The Leading Danish World Heritage Sites

Jelling: The Jelling stones carved out of Rune Stone date back to the 10th century. The oldest of the two was commissioned by Denmarks first King 'Gorm The Old' as a tribute to his wife Thyra. The secound and larger was created by King Gorm's son, Harald Bluetooth to celebrate his fathers conquest of Denmark and Norway and the Danes becoming followers of Christianity. The stones in a churchyard are often visited by Danes who view them as a symbol of Denmarks identity as a nation.

Kronborg Castle just outside Elsinore on the edge of Zealand and just 4Km from Sweden was built in the 15th century not only as form of defence against invaders but also to oversee the shipping using the waters between the countries.The castle was built by King Eric of Pomerina who exacted a toll from ships using the waters.

Roskilde Cathedral in the city of Roskilde on the same island as the castle was the first brick Gothic cathedral in Europe. Its was completed in the 13th century and set a precedent for the use of brick across Northern Europe. Architecturally it has Gothic and Romanesque features and two very commanding twin spires. I t also has been the final home of Danish monarchs for several hundred years.

Road Travel In Denmark

Road in Denmark are generally good as are driving standards. Cyclists in Denmark frequently have the 'right of way'.  Motorists should check paralell cycle lanes before turning right.  Seatbelts must be worn. All vehicles have to carry a warning triangle which must be used in the event of a breakdown.

When driving at day or night headlights have to be used in a dipped mode and shrouded with an opaque European mask. A new addition to Danish road traffic law is the requirement that on a motorway drivers indicate before changing lanes.

Changes To Drug Laws

The use of drugs in Denmark is now illegal. Anyone found possesing illegal substances even if purely for personal use is automatically fined DKK 500. Anyone who is found guilty of drug dealing or importing drugs is likely to recieve a prison sentence.

During WW1 Denmark was neutral but it did lay mines in the Baltic Sound to avoid invasion by the German forces. After WW1 the Danish mainland increased slightly when the Danish German border was redrawn. At the beginning of WW2 Dennmark declared itself as 'neutral', but the Nazis occupied it in 1940. It was liberated by Allied troops in May 1945.

In 1944 Iceland exited itself from Danish Rule and declared itself an independent state. In 1945 Denmark joined the United Nations and then NATO in 1949. In 1948 the Faroe Islands followed by Greenland in 1952 were granted 'home rule '.

Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden founded the Nordic Council in 1952 which Finland joined three years later. In 1957 it rejected the stationing of nuclear weapons ‘in present circumstances’ on its territory but withheld its support for the proposed 'Nuclear Free Zone' within the member states of the Nordic Council.

After 14 years as a founder member of the European Free Trade Association Dennmark joined the EEC in 1973. Twelve years later Greenland officially withdrew from this membership.

Denmark’s membership of the European Union has met strong opposition in Dennmark. The 1992 referendum on Maastricht Treaty was ratified by a slender 2% of Danish voters. A subsequent referendum in 1993 resulted th hostility towards the EU in some quarters. On 2 June 1992 a majority of less than 2% voted against Denmark ratifying the Maastricht Treaty of the European Union.

After a second referendum on the Treaty gave Denmark four exemptions from the terms of the treaty on EU defence, currency and citizenship. It also negated Dennmarks obligations in areas including law enforcement and allied laws. In 2000 Danes voted by over 6% not to join the Euro.

Denmark is a 'constitutional monarchy' : Queen Margrethe who came tho the throne in 1972 presides over the 179 members of the Parliament (Folketing) who are elected by proportional representation. The Faroe Islands and Greenland each have two seats. . The Danish electoral system historically produces numerous poliitcal parties and thus coalition governments.

The Faroe Islands and Greenland have their own administrations. However Defence, Foreign & Treasury policies are determined by the Danish Government.

The Danish Monarchy

The Danish Monarchy is the oldest 'surviving' monarchy in the world with King Gorm (see the Jelling Stones above) becoming the first King of Denmark on 900AD

The population of Denmark is 5.4 million. in April 2006 4. 649,300. The Capital is Copenhagen with a central population of over 503,000 though it is nearer 1,212,000 if the surban areas are accounted for.

Denmark Language

The offical national languages are Danish,Faroese and , Greenlandic. The most common spoken second language is English. A little German and Nynorsk (modern Norwegian) is also spoken.

Religions In Denmark

There official religion in Denmark is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Denmark by which 85% of Danes are christened.

Danish Currency

Denmark Economy - Business