DENMARK

This time we talk about a small country in the north of Europe, which is in fact one of the smallest countries in Europe. Indeed, what you may imagine is right about a Nordic country like Denmark.
Maybe it is not as small as the Baltic countries, or as Andorra or San Marino, but certainly it is a highly developed country that does not have very large dimensions.
Denmark consists of the territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands ‒ beyond its own territory, and the territory of Denmark itself: the continental Denmark.
It only has a border with the Teutonic country, Germany, and meanwhile in other areas around the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The mainland of Denmark is located in the Jutland peninsula, with over 400 islands.

Official language of Denmark
It is certainly a country not known for Spanish speakers, but where its citizens are characterised by their high quality of life and tranquility in their daily lifestyle.
Its official language is Danish, a Scandinavian language like others in the other Nordic countries, which, on the other hand, belongs to the Germanic languages. There is a curiosity in that many Danish words closely resemble the English, and this is because both have common roots.
There is a relationship, we could say almost genetic or historical, between English and Danish. It is also said that the Danes speak English very well because of that, although it is not so much the case in the reverse!

The capital and its architectural jewels
The capital and a "must" to visit is undoubtedly Copenhagen, one of the most populated cities in Denmark where multiple companies and cultural institutions are established.
It is located in the most important point between the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, north of wealthy Germany, which allows it to be basically a very important commercial centre.
Here we can see the famous Little Mermaid, the best-known monument in Copenhagen. As for the Tivoli Gardens, this park is no less than the oldest in Europe and is where children and also the young at heart can find amusement.
We will also see the Radhuspladsen right in front of the Town Hall Square in Copenhagen, an important point of the city. You need to visit it, to understand the beauties of the city.
But other cities like Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense or Randers are worth visiting too.

Member of the European Union
Denmark has been part of the European Union since 1 January 1973, but it has not entered the euro area with the other countries that joined the third stage of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).
Moreover, the currency of Denmark is the Danish krone and, so far, it seems that there will be no changes in this regard since the Danes are comfortable with their national currency.

The weather
The Danish climate is characterised by mild weather, influenced by the Gulf Stream throughout the year. It has hot and rainy summers and cold windy winters. On average, temperatures here are -2 ° C in winter and 20º C in summer.

Family and bikes are part of everyday life for Danes
Danes enjoy their home life and family is very important to them. Most free time is spent at home with family or friends, and for us at Travelling Europe this certainly seems a great idea.
Dinner is the main meal of the day and is normally consumed in the family home. Much is invested in houses to ensure enough space and good quality, with large, attractive gardens. It is considered polite to remove (change) your shoes before entering a house; maybe this is influenced by the rainy weather in summer, so as not to wet the floor.
Furthermore, Denmark is known for the bicycle ‒ everyone goes by bike; maybe not quite everyone, at least according to statistics 55% of the population of Copenhagen cycle every single day.
Almost all the main streets of Denmark have special cycle lanes and bicycle traffic lights. There is also a free bicycle rental service.

Religion
The main religion in Denmark is Lutheran or Protestant Christianity. There has been a large increase in the Muslim population in this country so that Islam has become the second religion in the country.

Gastronomy Denmark
Influenced by countries such as France and Germany, and as mentioned, dinner is the main meal of the day. The Danes eat a lot of fish and also regularly drink beer.
One of the most typical dishes the Smørrebrød consists of black bread with butter served with slices of fish, meat and cheese and all this combined with a fantastic side dish.

Useful tips
• The speed limit on the roads in Denmark is 80 km/hour, 110 on highways and 50 km/hour in town. The use of vehicle headlights is mandatory, 24 hours a day.
• Tap water is safe to drink and of good quality.
• It is advisable to carry a raincoat or umbrella throughout the year because you can often experience rain.
• The best time to travel is between May and September.
• Some establishments allow you to use the euro although we think it is much better if you use the country’s own currency, the Danish krone.

 

Editing by: Catherine Parker

 

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