2012 Edition

Background

Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is participating in the general political and economic integration of Europe. It joined NATO in 1949 and the EEC (now the EU) in 1973. However, the country has opted out of certain elements of the European Union's Maastricht Treaty, including the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), European defense cooperation, and issues concerning certain justice and home affairs.

Area

43,094 sq km 42,434 sq km 660 sq km includes the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea and the rest of metropolitan Denmark (the Jutland Peninsula, and the major islands of Sjaelland and Fyn), but excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland

total

43,094 sq km

water

660 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly less than twice the size of Massachusetts

Climate

temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers

Coastline

7,314 km

Elevation extremes

Lammefjord -7 m Mollehoj/Ejer Bavnehoj 171 m

highest point

Mollehoj/Ejer Bavnehoj 171 m

lowest point

Lammefjord -7 m

Environment - current issues

air pollution, principally from vehicle and power plant emissions; nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea; drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes and pesticides

Environment - international agreements

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling none of the selected agreements

party to

Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Sulfur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

0.67 cu km/yr (32%/26%/42%) 123 cu m/yr (2002)

per capita

123 cu m/yr (2002)

total

0.67 cu km/yr (32%/26%/42%)

Geographic coordinates

56 00 N, 10 00 E

Geography - note

controls Danish Straits (Skagerrak and Kattegat) linking Baltic and North Seas; about one-quarter of the population lives in greater Copenhagen

Irrigated land

4,350 sq km (2003)

Land boundaries

68 km Germany 68 km

border countries

Germany 68 km

total

68 km

Land use

52.59% 0.19% 47.22% (2005)

arable land

52.59%

other

47.22% (2005)

permanent crops

0.19%

Location

Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes several major islands (Sjaelland, Fyn, and Bornholm)

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

12 nm 24 nm 200 nm 200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

contiguous zone

24 nm

continental shelf

200 m depth or to the depth of exploitation

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

flooding is a threat in some areas of the country (e.g., parts of Jutland, along the southern coast of the island of Lolland) that are protected from the sea by a system of dikes

Natural resources

petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, limestone, chalk, stone, gravel and sand

Terrain

low and flat to gently rolling plains

Total renewable water resources

6.1 cu km (2003)

Age structure

17.4% (male 494,967/ female 469,918) 65% (male 1,806,653/ female 1,796,576) 17.6% (male 433,401/ female 541,938) (2012 est.)

0-14 years

17.4% (male 494,967/ female 469,918)

15-64 years

65% (male 1,806,653/ female 1,796,576)

65 years and over

17.6% (male 433,401/ female 541,938) (2012 est.)

Birth rate

10.22 births/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Death rate

10.19 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.)

Education expenditures

7.8% of GDP (2007)

Ethnic groups

Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali

Health expenditures

7% of GDP (2009)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.2% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 100 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

5,300 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

3.57 beds/1,000 population (2008)

Infant mortality rate

4.19 deaths/1,000 live births 4.25 deaths/1,000 live births 4.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

female

4.12 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

total

4.19 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority) English is the predominant second language

Life expectancy at birth

78.78 years 76.39 years 81.31 years (2012 est.)

female

81.31 years (2012 est.)

total population

78.78 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 99% 99% 99% (2003 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

99% (2003 est.)

male

99%

total population

99%

Major cities - population

COPENHAGEN (capital) 1.174 million (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

12 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

41.2 years 40.3 years 42.1 years (2012 est.)

female

42.1 years (2012 est.)

male

40.3 years

total

41.2 years

Nationality

Dane(s) Danish

adjective

Danish

noun

Dane(s)

Net migration rate

2.36 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

11.4% (2006)

Physicians density

3.419 physicians/1,000 population (2007)

Population

5,543,453 (July 2012 est.)

Population growth rate

0.239% (2012 est.)

