Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Denmark
Kongeriget Danmark
CapitalCopenhagen
Population6,009,169
GDP$462.5bn
Area42,925 km²
RegionEurope & Central Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is part of the general political and economic integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973. The country has opted out of certain elements of the EU's Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic and Monetary Union and justice and home affairs issues. a 2022 referendum resulted in the removal of Denmark's 30-year opt-out on defense issues, now allowing Denmark to participate fully in the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy.
Reference: 2022, 1973, 1949Geography
Location
Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes several major islands (Sjaelland, Fyn, and Bornholm)
Map references
Europe
Area
total: 43,094 sq km
land: 42,434 sq km
water: 660 sq km
note: note: includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major islands of Sjaelland and Fyn) but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland
land: 42,434 sq km
water: 660 sq km
note: note: includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major islands of Sjaelland and Fyn) but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland
Area - comparative
slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts; about two-thirds the size of West Virginia
Land boundaries
total: 141 km
border countries: Germany 140 km; Canada 1.3 km
border countries: Germany 140 km; Canada 1.3 km
Coastline
7,314 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Climate
temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers
Terrain
low and flat to gently rolling plains
Elevation
highest point: Store Mollehoj 171 m
lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m
mean elevation: 34 m
lowest point: Lammefjord -7 m
mean elevation: 34 m
Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, fish, arable land, salt, limestone, chalk, stone, gravel and sand
Land use
agricultural land: 65.6% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 59% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.8% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 5.8% (2022 est.)
forest: 15.8% (2022 est.)
other: 18.6% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 59% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.8% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 5.8% (2022 est.)
forest: 15.8% (2022 est.)
other: 18.6% (2022 est.)
Irrigated land
2,420 sq km (2022)
Reference: 2022Population distribution
population centers tend to be along coastal areas, particularly in Copenhagen and the eastern side of the country's mainland
Natural hazards
flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g., parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland) that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes
Geography - note
composed of the Jutland Peninsula and a group of more than 400 islands (Danish Archipelago); controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in greater Copenhagen
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Dane(s)
adjective: Danish
adjective: Danish
Ethnic groups
Danish (includes Greenlandic (who are predominantly Inuit) and Faroese) 84.2%, Turkish 1.1%, other 14.7% (largest groups are Polish, Romanian, Syrian, Ukrainian, German, and Iraqi) (2023 est.)
note: note: data represent population by country of origin
Reference: 2023note: note: data represent population by country of origin
Languages
Languages: Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority); note - English is the predominant second language
major-language sample(s): Verdens Faktabog, den uundværlig kilde til grundlæggende oplysninger. (Danish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s): Verdens Faktabog, den uundværlig kilde til grundlæggende oplysninger. (Danish)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Evangelical Lutheran (official) 71.4%, Muslim 4.3%, other/none/unspecified (denominations include Roman Catholic, Jehovah's Witness, Serbian Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Baptist, Buddhist, Church of Jesus Christ, Pentecostal, and nondenominational Christian) 24.3% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Age structure
0-14 years: 16.2% (male 496,793/female 471,018)
15-64 years: 62.9% (male 1,903,315/female 1,856,615)
65 years and over: 20.8% (2024 est.) (male 575,153/female 670,242)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 62.9% (male 1,903,315/female 1,856,615)
65 years and over: 20.8% (2024 est.) (male 575,153/female 670,242)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 57.2 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 24.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 24.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 32.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 3.1 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 42.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 41 years
female: 43.4 years
Reference: 2024male: 41 years
female: 43.4 years
Population growth rate
0.44% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
11.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
9.6 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
population centers tend to be along coastal areas, particularly in Copenhagen and the eastern side of the country's mainland
Major urban areas - population
1.381 million COPENHAGEN (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.86 male(s)/female
total population: 0.99 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
29.8 years (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.86 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.5% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
7.24 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Reference: 2021Hospital bed density
2.5 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
19.7% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 9.16 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 3.42 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 4.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 3.42 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 4.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 1.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 14.3% (2025 est.)
male: 14.4% (2025 est.)
female: 14.3% (2025 est.)
male: 14.4% (2025 est.)
