Denmark

You've read the book, and now you want to learn more about Denmark.

Denmark is a small country of almost 5.7 million people and is located at the southern end of Scandinavia in Northern Europe. It is mostly flat with the highest point being only 171 meters / 561 feet. While there can be snow in Denmark during the winter, there are no wild polar bears. There are polar bears in the Kingdom of Denmark though since Greenland is part of it - but you already know that - if you've read the book. The other part of the Kingdom of Denmark is the Faroe Islands, there are no polar bears there unless somehow they've managed to swim across the wide expanse of ocean and have decided to hang out there for awhile. This seems very unlikely though as there aren't any seals to munch on.

While the delights of mainland Denmark can certainly be a pleasurable holiday in itself, depending on your cup of tea, such as that drank by nature-lovers, you may want to consider spending time in the Faroe Islands which have more dramatic scenery and small countryside towns. The total population in the Faroe Islands is around 50,000 people. And of course, you might want to consider visiting Greenland for your dose of snow, mountains, sledge dogs, icebergs, Inuit culture, possible polar bear sightings, and again, more dramatic scenery than flat Denmark. The population of Greenland is similar to that of the Faroe Islands. If natural landscapes aren't a priority, choose Denmark proper. It showcases a distinct culture and architecture relative to the rest of mainland Europe to which it is attached. And of course, the reasons you already know about because you either have or will read Quiet Freedom.

The photos in the slideshow above are from visits to Denmark taken by W.C. Peace unless noted.

Below is a collection of maps which provide varying perspectives on the geography and location of Denmark.

Mouse over each image
for a different map view



Denmark's place in the world map by NuclearVacuum CC 3.0 --- Kingdom of Denmark map by Orionist CC 3.0 --- Satellite map by NASA --- Scandinavia Maps by Daniel Feher / Freeworldmaps.net - Political - Physical

Scandinavia

Denmark is part of Scandinavia, a region of the world which shares cultural and linguistic ties.

Outside of neighboring countries such as UK, Germany and the Netherlands, foreign tourism to Scandinavia is relatively low. Except for Iceland or Stockholm being mentioned, Scandinavia is often not on the tourist radar. As an example - Top 25 Europe (Trip Advisor) -- Best Europe Vacations (US News). Despite this, Scandinavia most likely has influenced you.

While Scandinavia has a small population base of approximately 20 million people, it is the origin of numerous companies that you may have heard of.

The most famous "internationally recognizable"companies, from our perspective in Denmark are - Lego, Maersk - largest container shipping company in the world, Novo Nordisk, Bang & Olufsen, ECCO shoes, and "Danish furniture." Your list may vary! ;) Keep in mind, this is a nation of under 6 million people. Being famous doesn't necessarily mean happy though. :)

Some famous companies from the other Scandinavian countries are Electrolux (Frigidaire), Ericsson, H&M, IKEA, Tetra Pak, Skype (Now part of Microsoft), Volvo (Volvo Car is owned by Zhejiang Geely Group), Securitas, and Statoil.

Closely related to Scandinavia is the term Nordic - which adds Iceland and Finland. Famous companies from Finland include: Nokia (Now part of Microsoft), KONE (elevators), Rovio (makes of Angry Birds), and Supercell.

Anders Breivik: Just how cushy are Norwegian prisons? (BBC) -- Anders Behring Breivik's 21-year jail term closes Norway's darkest chapter (Guardian)

The Norwegian prison where inmates are treated like people (Guardian)