Religions

Evangelical Lutheran (official) 95%, other Christian (includes Protestant and Roman Catholic) 3%, Muslim 2%

Sanitation facility access

urban: 100% of population rural: 100% of population total: 100% of population

rural

100% of population

total

100% of population

urban

100% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

17 years 16 years 18 years (2008)

female

18 years (2008)

male

16 years

total

17 years

Sex ratio

1.06 male(s)/female 1.05 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 0.8 male(s)/female 0.97 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

1.01 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.8 male(s)/female

at birth

1.06 male(s)/female

total population

0.97 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.05 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

1.74 children born/woman (2012 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

11.2% 12.4% 9.9% (2009)

female

9.9% (2009)

total

11.2%

Urbanization

87% of total population (2010) 0.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.4% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

87% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

metropolitan Denmark - 5 regions (regioner, singular - region); Hovedstaden, Midtjylland, Nordjylland, Sjaelland, Syddanmark an extensive local government reform merged 271 municipalities into 98 and 13 counties into five regions, effective 1 January 2007

Capital

Copenhagen 55 40 N, 12 35 E UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October applies to continental Denmark only, not to its North Atlantic components

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

55 40 N, 12 35 E

name

Copenhagen

time difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

5 June 1953; note - constitution allowed for a unicameral legislature and a female chief of state

Country name

Kingdom of Denmark Denmark Kongeriget Danmark Danmark

conventional long form

Kingdom of Denmark

conventional short form

Denmark

local long form

Kongeriget Danmark

local short form

Danmark

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Laurie S. FULTON Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen Unit 5280, DPO, AE 09716 [45] 33 41 71 00 [45] 35 43 02 23

chief of mission

Ambassador Laurie S. FULTON

embassy

Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24, 2100 Copenhagen

FAX

[45] 35 43 02 23

mailing address

Unit 5280, DPO, AE 09716

telephone

[45] 33 41 71 00

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Peter TAKSOE-JENSEN 3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008 [1] (202) 234-4300 [1] (202) 328-1470 Chicago, New York

chancery

3200 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

chief of mission

Ambassador Peter TAKSOE-JENSEN

consulate(s) general

Chicago, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 328-1470

telephone

[1] (202) 234-4300

Executive branch

Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972); Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born on 26 May 1968) Prime Minister Helle THORNING-SCHMIDT (since 3 October 2011) Council of State appointed by the monarch the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch

cabinet

Council of State appointed by the monarch

chief of state

Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972); Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born on 26 May 1968)

elections

the monarchy is hereditary; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition usually appointed prime minister by the monarch

head of government

Prime Minister Helle THORNING-SCHMIDT (since 3 October 2011)

Flag description

red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side; the banner is referred to as the Dannebrog (Danish flag) and is one of the oldest national flags in the world; traditions as to the origin of the flag design vary, but the best known is a legend that the banner fell from the sky during an early-13th century battle; caught up by the Danish king before it ever touched the earth, this heavenly talisman inspired the royal army to victory; in actuality, the flag may derive from a crusade banner or ensign the shifted design element was subsequently adopted by the other Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden

Government type

constitutional monarchy

Independence

ca. 965 (unified and Christianized under HARALD I Gormson); 5 June 1849 (became a constitutional monarchy)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ADB (nonregional member), AfDB (nonregional member), Arctic Council, Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, EIB, EITI (implementing country), ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, G-9, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OPCW, OSCE, Paris Club, PCA, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNMISS, UNRWA, UNTSO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC

Judicial branch

Supreme Court (judges are appointed for life by the monarch)

Legal system

civil law; judicial review of legislative acts

Legislative branch

unicameral People's Assembly or Folketing (179 seats, including 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms unless the Folketing is dissolved earlier) last held on 15 September 2011 (next to be held by September 2015) percent of vote by party - Liberal Party 26.7%, Social Democrats 24.9%, Danish People's Party 12.3%, Social Liberal Party 9.5%, Socialist People's Party 9.2%, Unity List 6.7%, Liberal Alliance 5%, Conservative People's Party 4.9%, other 0.8%; seats by party - Liberal Party 47, Social Democrats 44, Danish People's Party 22, Social Liberal Party 17, Socialist People's Party 16, Unity List 12, Liberal Alliance 9, Conservative People's Party 8; note - does not include the two seats from Greenland and the two seats from the Faroe Islands

election results

percent of vote by party - Liberal Party 26.7%, Social Democrats 24.9%, Danish People's Party 12.3%, Social Liberal Party 9.5%, Socialist People's Party 9.2%, Unity List 6.7%, Liberal Alliance 5%, Conservative People's Party 4.9%, other 0.8%; seats by party - Liberal Party 47, Social Democrats 44, Danish People's Party 22, Social Liberal Party 17, Socialist People's Party 16, Unity List 12, Liberal Alliance 9, Conservative People's Party 8; note - does not include the two seats from Greenland and the two seats from the Faroe Islands

elections

last held on 15 September 2011 (next to be held by September 2015)