female: 14.3% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
59.6% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 18: 0.7% (2021)
Reference: 2021School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 18 years (2023 est.)
male: 18 years (2023 est.)
female: 19 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 18 years (2023 est.)
female: 19 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 100,832 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 8,566 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 8,566 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Frederik X of Denmark | — | 2024-01-14 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Mette Frederiksen | — | 2019-06-27 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Kingdom of Denmark
conventional short form: Denmark
local long form: Kongeriget Danmark
local short form: Danmark
etymology: the name derives from the words Dane, a tribal name with unclear Germanic origins, and mark, a Danish word that refers to a march (borderland)
conventional short form: Denmark
local long form: Kongeriget Danmark
local short form: Danmark
etymology: the name derives from the words Dane, a tribal name with unclear Germanic origins, and mark, a Danish word that refers to a march (borderland)
Capital
name: Copenhagen
geographic coordinates: 55 40 N, 12 35 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October; note - applies to continental Denmark only, not to its North Atlantic components
etymology: name derives from the Danish words køber (merchant or buyer) and havn (harbor or port)
geographic coordinates: 55 40 N, 12 35 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October; note - applies to continental Denmark only, not to its North Atlantic components
etymology: name derives from the Danish words køber (merchant or buyer) and havn (harbor or port)
Administrative divisions
metropolitan Denmark - 5 regions (regioner, singular - region); Hovedstaden (Capital), Midtjylland (Central Jutland), Nordjylland (North Jutland), Sjaelland (Zealand), Syddanmark (Southern Denmark)
Legal system
civil law; judicial review of legislative acts
Constitution
history: several previous; latest adopted 5 June 1953
amendment process: proposed by the Folketing (Parliament) with consent of the government; passage requires approval by the next Folketing following a general election, approval by simple majority vote of at least 40% of voters in a referendum, and assent of the chief of state
Reference: 1953amendment process: proposed by the Folketing (Parliament) with consent of the government; passage requires approval by the next Folketing following a general election, approval by simple majority vote of at least 40% of voters in a referendum, and assent of the chief of state
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Denmark
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Denmark
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King FREDERIK X (since 14 January 2024)
head of government: Prime Minister Mette FREDERIKSEN (since 27 June 2019)
cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the monarch usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister
note: note: Queen MARGRETHE II abdicated on 14 January 2024, the first Danish monarch to voluntarily abdicate since King ERIC III in 1146
Reference: 2024, 2019head of government: Prime Minister Mette FREDERIKSEN (since 27 June 2019)
cabinet: Council of State appointed by the monarch
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the monarch usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as prime minister
note: note: Queen MARGRETHE II abdicated on 14 January 2024, the first Danish monarch to voluntarily abdicate since King ERIC III in 1146
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament (Folketinget)
legislative structure: unicameral
chamber name: The Danish Parliament (Folketinget)
number of seats: 179 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/1/2022
parties elected and seats per party: Social Democratic Party (50); Liberal Party (Venstre) (23); Moderates (M) (16); Socialist People's Party (SF) (15); Danish Democrats (Æ) (14); Liberal Alliance (14); Conservative People's Party (10); Unity List-Red-Green Alliance (9); Other (24)
percentage of women in chamber: 43.6%
expected date of next election: October 2026
Reference: 2026, 2022legislative structure: unicameral
chamber name: The Danish Parliament (Folketinget)
number of seats: 179 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/1/2022
parties elected and seats per party: Social Democratic Party (50); Liberal Party (Venstre) (23); Moderates (M) (16); Socialist People's Party (SF) (15); Danish Democrats (Æ) (14); Liberal Alliance (14); Conservative People's Party (10); Unity List-Red-Green Alliance (9); Other (24)
percentage of women in chamber: 43.6%
expected date of next election: October 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the court president and 18 judges)
judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the monarch upon the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, with the advice of the Judicial Appointments Council, a 6-member independent body of judges and lawyers; judges appointed for life with retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Special Court of Indictment and Revision; 2 High Courts; Maritime and Commercial Court; county courts
judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the monarch upon the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, with the advice of the Judicial Appointments Council, a 6-member independent body of judges and lawyers; judges appointed for life with retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Special Court of Indictment and Revision; 2 High Courts; Maritime and Commercial Court; county courts
Political parties
The Alternative or AP
Conservative People's Party or DKF or C
Danish People's Party or DF or O
Denmark Democrats or E
Green Left or SF or F (formerly Socialist People's Party or SF or F)
Liberal Alliance or LA or I
Liberal Party (Venstre) or V
Moderates or M
New Right Party or NB or D
Red-Green Alliance (Unity List) or EL
