Denmark is one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful places, and an area that everyone should try to visit at least once.
Although the weather in Denmark can get a little chilly around the winter months, there’s so much to do and see that you’re sure to have an incredible experience — no matter the season.
Most people have heard of Denmark, and they might even know a few of its famous destinations by name, like Roskilde – the city of Vikings (and kings).
Yet surprisingly if you ask most people “Where is Denmark on the map?” they won’t know where to start pointing.
If you’re one of the many people who would struggle to differentiate Denmark from Sweden globally, don’t panic. We’re not here to judge.
Today, we’re going to answer the question “Where is Denmark?” and teach you a few of the essential facts that you need to know about the country’s location.
Where is Denmark located?
So, where’s Denmark?
Denmark is a country that occupies the Jutland Peninsula, extending north from the heart of continental western Europe.
The Jutland (Jylland) peninsula makes up around two-thirds of the total land area for the country, with the northern tip located at Vendsyssel-Thy.
What many people don’t realize is that Denmark isn’t just one chunk of land — it’s actually a group of islands in northern Europe, the largest of which are Zealand, Lolland-Falster, and Funen.
While there are more than 400 islands making up Denmark in total, only 72 are inhabited by people.
Compared to the rest of the Scandinavian countries, Denmark is the furthest south, located underneath Norway, and to the south-west of Sweden.
However, Denmark’s connection with Sweden is now much more significant since the construction of the Öresund bridge. This 16km bridge links Denmark and Sweden, between Copenhagen and Malmo.
If you’re looking for a great day out while visiting the Danish landscape, consider a trip over the bridge!
What are the neighboring countries of Denmark?
Most people identify Norway and Sweden as two of the closest Denmark neighboring countries. Not only do these two countries share the Nordic region with the Danish, but they also have similar cultures and histories too.
Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and potentially Finland make up the official “Scandinavia”.
The Kingdom of Denmark technically only shares a land border with one country — Germany, which may be why some of the country still speak German as a second language.
You may class the bridge between Sweden and Denmark as something of a “land connection”, but it’s the only link between the two countries.
The Exclusive Economic Zone for Denmark borders a variety of neighboring countries, including the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Canada, and even the United Kingdom. The country also established Maritime borders in the Baltic Sea with Sweden, Poland, and West Germany.
The Denmark-Germany border covers 68 km between South Jutland County and Schleswig-Holstein.
On the other hand, the territorial waters around Denmark form a border with Sweden at the Oresund bridge.
The border between the Danish and Norway EEZ runs between Faroer and Norway in the Northern Sea, and Norway Svalbard and Greenland towards the arctic
Where’s Denmark? A brief history
Denmark and its neighboring Scandinavian country, Norway, used to have a much stronger connection than they do today. Denmark was once the seat of raider Vikings, and a major power in Europe.
From the 17th century up until the 20th, Denmark and the political union of Denmark-Norway were responsible for a colonial empire encompassing North American possessions (Greenland), the Scandinavian and Baltic Region, the UK, France, Northern Germany, and France.
Norway eventually gained independence from Denmark, and the Danes emerged from their colonial experience with a unique culture.
Denmark is currently the country with one of the highest standards of living in Europe.
The location has a unique attitude towards immigration and has evolved into a prosperous nation over the years, participating in the economic and political integration of Europe.
The Kingdom has a fantastic social welfare system and is committed to the development and protection of the landscape. Denmark is one of the greenest countries in the world.
So far, the country has opted out of some of the aspects of the EU Maastricht treaty, and various issues with internal affairs.
Politically, Denmark has a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch appoints a representative that presides over the creation of a coalition government after a parliamentary election.
Currently, the Prime Minister of Denmark is Mette Frederiksen, responsible for the social democratic party.
Denmark’s geography and population
As mentioned above, Denmark is a crucial part of Scandinavia, and one of the most well-known Nordic countries.
Today, Denmark is famous for countless innovators in various industries, like Bang and Olufsen, in Audio, or Georg Jensen in design. However, the region also stands out for its connection with the rest of the Scandinavian landscape.
Denmark is the southernmost country in Scandinavia, and the mainland is mostly flat. Uniform sea levels across Denmark mean that there aren’t many hills to worry about.
This is good news for the local Danish residents, who frequently prefer to cycle to work, rather than driving.
The landscape of Denmark differs based on where exactly you visit.
One of the most notable geographical features is around the Jutland, where there are countless fjords dotted around the coastline, offering incredible Nordic scenery.
Aside from broad plains and fjords, Denmark is also home to lots of beachy areas around the coastline. Although these areas can get quite cold in winter, they’re also surprisingly warm in the summers.
Like many locations throughout Scandinavia, Denmark offers access to some unique experiences, like the Northern Lights, although it is easier to see these in other destinations.
One other thing that Denmark shares with its neighboring countries is a large and dense population.
There are nearly six million happy citizens in the region in total. The largest city in Denmark in terms of population is Copenhagen — which is also the capital.
Denmark’s official language is Danish, but residents of the country also speak English, Greenlandic and German. The rich political and cultural background of the country creates a unique geographical situation for the country.
Denmark also boasts a high standard of living, often competing for top spots in lists of the world’s happiest locations.
Denmark is a place worth discovering
Now that you know the answer to “Where is Denmark?” you might be wondering if it’s a place worth visiting. There are various wonderful places to see in Denmark, from the Bornholm Island if you’re looking for a summer getaway, to Copenhagen.
Danes are some of the happiest people on the planet, as well as being some of the most interesting, and welcoming to visitors. The Danish people dedicate a lot of time and effort to things like family life, leisure time, and culture.
Denmark is full of highly educated and well-informed people, who don’t mind being informal. A lot of people see the Danish is relaxed and laid-back people, with a humorous take on authority and life itself.
Denmark is also the home to hygge — a concept that prizes comfort and peace in the little things.
If you manage to book a trip to Denmark, you’ll discover that the short distances between regions make it easy to visit a wide range of incredible tourist destinations at once. You could even take a leaf out of the local’s book and cycle to wherever you want to be.
With a dedication to green living, Denmark ensures that the air you breathe will always be healthy.
Don’t lose track of Denmark
Denmark is one of the most incredible places in the world, but it’s heavily underrated by most tourist groups.
This amazing Nordic region introduces people to a brand-new style of living, and it’s close enough to places like Sweden, Germany, and Norway, that you can explore multiple great destinations at once.
Hopefully, this piece has answered the question of “Where is Denmark located?” for you and given you an insight into what you can expect from this fantastic country.
The next time someone asks you about the Danish, or the neighboring countries of Denmark, you’ll be ready to answer.
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavian.
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