National anthem

"Der er et yndigt land" (There is a Lovely Land); "Kong Christian" (King Christian) Adam Gottlob OEHLENSCHLAGER/Hans Ernst KROYER; Johannes EWALD/unknown Denmark has two national anthems with equal status; "Der er et yndigt land," adopted 1844, is a national anthem, while "Kong Christian," adopted 1780, serves as both a national and royal anthem; "Kong Christian" is also known as "Kong Christian stod ved hojen mast" (King Christian Stood by the Lofty Mast) and "Kongesangen" (The King's Anthem); within Denmark, the royal anthem is played only when royalty is present and is usually followed by the national anthem; when royalty is not present, only the national anthem is performed; outside Denmark, the royal anthem is played, unless the national anthem is requested

lyrics/music

Adam Gottlob OEHLENSCHLAGER/Hans Ernst KROYER; Johannes EWALD/unknown

name

"Der er et yndigt land" (There is a Lovely Land); "Kong Christian" (King Christian)

National holiday

none designated; Constitution Day, 5 June (1849) is generally viewed as the National Day

National symbol(s)

lion; mute swan

Political parties and leaders

Conservative People's Party (Det Konservative Folkeparti) [Lars BARFOED]; Danish People's Party (Dansk Folkeparti) or DF [Kristian THULESEN DAHL]; Liberal Alliance or LA [Anders SAMUELSEN]; Liberal Party (Venstre) or V [Lars LOKKE RAMUSSEN]; Red-Green Alliance (Enhedslisten) [collective leadership, spokesperson Johanne SCHMIDT-NIELSEN]; Social Democratic Party (Socialdemokratiet) or SDP [Helle THORNING-SCHMIDT]; Social Liberal Party (Det Radicale Venstre) or SLP [Margrethe VESTAGER]; Socialist People's Party (Socialistisk Folkeparti) or SF [Annette VILHELMSEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders

Confederation of Danish Employers or DA [President Jorn Neergaard LARSEN]; Confederation of Danish Industries [CEO Karsten DYBVAD]; Confederation of Danish Labor Unions (Landsorganisationen) or LO [President Harald BORSTING]; Danish Bankers Association [CEO Joergen HORWITZ]; DaneAge Association [President Bjarne HASTRUP]; Danish Society for Nature Conservation [President Ella Maria BISSCHOP-LARSEN] environmental groups; humanitarian relief; development assistance; human rights NGOs

other

environmental groups; humanitarian relief; development assistance; human rights NGOs

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

barley, wheat, potatoes, sugar beets; pork, dairy products; fish

Budget

$176.5 billion $188.9 billion (2012 est.)

expenditures

$188.9 billion (2012 est.)

revenues

$176.5 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-4% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

0.75% (31 December 2011 est.) 0.75% (31 December 2010 est.)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

4.6% (31 December 2012 est.) 4.5% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$18.6 billion (2012 est.) $22.08 billion (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$626.9 billion (30 June 2011) $559.5 billion (30 June 2010)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

24.8 (2011 est.) 24.7 (1992)

Economy - overview

This thoroughly modern market economy features a high-tech agricultural sector, state-of-the-art industry with world-leading firms in pharmaceuticals, maritime shipping and renewable energy, and a high dependence on foreign trade. Denmark is a member of the European Union (EU); Danish legislation and regulations conform to EU standards on almost all issues. Danes enjoy a high standard of living and the Danish economy is characterized by extensive government welfare measures and an equitable distribution of income. Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and enjoys a comfortable balance of payments surplus but depends on imports of raw materials for the manufacturing sector. Within the EU, Denmark is among the strongest supporters of trade liberalization. After a long consumption-driven upswing, Denmark's economy began slowing in 2007 with the end of a housing boom. Housing prices dropped markedly in 2008-09 and, following a short respite in 2010, has since continued to decline. The global financial crisis has exacerbated this cyclical slowdown through increased borrowing costs and lower export demand, consumer confidence, and investment. The global financial crises cut Danish real GDP in 2008-09. Denmark made a modest recovery in 2010 with real GDP growth of 1.3%, in part because of increased government spending; however, the country experienced a technical recession in late 2010-early 2011. Historically low levels of unemployment rose sharply with the recession and have remained at about 6% in 2010-12, based on the national measure, about two-thirds average EU unemployment. An impending decline in the ratio of workers to retirees will be a major long-term issue. Denmark maintained a healthy budget surplus for many years up to 2008, but the budget balance swung into deficit in 2009. In spite of the deficits, the new coalition government delivered a modest stimulus to the economy in 2012. Nonetheless, Denmark's fiscal position remains among the strongest in the EU with public debt at about 45% of GDP in 2012. Despite previously meeting the criteria to join the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), so far Denmark has decided not to join, although the Danish krone remains pegged to the euro. Denmark held the EU presidency during the first half of 2012; priorities included promoting a responsible, dynamic, green, and safe Europe, while working to steer Europe out of its euro zone economic crisis.