Social Democrats or SDP or A
Social Liberal Party or SLP or B
Conservative People's Party or DKF or C
Danish People's Party or DF or O
Denmark Democrats or E
Green Left or SF or F (formerly Socialist People's Party or SF or F)
Liberal Alliance or LA or I
Liberal Party (Venstre) or V
Moderates or M
New Right Party or NB or D
Red-Green Alliance (Unity List) or EL
Social Democrats or SDP or A
Social Liberal Party or SLP or B
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Jesper Møller SØRENSEN (since 15 September 2023)
chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300
FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470
email address and website: wasamb@um.dk
https://usa.um.dk/en
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, Silicon Valley (CA)
Reference: 2023chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300
FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470
email address and website: wasamb@um.dk
https://usa.um.dk/en
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, Silicon Valley (CA)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth A. HOWERY (since 5 November 2025)
embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Kobenhavn 0
mailing address: 5280 Copenhagen Place, Washington DC 20521-5280
telephone: [45] 33-41-71-00
FAX: [45] 35-43-02-23
email address and website: CopenhagenACS@state.gov
https://dk.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Kobenhavn 0
mailing address: 5280 Copenhagen Place, Washington DC 20521-5280
telephone: [45] 33-41-71-00
FAX: [45] 35-43-02-23
email address and website: CopenhagenACS@state.gov
https://dk.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Independence
ca. 965 (unified and Christianized under Harald I GORMSSON); 5 June 1849 (became a parliamentary constitutional monarchy)
National holiday
Constitution Day, 5 June (1849)
note: note: closest equivalent to a national holiday
note: note: closest equivalent to a national holiday
Flag
description: red field with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the left
history: referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world; the origin of the design is unclear; one legend says that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th-century battle and inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner
note: note: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands subsequently adopted the shifted-cross design
history: referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world; the origin of the design is unclear; one legend says that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th-century battle and inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner
note: note: Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the Faroe Islands subsequently adopted the shifted-cross design
National symbol(s)
lion, mute swan
National color(s)
red, white
National coat of arms
Denmark’s King Frederick VI adopted the national coat of arms in 1819; the crown of King Christian V, who ruled Denmark and Norway from 1670 to 1699, sits atop the shield, symbolizing royal and national authority; the three lions represent a strong and powerful country, with red lily pads in the shape of hearts that stand for strength, valor, and joy
National anthem(s)
title: “Kong Christian stod ved højen mast” (King Christian Stood by the Lofty Mast)
lyrics/music: Johannes EWALD/unknown
history: adopted 1780; one of the oldest royal anthems in the world; used for events when Danish royalty is present; anthem has equal status with the national anthem
note: note: Denmark is one of only two countries that has two national anthems of equal status (New Zealand is the other)
lyrics/music: Johannes EWALD/unknown
history: adopted 1780; one of the oldest royal anthems in the world; used for events when Danish royalty is present; anthem has equal status with the national anthem
note: note: Denmark is one of only two countries that has two national anthems of equal status (New Zealand is the other)
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 12 (8 cultural, 4 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Denmark: Mounds, Runic Stones, and Church at Jelling (c); Roskilde Cathedral (c); Kronborg Castle (c); Wadden Sea (n); Stevns Klint (n); Christiansfeld, Moravian Church Settlement (c); Par force hunting landscape, North Zealand (c); Greenland: Ilulissat Icefjord (n); Kujataa, Norse and Inuit Farming (c); Aasivissuit–Nipisat, Inuit Hunting Ground (c); Viking-Age Ring Fortresses (c); Møns Klint (n)
note: note: includes three sites in Greenland
selected World Heritage Site locales: Denmark: Mounds, Runic Stones, and Church at Jelling (c); Roskilde Cathedral (c); Kronborg Castle (c); Wadden Sea (n); Stevns Klint (n); Christiansfeld, Moravian Church Settlement (c); Par force hunting landscape, North Zealand (c); Greenland: Ilulissat Icefjord (n); Kujataa, Norse and Inuit Farming (c); Aasivissuit–Nipisat, Inuit Hunting Ground (c); Viking-Age Ring Fortresses (c); Møns Klint (n)
note: note: includes three sites in Greenland
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folketing | — | 179 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, EU-member, trade-oriented Nordic economy; growth driven by pharmaceuticals, energy, and services; large share of employment in public sector; fixed exchange rate pegged to euro; strong fiscal position and declining public debt; tight labor market mitigated by migrant workers and higher retirement age
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $440.558 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $424.937 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $414.592 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $424.937 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $414.592 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $73,700 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $71,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $70,200 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $71,500 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $70,200 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 0.7% (2024 est.)
