walk along the old harbor, view the magical landscape of the Kattegat sea, and see how historic trade and modern sailing come together in a colorful, seaside environment.

Copenhagen Harbour Baths

Take a dip in the clean, refreshing waters of the city’s harbor. Instead of just looking at the water, you can swim at locations like Islands Brygge, where the city has built specialized swimming platforms. It is a perfect example of how the country keeps its urban areas clean and accessible for everyone.

Jelling Mounds and Runic Stones

Stand between two massive Viking burial mounds as tall as three-story buildings and discover the royal monument of King Harald Bluetooth. You can hunt for a carved Nordic dragon on a giant runic stone and walk the grounds where a magnificent wooden wall and a giant stone ship once protected the Viking king’s headquarters.

Kronborg Castle

Step into a dramatic Renaissance fortress known world-wide as the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Located at a strategically important spot between Denmark and Sweden, you can see the impressive defenses that once controlled the entrance to the Baltic Sea.

North Funen

There are many different attractions in North Funen. The Funen Opera house has a variety of entertainment from Danish to foreign operas, available for operettas or children. Funen Village has an entry fee, but Sortebro Kro is free to visit without entering the village. It is an 1805 Royal Licence country inn and a gourmet restaurant. You can bike through a beautiful landscape of idyllic villages and ancient burial mounds on the Castle Route. And North Funen has some of the best toboggan hills with nice gentle slopes.

Reffen Street Food Market

Visit a vibrant market in Copenhagen that is built almost entirely from recycled materials and old shipping containers. You can try foods from all over the world while seeing how the city uses green technology to reduce waste and energy consumption in a fun, outdoor setting.

Roskilde Cathedral

Explore the first Gothic cathedral in Scandinavia to be built of brick. This massive structure has served as the final resting place for Danish kings and queens for hundreds of years. You can walk through the various chapels and see how European architecture has changed from the 12th century to today.

South Funen Archipelago

Discover one of the world’s largest “drowned” ice age landscapes. You can take a boat between the islands or bike through a beautiful landscape of idyllic villages and ancient burial mounds on the Castle Route. The area is perfect for exploring unique geology and seeing how the rising sea levels created a network of beautiful islands.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)

Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)

See other Recommended Facebook Groups for some Scouting Organizations
(No official Groups)

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Published on February 22, 2026, by:

Tia Kennard

Click Here -> To see information References:

Disclaimer: The information published on The Badge Archive is built from the references listed below. These sources demonstrate that our content is grounded in facts and research, not opinion or speculation. Readers may consult them directly when looking for additional material.

Note: This is the complete list of all sources used across every Denmark resource on The Badge Archive and not just those facts on this direct page.

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