Exchange rates

Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.847 (2012 est.) 5.3687 (2011 est.) 5.6241 (2010 est.) 5.361 (2009) 5.0236 (2008)

Exports

$110.8 billion (2012 est.) $111.8 billion (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

machinery and instruments, meat and meat products, dairy products, fish, pharmaceuticals, furniture, windmills

Exports - partners

Germany 16.9%, Sweden 13.2%, UK 9.9%, Norway 5.7%, US 5.5%, Netherlands 4.9%, France 4.3% (2011)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition by sector

1.3% 22.1% 76.6% (2012 est.)

agriculture

1.3%

industry

22.1%

services

76.6% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$37,700 (2012 est.) $37,700 (2011 est.) $37,500 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

-0.4% (2012 est.) 0.8% (2011 est.) 1.3% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$309.2 billion (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$208.5 billion (2012 est.) $209.4 billion (2011 est.) $207.8 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Household income or consumption by percentage share

1.9% 28.7% (2007)

highest 10%

28.7% (2007)

lowest 10%

1.9%

Imports

$97.91 billion (2012 est.) $102.2 billion (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

machinery and equipment, raw materials and semimanufactures for industry, chemicals, grain and foodstuffs, consumer goods

Imports - partners

Germany 20.8%, Sweden 13.5%, Netherlands 7.2%, UK 6.3%, China 6.2%, Norway 5.8% (2011)

Industrial production growth rate

1.9% (2011 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.6% (2012 est.) 2.8% (2011 est.)

Investment (gross fixed)

17.2% of GDP (2012 est.)

Labor force

2.848 million (2012 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

2.6% 20.3% 77.1% (2011 est.)

agriculture

2.6%

industry

20.3%

services

77.1% (2011 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$179.5 billion (31 December 2011) $231.7 billion (31 December 2010) $186.9 billion (31 December 2009)

Population below poverty line

13.4% (2011)

Public debt

45.3% of GDP (2012 est.) 46.6% of GDP (2011 est.) data cover general government debt, and includes debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$85.05 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $76.52 billion (2010 est.)

Stock of broad money

$230.8 billion (31 December 2011 est.) $266.8 billion (31 December 2010 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$222.2 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $207.9 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$120.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $110.5 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$664.7 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $640.6 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$134.2 billion (31 December 2012 est.) $134.9 billion (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

57.1% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

6.4% (2012 est.) 6.1% (2011 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

45.96 million Mt (2010 est.)

Crude oil - exports

171,100 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - imports

70,220 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - production

221,100 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

900 million bbl (1 January 2012 est.)

Electricity - consumption

32.42 billion kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - exports

11.73 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

65.8% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0.1% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

34.2% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

10.6 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

13.42 million kW (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

36.39 billion kWh (2010 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

4.179 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - exports

3.126 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

369 million cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

7.069 billion cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

51.99 billion cu m (1 January 2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

160,200 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

93,890 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

177,700 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

158,500 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Broadcast media

strong public-sector TV presence with state-owned Danmarks Radio (DR) operating 4 channels and publicly-owned TV2 operating roughly a half dozen channels; broadcasts of privately-owned stations are available via satellite and cable feed; DR operates 4 nationwide FM radio stations, 15 digital audio broadcasting stations, and about 15 web-based radio stations; approximately 250 commercial and community radio stations (2007)

Internet country code

.dk

Internet hosts

4.297 million (2012)

Internet users

4.75 million (2009)