industry: 24% (2024 est.)
services: 64% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 24% (2024 est.)
services: 64% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 45.5% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 22.5% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 22.6% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.2% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 68% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -59.8% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 22.5% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 22.6% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 0.2% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 68% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -59.8% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
milk, wheat, potatoes, barley, sugar beets, pork, rapeseed, rye, oats, chicken (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
wind turbines, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, shipbuilding and refurbishment, iron, steel, nonferrous metals, chemicals, food processing, machinery and transportation equipment, textiles and clothing, electronics, construction, furniture and other wood products
Industrial production growth rate
12% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
3.21 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 12.1% (2024 est.)
male: 12.3% (2024 est.)
female: 11.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 12.3% (2024 est.)
female: 11.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
12.4% (2021 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2021note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2022: 29.3 (2022 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2022note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 11.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 3.5% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.6% (2022 est.)
highest 10%: 24.5% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2022highest 10%: 24.5% (2022 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 0.4% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 0.4% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $149.393 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $136.662 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $136.662 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 35.3% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Reference: 2017note: note: data cover general government debt and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intragovernmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions
Taxes and other revenues
31.4% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $55.901 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $40.061 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $46.488 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $40.061 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $46.488 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $299.405 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $276.646 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $283.37 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $276.646 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $283.37 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 13%, USA 10%, Sweden 9%, Netherlands 7%, China 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
packaged medicine, fish, vaccines, refined petroleum, pork (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $252.954 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $243.478 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $245.07 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $243.478 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $245.07 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Germany 18%, Sweden 11%, Norway 10%, Netherlands 9%, China 7% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
natural gas, cars, garments, packaged medicine, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $108.405 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $109.371 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $96.073 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $109.371 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $96.073 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 6.894 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 6.89 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 7.076 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 6.287 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 6.542 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 6.894 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 6.89 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 7.076 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 6.287 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 6.542 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $55.901 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $40.061 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $46.488 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $40.061 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $46.488 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $299.405 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $276.646 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $283.37 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $276.646 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $283.37 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Germany 13%, USA 10%, Sweden 9%, Netherlands 7%, China 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
packaged medicine, fish, vaccines, refined petroleum, pork (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $252.954 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $243.478 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $245.07 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $243.478 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $245.07 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Germany 18%, Sweden 11%, Norway 10%, Netherlands 9%, China 7% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
natural gas, cars, garments, packaged medicine, refined petroleum (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 20.794 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 35.253 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 16.698 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 19.831 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.825 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 35.253 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 16.698 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 19.831 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.825 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 11.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 9.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 57.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 21.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 9.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 57.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 21.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 1.135 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports: 124,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 1.296 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023exports: 124,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 1.296 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 63,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 151,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 441 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 151,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 441 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 2.021 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 2.309 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 8.388 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 8.612 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 29.534 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021consumption: 2.309 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports: 8.388 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 8.612 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
proven reserves: 29.534 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 98.513 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 755,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
4 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 9.5% of GDP (2022)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 17.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
7.24 physicians/1,000 population (2021)
Reference: 2021Hospital bed density
2.5 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
19.7% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 14.3% (2025 est.)
male: 14.4% (2025 est.)
female: 14.3% (2025 est.)
