Denmark is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It is the most populous and also politically central component of the Kingdom of Denmark, a constitutionally unitary state that includes the self-governing areas of the Faroe Islands and Greenland in the North Atlantic Sea. European Denmark is the southernmost of the Scandinavian nations, existing southwest of Sweden, southern of Norway, as well as north of Germany.

Extending a complete location of 42,943 km2 (16,580 sq mi), it consists of the peninsula of Jutland and an archipelago of 443 called islands, of which the biggest are Zealand, Funen as well as the North Jutlandic Island. Denmark’s location is characterised by level, cultivatable land, sandy coasts, reduced altitude, and a pleasant environment. Since 2022, it had a populace of 5.87 million (1 November 2021), of which 800,000 stay in the capital as well as largest city, Copenhagen. Denmark works out hegemonic influence in the Danish Realm, degenerating powers to manage inner events. Home rule was developed in the Faroe Islands in 1948 and also in Greenland in 1979; the last obtained additional freedom in 2009.

The linked kingdom of Denmark emerged in the eighth century as a skilled maritime power amidst the struggle for control of the Baltic Sea. In 1397, it signed up with Norway and Sweden to create the Kalmar Union, which lingered until the latter’s secession in 1523. The staying Kingdom of Denmark– Norway withstood a collection of wars in the 17th century that resulted in additional territorial cessions to the Swedish Empire.

Following the Napoleonic Battles, Norway was soaked up right into Sweden, leaving Denmark with the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and also Iceland. A rise of nationalist activities in the 19th century were defeated in the First Schleswig Battle of 1848, though the 2nd Schleswig War of 1864 caused further territorial losses to Prussia. The period saw the fostering of the Constitution of Denmark on 5 June 1849, finishing the absolute monarchy that was established in 1660 and presenting the current legislative system.

An industrialised exporter of agricultural produce in the second fifty percent of the 19th century, Denmark presented social as well as labour-market reforms in the early 20th century, which developed the basis for the here and now welfare state version and progressed combined economic climate. Denmark continued to be neutral throughout World War I yet gained back the northern fifty percent of Schleswig in 1920.

Danish neutrality was breached in the Second World war adhering to a swift German intrusion in April 1940. During occupation, a resistance movement arised in 1943 while Iceland proclaimed independence in 1944; Denmark was freed in May 1945. In 1973, Denmark, together with Greenland but not the Faroes, came to be a member of what is now the European Union, yet discussed certain opt-outs, such as keeping its very own currency, the krone.

Denmark is a very developed country with a high standard of life: the country executes at or near the top in steps of education and learning, healthcare, constitutional freedoms, democratic administration and LGBT equal rights. Denmark is a starting participant of NATO, the Nordic Council, the OECD, OSCE, and also the United Nations; it is likewise part of the Schengen Area. Denmark preserves close political, social, and also etymological ties with its Scandinavian neighbours, with the Danish language being partially mutually unmistakable with both Norwegian and Swedish.