Denmark and Danes

Modern Denmark

To many, Denmark is best known for Hans Christian Andersen, Michael Laudrup and the Vikings. But Denmark is much more than that. It is a modern country with both traditional and high-technology companies that export products to the entire world.

Agriculture, innovation and design

Denmark has a tradition as an agricultural country producing some of the world’s leading agricultural products. But Denmark is also home to one of the largest shipping fleets in the world and features a large industrial sector. In addition, Danish companies have achieved a leading position in the bio-tech and pharmaceutical industries.

Many Danish companies focus on innovation and design. This includes Danish companies that develop wind turbines, hearing aids, satellite equipment, microchips and computer games, as well as companies that produce "Danish design" in the form of furniture, industrial design, clothing and exclusive television and hi-fi systems. Denmark also has a large financial sector and energy sector, and the public sector provides jobs to many people in the fields of education and health care.

Welfare and community

Most Danes see Denmark as a community in which everyone contributes to creating a good society and a secure future. Denmark is a welfare society in which roads, hospitals, schools, universities and libraries are free of charge. Even though people naturally have a responsibility for themselves, there are social programmes that provide everyone with the opportunity to live a dignified life, from cradle to old age. A relatively large portion of income is taxed in Denmark, but these taxes go to funding many public services and benefits.

A dynamic labour market

The Danish labour market is known for its high degree of organisation. Most employees are members of a trade union and an unemployment insurance fund, and most companies are members of an employers’ association.

These organisations arrange agreements on pay and working conditions, and they play a significant role in ensuring a labour market that is both secure and dynamic.

Equality and room for diversity

Men and women do not just have equal rights in Denmark. The large majority of Danish women also have a job where they earn the same in pay as their male colleagues. You will encounter many female managers at Danish workplaces and many women who are interested in making a career. Equality also applies in other areas. Nobody may be discriminated against because of their religion, political views, age, handicap or sexual orientation.

In Denmark, it is customary not to let one’s personal views interfere with one’s work. Religion is also considered a private issue in which others should not intervene. If people have special needs because of their religion, most companies are usually open to finding a common solution.

A flexible solution to issues regarding one’s personal matters is usually found through cooperation.