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Overview
Denmark's Jelling stones (c. 965) proclaim the oldest continuous monarchy in Europe. Its medieval Kalmar Union briefly united Scandinavia, and it retained Greenland and the Faroes into the modern era.
Basic Information
CapitalCopenhagen
Population5.9 million
Area42,933 km²
CurrencyDanish krone (DKK)
LanguagesDanish
RegionWestern Europe
History Timeline
- c. 965Harald Bluetooth Christianizes Denmark
- 1397 – 1523Kalmar Union
- 1849Constitution ends absolute monarchy
- 1940 – 1945Nazi occupation
Ancient Peoples
- Danes
- Jutes
Ancient Kingdoms
- Kingdom of Denmark
Empires
- Danish colonial empire
Religions
- Lutheranism
Culture
Hans Christian Andersen, Kierkegaard, Danish design.
Language
Danish is a North Germanic language.
Important Battles
- Battle of Copenhagen1801
Nelson defeats Danish fleet
Historical Figures
Harald Bluetooth
c. 958 – 986
Christianizing king
Margaret I
1387 – 1412
Founder of the Kalmar Union
Archaeological Sites
- Jelling stones
- Trelleborg ring fortress
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Jelling Mounds
- Roskilde Cathedral
- Kronborg Castle
Dynasties
- Jelling
- Oldenburg
- Glücksburg
Colonial Period
Held Greenland, Iceland, the Faroes, Danish West Indies and small posts in India.
Modern History
Constitutional monarchy; EU member since 1973.