male: 14.4% (2025 est.)
female: 14.3% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 18 years (2023 est.)
male: 18 years (2023 est.)
female: 19 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 18 years (2023 est.)
female: 19 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
civil law; judicial review of legislative acts
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the court president and 18 judges)
judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the monarch upon the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, with the advice of the Judicial Appointments Council, a 6-member independent body of judges and lawyers; judges appointed for life with retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Special Court of Indictment and Revision; 2 High Courts; Maritime and Commercial Court; county courts
judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the monarch upon the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, with the advice of the Judicial Appointments Council, a 6-member independent body of judges and lawyers; judges appointed for life with retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Special Court of Indictment and Revision; 2 High Courts; Maritime and Commercial Court; county courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Danish Armed Forces (Forsvaret): Royal Danish Army, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Danish Air Force (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2025: 3.2% of GDP (2025 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024: 2.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022Military Expenditures 2024: 2.3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 17,000 active-duty military personnel (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the Danish military inventory is comprised of modern European, US, and domestically produced weapons and equipment; the Danish defense industry is active in the production of naval vessels, defense electronics, and subcomponents of larger weapons systems, such as the US F-35 fighter aircraft; the major warships of the Royal Danish Navy were all produced domestically (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service for men and women; conscripts serve 11 months, including five months of basic training, followed by six months in an operational unit (2025)
note: note 1: Denmark has had compulsory military service since 1849; conscripts are chosen by lottery (about 4,700 were selected in 2024); conscientious objectors can choose to instead serve 6 months in a non-military position, for example in Beredskabsstyrelsen (dealing with non-military disasters like fires, flood, pollution, etc.) or overseas foreign aid work
note 2: women have been able serve in all military occupations, including combat arms, since 1988; as of 2022, they made up about 9% of the military's full-time personnel; military conscription was extended to women in June 2025
note 3: foreigners who have lived in Denmark for at least one year or in another EU country for six years may apply to join the armed forces, provided they are fluent in Danish
Reference: 2025, 2024, 2022, 1988note: note 1: Denmark has had compulsory military service since 1849; conscripts are chosen by lottery (about 4,700 were selected in 2024); conscientious objectors can choose to instead serve 6 months in a non-military position, for example in Beredskabsstyrelsen (dealing with non-military disasters like fires, flood, pollution, etc.) or overseas foreign aid work
note 2: women have been able serve in all military occupations, including combat arms, since 1988; as of 2022, they made up about 9% of the military's full-time personnel; military conscription was extended to women in June 2025
note 3: foreigners who have lived in Denmark for at least one year or in another EU country for six years may apply to join the armed forces, provided they are fluent in Danish
Military deployments
approximately 800 Latvia (NATO); Denmark contributes small numbers of air, ground, and naval forces to a variety of other NATO and international missions (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - note
the Danish Armed Forces (Forsvaret) have a variety of missions, including enforcing the country’s sovereignty, monitoring Danish waters and airspace, search and rescue, environmental protection, host nation support for alliance partners, international peacekeeping, fulfilling Denmark’s commitments to NATO, and providing assistance to the police for border control, guard tasks, air surveillance, and during national disasters and other emergencies
NATO has been a cornerstone of Danish security and defense police since it joined in 1949 as one of the organization’s original members under the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty); the Forsvaret regularly exercises with NATO allies and participates in a number of NATO missions, including its Enhanced Forward Presence in Eastern Europe, air policing in the Baltics, naval operations in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic, and an advisory mission in Iraq; the Forsvaret leads NATO’s Multinational Division – North (inaugurated 2019), a headquarters based in Latvia that supports the defense planning of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and the coordination of regional military activities, including NATO’s forward deployed forces; it also takes part in other international missions for Europe and the UN ranging from peacekeeping in Africa to protecting Europe's external borders by patrolling the Mediterranean Sea in support of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency; Denmark is a member of the EU and voted to join the EU’s Common Defense and Security Policy in a 2022 referendum; the Forsvaret cooperates closely with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO; established 2009), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden in such areas as armaments, training and exercises, and operations; it also has a joint composite special operations command with Belgium and the Netherlands
