Denmark
General Information
History
It is believed that King Harold Bluetooth, who reigned from 935 to 985, was the first to unite Denmark and to Christianize the country. In the first half of the 11 th century, King Knute annexed Norway and Sweden, forming the "Northern Sea Empire". Although the empire was dissolved in 1042, Denmark continued to maintain its power and Queen Margrethe, who became its leader in 1397, enacted a triple alliance between Denmark, Norway, and Sweden called the Kalmar Union.Denmark enjoyed its golden era during the time of Christian IV, who reigned from 1588 to 1648, but continual wars with Sweden previous to this period caused strain on the economy and an eventual decline in national strength.
The emergence of Napoleon at the beginning of the 19 th century saw an outbreak of wars throughout Europe. Denmark took sides with France and fought against Great Britain, suffering a stunning defeat and the loss of practically everything. Absolute monarchy came to an end in Denmark in 1849 with the enactment of an independent constitution. A National Movement begun by Enrico Dalgas during this time served as a turning point for Denmark, leading the country to recovery.
During the First World War, Denmark maintained neutrality. Although Denmark signed a mutual nonaggression treaty with its neighbour, Germany, it was invaded by the German army in 1940 and fell under its domination. After being released in 1945, a liberation government was founded and Denmark became a member of NATO and eventually abandoned its nonalignment policy.
In the 1950s, Denmark experienced a change from an agricultural country to an industrial country and, in 1973, became the first Northern European country to become a member of the EC. In addition, Denmark has since the 1960's enacted social welfare policies in a vigorous manner, establishing a sophisticated welfare system at an early stage and serving as a role model of other countries.
Geography
Denmark is the smallest and southernmost of the three countries that make up Scandinavia, sharing a border with Germany, extending to the continent of Europe. Comprised of Jylland, Sjælland, Fyn, and over 400 other islands, Denmark is open to the North Sea on its west and the Baltic Sea on its east. Its gross area, excluding its territory of Greenland and Faeroe, is 43,000km2 and its highest peak is Yding Skovhøj with an altitude of 173m. Although Denmark does not bear high mountains or great rivers, its landscape of hills, forests, and other aspects are rich in variation.
Population
It lives approximately 5.43 million in Denmark and the capital is called Copenhagen (1.83 million)
Language
The national language is Danish, however, most people speak English
Religion
88.9% of the population is Lutheran evangelical Christian, which is also the state religion.
Government
Constitutional monarchy. The head of state is Queen Margrethe II. The head of the main political party is elected as the prime minister. Greenland and Faeroe enjoy the right of self-government.
Industry
Denmark is famous for being an exporter of cheese and other dairy products in addition to farm products. Well-known corporations include Lego and the ceramics company, Royal Copenhagen.
Travel Information
Passport & Visa
Thanks to the Schengen Convention signed by its 15 member nations, a visa is unnecessary if visiting Denmark for sightseeing purposes for 90 days or less within a period of six months. A passport is required to enter the country and total duration of stay or a succession of several stays may not exceed 90 days per six months. Although no procedures are necessary when crossing borders within Scandinavia, ensure to carry your passport wherever you go.
Currency
Denmark's unit of currency is the Danish krone. Although it is internationally labelled as DKK, it is displayed as kr on price tags and other price indications within the country. Denmark also has an auxiliary unit, Øre, in which 1kr = 100 Øre. There are five types of banknotes in Denmark - 50kr, 100kr, 200kr, 500kr, and 1000kr - and seven types of coins - 25 Øre, 50 Øre, 1kr, 2kr, 5kr, 10kr, and 20kr.
Foreign ExchangeTraveller’s checks and cash can easily be exchanged at banks and airport exchange counters. Certain exchange counters in towns are open every day.
General banking hour are Monday to Friday 9.30 to 4-5pm (6pm on Thursdays)
Postal Service
General business hours of post offices are Monday to Friday: 9-10am to 5.30pm, Saturdays 9am to 12noon (some offices are closed) and Sundays are closed
Telephones
In many cases you will be charged service charges in addition to call charges if you make phone calls from hotel rooms, therefore it is advised to use public telephones located in lobbies and other areas. Telephones that accept payment by credit card are also available. Telephone cards are also popular and can be purchased at booths and kiosks.
The country code is + 45
The minimum amount of money necessary to make a local call within the country is 1kr, and the phones are designed to accept 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20kr coins.
Emergency Numbers
Dial 112 and state whether you are in need of the police, fire department, or an ambulance. Emergency calls can be made from pay phones free of charge.
Copenhagen tourist medical services
P: + 45 33-93-63-00
Duty-Free Allowances
Cameras, video cameras, and sporting equipment that are considered necessary for travelling can be taken in tax-free. In principle, small quantities of food that will be consumed during the trip are accepted without restraint, however meat and meat products are prohibited.
There are no restrictions on medical products as long as they are for use during the trip.
Those under the age of 17 are prohibited from taking in alcoholic beverages or cigarettes. Up to 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine can be taken in tax-free. Either 200 paper-wrapped cigarettes, 100 panatellas, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of cut tobacco is accepted.
An amount equivalent to 112, 500 Danish krone is allowed.
Duty-Free Shopping
In cases where a tourist shops in a member store of the Global Refund, he or she will be exempt from the added-value tax imposed on the product. The procedure is simple and consists of presenting your passport when purchasing the product and having a global refund check issued with the receipt attached. The purchased product cannot be opened. Present the product at customs of the final EU member nation of departure and after receiving a customs stamp on the check, convert it into money at the cash refund counter of the departing airport.
More www.globalrefund.com
Products & Souvenirs
Denmark's simple and functional universally designed products are popular. Royal Copenhagen is the world-famous ceramic ware with a long history and purveyor to the royal family of Denmark.George Jensen: Ironware that pursued gold in silver and purveyor to the royal family of Denmark.
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