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E urope’s ‘land of smiles’ lies to the north. Studies
show that the people of Denmark are among the
happiest in the world. Family and friends are very
important to the Danes. Stress and chaos are sim-
ply not the Danish way. People like to take their time and
enjoy feeling calm and relaxed. Living in and surrounded
by nature gives the Danes a great sense of inner peace.
Perhaps the proximity to the sea also helps to keep every-
thing flowing in perfect harmony. There is after all approxi-
mately one and a half metres of coastline for every Dane.
Surrounded by the sea
With more than 400 islands and 7314 km of coastline,
Denmark is a country that enjoys a close relationship with
the sea and has a long seafaring tradition. The most famous
of the country’s seafarers were the Vikings, who are said to
have discovered America before Columbus. But the Danes
don’t have to travel that far to find amazing landscapes.
The archipelago is famous the world over for its diversity
and beauty. From the impressive chalk cliffs on the island
of Møn in the Baltic Sea, to the sandy beaches, picturesque
villages and vineyards on the island of Bornholm, Denmark
has plenty to offer. Even Copenhagen, the country’s capital,
is on an island that is appropriately named ‘Sealand’. The
Danes never have to worry about strenuous climbs. At its
highest point, the country lies just 171 m above sea level.
Queen and parliament
The name ‘Denmark’ originates from the time of the Vikings.
You can still see the name carved on the famous Jelling
stones, which date back to around the 10th century. The
Danish monarchy, one of the oldest in the world, also has
its roots in the Viking Age. Among the ancestors of Queen
Margarethe II are King Gorm the Old (died c. 958) and
Harald Bluetooth (died c. 987). Today, Denmark’s political
system is a parliamentary democracy. The government is
formed from representatives of a multi-party system.
Coalition and consensus are features of the Danish political
system. No single party has held a parliamentary majority
since 1909.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A) Colourful: the row of brightly coloured
houses from the 18th and 19th centuries
lining the former fishing port of Copenhagen
is a lovely spot to while away an afternoon.
Photo: ©
(B) Timeless: Danish design is world
famous. This is Arne Jacobsen’s classic
Egg chair from 1958.
Photo: ©
(C) Trademark: for more than 100 years,
‘The Little Mermaid’ has charmed visitors
to Copenhagen’s waterside promenade.
Photo: ©
2.2015 trends in automation
Synergies 26 – 27