the Forsvaret has an Arctic Command to protect the sovereignty of Denmark in the Arctic region, including the Faroe Islands and Greenland, and conducts maritime pollution prevention, environmental monitoring, fishery inspections, search and rescue, and hydrographical surveys, plus support to governmental science missions; there is also a joint service Special Operations Command (SOKOM), which includes the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, an elite unit that patrols the most remote parts of northeast Greenland (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2022, 2019, 2009NATO has been a cornerstone of Danish security and defense police since it joined in 1949 as one of the organization’s original members under the North Atlantic Treaty (also known as the Washington Treaty); the Forsvaret regularly exercises with NATO allies and participates in a number of NATO missions, including its Enhanced Forward Presence in Eastern Europe, air policing in the Baltics, naval operations in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic, and an advisory mission in Iraq; the Forsvaret leads NATO’s Multinational Division – North (inaugurated 2019), a headquarters based in Latvia that supports the defense planning of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and the coordination of regional military activities, including NATO’s forward deployed forces; it also takes part in other international missions for Europe and the UN ranging from peacekeeping in Africa to protecting Europe's external borders by patrolling the Mediterranean Sea in support of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency; Denmark is a member of the EU and voted to join the EU’s Common Defense and Security Policy in a 2022 referendum; the Forsvaret cooperates closely with the militaries of other Nordic countries through the Nordic Defense Cooperation (NORDEFCO; established 2009), which consists of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden in such areas as armaments, training and exercises, and operations; it also has a joint composite special operations command with Belgium and the Netherlands
the Forsvaret has an Arctic Command to protect the sovereignty of Denmark in the Arctic region, including the Faroe Islands and Greenland, and conducts maritime pollution prevention, environmental monitoring, fishery inspections, search and rescue, and hydrographical surveys, plus support to governmental science missions; there is also a joint service Special Operations Command (SOKOM), which includes the Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, an elite unit that patrols the most remote parts of northeast Greenland (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Jesper Møller SØRENSEN (since 15 September 2023)
chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300
FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470
email address and website: wasamb@um.dk
https://usa.um.dk/en
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, Silicon Valley (CA)
Reference: 2023chancery: 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 234-4300
FAX: [1] (202) 328-1470
email address and website: wasamb@um.dk
https://usa.um.dk/en
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Houston, New York, Silicon Valley (CA)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Kenneth A. HOWERY (since 5 November 2025)
embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Kobenhavn 0
mailing address: 5280 Copenhagen Place, Washington DC 20521-5280
telephone: [45] 33-41-71-00
FAX: [45] 35-43-02-23
email address and website: CopenhagenACS@state.gov
https://dk.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Kobenhavn 0
mailing address: 5280 Copenhagen Place, Washington DC 20521-5280
telephone: [45] 33-41-71-00
FAX: [45] 35-43-02-23
email address and website: CopenhagenACS@state.gov
https://dk.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) | member | 1973-06-25 |
| European Union (EU) | member | 1973-01-01 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-01-01 |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
International organization participation
ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EITI (implementing country), ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 100,832 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 8,566 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024stateless persons: 8,566 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)/Qods Force
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
OY
Airports
102 (2025)
Heliports
29 (2025)
Railways
total: 2,682 km (2020) 876 km electrified
Reference: 2020Merchant marine
total: 715 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 15, container ship 132, general cargo 69, oil tanker 107, other 392
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 15, container ship 132, general cargo 69, oil tanker 107, other 392
Ports
total ports: 69 (2024)
large: 1
medium: 2
small: 30
very small: 36
ports with oil terminals: 33
key ports: Abenra, Alborg, Arhus, Assens, Augustenborg, Bandholm, Esbjerg, Faborg, Fredericia, Frederikshavn, Haderslev, Holstebro-Stuer, Kalundborg, Kobenhavn, Kolding, Korsor, Marstal, Middelfart, Naestved, Nakskov, Nyborg, Nykobing, Odense, Randers, Ronne, Rudkobing, Sakskobing, Skagen Havn, Sonderborg, Stubbekobing, Studstrup, Svendborg, Vejle
Reference: 2024large: 1
medium: 2
small: 30
very small: 36
ports with oil terminals: 33
key ports: Abenra, Alborg, Arhus, Assens, Augustenborg, Bandholm, Esbjerg, Faborg, Fredericia, Frederikshavn, Haderslev, Holstebro-Stuer, Kalundborg, Kobenhavn, Kolding, Korsor, Marstal, Middelfart, Naestved, Nakskov, Nyborg, Nykobing, Odense, Randers, Ronne, Rudkobing, Sakskobing, Skagen Havn, Sonderborg, Stubbekobing, Studstrup, Svendborg, Vejle
Environment
Environmental issues
air pollution, principally from vehicle and power-plant emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea; water pollution from animal wastes and pesticides
International environmental agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 85, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Marine Dumping-London Protocol, Marine Life Conservation, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protection
Reference: 2006signed, but not ratified: Antarctic-Environmental Protection
Climate
temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers
Land use
agricultural land: 65.6% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 59% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.8% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 5.8% (2022 est.)
