Locate Germany on a map of Europe, and then look to its north. There you will find a peninsula known as Jutland. To its west is the North Sea; to its east, the Baltic Sea and a thick cluster of more than 400 islands. Together, Jutland and the islands form one of the smallest but most admired nations of Europe: the kingdom of Denmark.
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Denmark’s five and a half million inhabitants, known as Danes, occupy a space only about twice the size of New Jersey, and one-seventeenth the combined size of Norway and Sweden, its neighbors across the Baltic. We often associate the three nations under the single term “Scandinavia.” Though sharing many of their characteristics, however, Denmark’s distinctive geography sets it apart from its northern neighbors and has played a major role in shaping its history and culture. Denmark’s capital of Copenhagen, for example, grew up around an island castle built in 1167 by a bishop named Absalon. Absalon chose his site carefully, selecting a small island near another larger, more populated one. This way, he reasoned, he could enjoy the sea’s protection while remaining close to trade routes and commerce. While today’s residents no longer fear attackers as much as Absalon did, Copenhagen remains tied to trade and the sea. A boat ride is still the best way to see the city, and its harbor and airport are among the busiest in Europe. Denmark’s transportation system is one of the most advanced in the world, and includes Copenhagen’s fully automated, driverless subway system. What often strikes visitors, however, is the Danish reliance on an old means of transportation—the bicycle. While there are plenty of cars on the roads, too, the Danes have an unusual appreciation for clean air and good health and for the bicycle’s contribution to both.
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Denmark’s economy has its ups and downs, but the stability of its government is reassuring to businesses. Since 1972, the country’s head of state has been Queen Margrethe II. The Queen’s power is limited, however, by a constitution that authorizes a prime minister and an elected legislature, known as the Folketing, to exercise day-to-day powers. A cabinet of ministers, each with responsibility for a specific area of government, assists the prime minister.
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Denmark boasts a number of political parties, each with its own view of the issues. One of the most serious of these is immigration. For refugees escaping war and poverty, Denmark is an attractive destination. The problem is the conflict between compassion, on the one hand, and the fear that too many refugees may overwhelm the country, on the other. There are no easy answers, but most Danes agree that the solution lies in compromise, not in extremism.
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Danes today believe strongly in global cooperation and are active members of the United Nations, the European Union, and other international organizations. Historically, however, Denmark’s geography isolated it from the rest of the world. For centuries, most Danes lived in small, remote villages, many reachable only by water and only in the best weather. Though this isolation caused problems, it also brought benefits, including a strong sense of fellowship among neighbors. With few outsiders available to assist them, the Danes quickly appreciated the benefits of neighborhood cooperation. Until the 19th century, for example, most Danish farmers worked collectively—that is, they shared equipment, labor, and information with their neighbors to obtain the best possible harvest for all.
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Today, this community spirit is most obvious in Denmark’s famous social welfare system. While most modern governments have some kind of welfare system in place to assist the poor, the unemployed, the sick, and the elderly, Denmark’s program is one of the most generous—and expensive—in the world.
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Denmark’s long isolation also encouraged a strong sense of independence and unity in the face of outside forces. Perhaps the most famous example of Danish unity occurred during World War II (1939–1945), when the forces of German dictator Adolf Hitler marched across the border. Though the Germans allowed the Danish government to continue for a time, they soon grew frustrated when the Danes refused to obey many of the Germans’ orders.
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The Germans responded by shutting government offices throughout the country, but the resistance movement grew only stronger. Its greatest achievement was the rescue of nearly every Jewish citizen in the country—more than 7,000 people in all. Individual rescues occurred throughout Europe, but Denmark is the only nation that united to stop Hitler’s murderous persecution of Jewish people.
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Denmark is not a paradise. As in the rest of the world, there is pollution, racism, and unemployment. But the Danes have good reason to be proud of their country and to be confident of their ability to handle whatever problems they face, now and in the future.
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This passage provides a comprehensive overview of Denmark, highlighting its geography, culture, history, governance, and social structures. Below is a summary of the main points discussed:
Geography: Denmark is located in Northern Europe, bordered by Germany to the south, the North Sea to the west, and the Baltic Sea to the east. It consists of the Jutland Peninsula and over 400 islands. The nation is small in size but rich in history and culture.
Population and Size: With about 5.5 million inhabitants, Denmark is not large geographically and is often grouped with Norway and Sweden under the term “Scandinavia.” However, its unique geography has influenced its development.
Copenhagen: Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, originated around a castle built in 1167. The city has a strong maritime connection, and today, it features an advanced transportation system, including a driverless subway and a bike-friendly environment.
Government: Denmark has a constitutional monarchy with Queen Margrethe II as the head of state since 1972. Political power is mainly held by a prime minister and the Folketing, an elected legislature.
Social Issues: Immigration is a significant political issue, with debates centered around compassion for refugees versus fears of being overwhelmed. Danes generally favor compromise over extremism when addressing these concerns.
Community and Welfare: Denmark's history of isolation fostered a strong communal spirit. This community focus is reflected in its extensive social welfare system, which is among the most generous globally.
World War II Resistance: Denmark's sense of unity was notably exhibited during World War II when the country resisted German occupation efforts. The Danish resistance is particularly remembered for the successful rescue of over 7,000 Jewish citizens.
Modern Challenges: Despite its strengths, Denmark faces issues such as pollution, racism, and unemployment. However, the Danish people remain optimistic about their social cohesion and ability to tackle future challenges.
Overall, this passage illustrates Denmark as a nation with a rich historical background, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to social welfare and cooperation, even while facing contemporary issues.
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