1 Geography and population

Most people live in towns

Five million people

The population of Denmark is barely in excess of 5.4 million people. Eighty five percent live in cities. Almost 1.6 million people live in the capital, Copenhagen, and the Greater Copenhagen area. With a population of approximately 300,000, Århus is Denmark's second largest city. Danish is the language spoken throughout the country. Approximately 270,000 people, 5% of the population, are foreign nationals - particularly those from the Nordic countries, Central Europe, North America, the Middle East, Southern Asia and Africa.

Many islands

Denmark comprises the Jutland peninsula together with 406 islands. The two largest islands are Zealand and Funen. Many of the remaining islands are small with only few inhabitants.

The capital, Copenhagen, is the largest city and is situated on Zealand. In Jutland, the largest cities are Århus, Aalborg and Esbjerg. Odense is the largest city on Funen. Most places in Denmark are situated near the coast. Denmark has approximately 7,300 kilometres of coastline. Denmark has no mountains, the highest point being 173 metres above sea level. The vast majority of the land is cultivated.

Denmark has an extensive road and railway network. Trains and buses allow travellers to get about the country at most times of the day and night. Ferries provide transport to many islands. A system of bridges connects Jutland, Funen and Zealand. And there is a bridge connecting Copenhagen and Malmö in Sweden.

Part of the Nordic region

Greenland and the Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark* but are self-governing. This means that these populations are Danish citizens who elect representatives to the Danish Parliament* in Denmark in addition to having their own democratic assemblies.

Denmark is part of the Nordic region. The five Nordic countries are Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland, including the self-governing territories of Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland. Denmark is a member of the European Union (the EU*).

The land of bicycles

Denmark is one of the countries in the world with most cyclists. In city rush-hour traffic, you will see great numbers of cyclists - parents transporting children - on their way to and from work, childminders and nurseries.