forest: 15.8% (2022 est.)
other: 18.6% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 59% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 0.8% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 5.8% (2022 est.)
forest: 15.8% (2022 est.)
other: 18.6% (2022 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 88.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.54% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 0.54% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 29.915 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 2.54 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 22.535 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 4.841 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 2.54 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 22.535 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 4.841 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
10.1 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 49.7 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 236.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 54.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 5.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 236.5 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 54.4 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 5.3 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 4.911 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 35.4% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 35.4% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 382.787 million cubic meters (2022)
industrial: 45.076 million cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 506.487 million cubic meters (2022)
Reference: 2022industrial: 45.076 million cubic meters (2022)
agricultural: 506.487 million cubic meters (2022)
Total renewable water resources
6 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Geoparks
total global geoparks and regional networks: 3 (2024)
global geoparks and regional networks: Odsherred; South Fyn Archipelago; Vestjylland (2024)
Reference: 2024global geoparks and regional networks: Odsherred; South Fyn Archipelago; Vestjylland (2024)
Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 755,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 13 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
strong public-sector TV presence, with Danmarks Radio (DR) operating 6 channels and TV2 operating roughly a half-dozen channels; private stations are available via satellite and cable feed; DR operates 4 FM radio stations, 10 digital audio stations, and 14 web-based radio stations; 140 commercial and 187 community (non-commercial) radio stations (2019)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.dk
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 5,728,010 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 5,764,980 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 5,793,636 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 5,814,422 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 5,831,404 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 5,856,733 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 5,903,037 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 5,946,952 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 5,976,992 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 6,009,169 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $312,181,849,372 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $331,610,593,962 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $355,293,374,912 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $345,401,473,013 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $355,631,021,932 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $406,110,162,088 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $400,114,306,337 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $404,651,706,118 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $424,524,722,037 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $462,526,660,468 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 718,856 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 847,475 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 124,563 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 117,007 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 113,952 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 120,534 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 124,567 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 123,297 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 120,852 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 124,665 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 33,391 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 24,561 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 18,919 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 9,488 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 10,851 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 26,887 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 60,219 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 31,006 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 25,639 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 22,103 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,009,169 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 6,023,521 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 5,822,863 | 2020 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 847,475 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 14.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 124,665 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 22,103 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 21 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 49 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.980 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 3.258 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 3.764 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 3.012 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 2.591 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 3.042 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 3.116 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Legal since 1933; equal age of consent since 1973; + UN decl. sign. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | Yes Registered partnerships from 1989 to 2012 (existing partnerships are still recognised) | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | Yes Legal since 2012 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | Yes Stepchild adoption since 1999; joint adoption since 2010 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | Yes Includes transgender people | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Bans all anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Legal gender change and recognition possible without surgery or hormone therapy | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $462,526,660,468 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $76,970 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 2.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 1.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 5.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 82.3 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.5 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 88.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 99.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 70.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 59.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 129.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 125.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 6.4% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 6,165 kWh/person | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 39.5% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 9.4% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 3.5 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 15.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 126.7 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 43.4 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 246,546 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 55.6763° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 12.5681° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 56.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 10.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | constitutional monarchy | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- Source: Eurostat (dataset/datacode: demo_pjan) Accessed September 19, 2026. Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:13