Telephone system

excellent telephone and telegraph services buried and submarine cables and microwave radio relay form trunk network, multiple cellular mobile communications systems country code - 45; a series of fiber-optic submarine cables link Denmark with Canada, Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and UK; satellite earth stations - 18 (6 Intelsat, 10 Eutelsat, 1 Orion, 1 Inmarsat (Blaavand-Atlantic-East)); note - the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) share the Danish earth station and the Eik, Norway, station for worldwide Inmarsat access (2011)

domestic

buried and submarine cables and microwave radio relay form trunk network, multiple cellular mobile communications systems

general assessment

excellent telephone and telegraph services

international

country code - 45; a series of fiber-optic submarine cables link Denmark with Canada, Faroe Islands, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, and UK; satellite earth stations - 18 (6 Intelsat, 10 Eutelsat, 1 Orion, 1 Inmarsat (Blaavand-Atlantic-East)); note - the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) share the Danish earth station and the Eik, Norway, station for worldwide Inmarsat access (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

2.515 million (2011)

Telephones - mobile cellular

7.159 million (2011)

Airports

89 (2012)

Airports - with paved runways

3 (2012)

1,524 to 2,437 m

4

2,438 to 3,047 m

7

914 to 1,523 m

12

over 3,047 m

2

total

28

under 914 m

3 (2012)

Airports - with unpaved runways

59 (2012)

914 to 1,523 m

2

total

61

under 914 m

59 (2012)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 4, cargo 48, carrier 1, chemical tanker 125, container 94, liquefied gas 4, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 40, petroleum tanker 36, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 8, specialized tanker 3 27 (Germany 9, Greenland 1, Norway 2, Sweden 15) 582 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Bahamas 69, Belgium 4, Brazil 3, Curacao 1, Cyprus 6, Egypt 1, France 11, Gibraltar 7, Hong Kong 42, Isle of Man 30, Italy 4, Jamaica 1, Liberia 8, Lithuania 8, Luxembourg 1, Malaysia 1, Malta 34, Marshall Islands 7, Moldova 1, Netherlands 27, Norway 7, Panama 41, Philippines 2, Portugal 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 9, Singapore 149, Sweden 4, UK 43, Uruguay 1, US 31, Venezuela 1, unknown 4) (2010)

foreign-owned

27 (Germany 9, Greenland 1, Norway 2, Sweden 15)

registered in other countries

582 (Antigua and Barbuda 20, Bahamas 69, Belgium 4, Brazil 3, Curacao 1, Cyprus 6, Egypt 1, France 11, Gibraltar 7, Hong Kong 42, Isle of Man 30, Italy 4, Jamaica 1, Liberia 8, Lithuania 8, Luxembourg 1, Malaysia 1, Malta 34, Marshall Islands 7, Moldova 1, Netherlands 27, Norway 7, Panama 41, Philippines 2, Portugal 4, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 9, Singapore 149, Sweden 4, UK 43, Uruguay 1, US 31, Venezuela 1, unknown 4) (2010)

total

367

Pipelines

gas 2,858 km; oil 107 km (2010)

Ports and terminals

Aalborg, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Ensted, Esbjerg, Fredericia, Kalundborg

Railways

2,667 km 2,667 km 1.435-m gauge (640 km electrified) (2008)

total

2,667 km

Roadways

73,197 km 73,197 km (includes 1,111 km of expressways) (2008)

total

73,197 km

Waterways

400 km (2010)

Manpower available for military service

1,236,337 1,224,182 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

1,224,182 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

1,236,337

Manpower fit for military service

1,014,560 1,003,921 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

1,003,921 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

1,014,560

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

37,913 35,865 (2010 est.)

female

35,865 (2010 est.)

male

37,913

Military branches

Defense Command: Army Operational Command, Admiral Danish Fleet, Arctic Command, Tactical Air Command, Home Guard (2010)

Defense Command

Army Operational Command, Admiral Danish Fleet, Arctic Command, Tactical Air Command, Home Guard (2010)

Military expenditures

1.3% of GDP (2007 est.)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for compulsory and voluntary military service; conscripts serve an initial training period that varies from 4 to 12 months according to specialization; reservists are assigned to mobilization units following completion of their conscript service; women eligible to volunteer for military service (2004)

Disputes - international

Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm; Faroese continue to study proposals for full independence; sovereignty dispute with Canada over Hans Island in the Kennedy Channel between Ellesmere Island and Greenland; Denmark (Greenland) and Norway have made submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) and Russia is collecting additional data to augment its 2001 CLCS submission