Denmark – the oldest monarchy in the world is a modern welfare state.Your study abroad destination will change your life – Denmark has a lot to offer. The country has a high standard of living and combines social security with an attractive business climate and a clean and safe environment. Eventhough Denmark is a rich country many people choose to commute using bicycles or to deliver their empty bottles back at the supermarket as part of a environmentally conscious or ‘think green’ mindset. Danish higher education institutions welcome international researchers, teachers and students and offer high quality education programmes and research opportunities. Many people have already discovered this – and a steady growing number of exchange students, visiting students and full degree students and researchers each year find their way to one of the Danish higher education institutions.

Geography and climate
Denmark is situated in northern Europe; it is one of the Nordic countries and a part of Scandinavia. Greenland and the Faeroe Islands are also part of Denmark, but they are autonomous regions. Denmark consists of the Jutland peninsula and a large number of big and small islands.
The country is relatively flat with the highest point rising to only 173 meter above sea level. About 65 per cent of the country is farmland, 11 per cent is woodland and the rest is built-up areas, roads, and lakes. The winters are wet with only little snow. It can be as cold as -5–10°C in the winter whereas the summer temperature rises to 15–25°C.

Population and language
The total population of Denmark is 5.3 million and the population density is 120 people per square kilometre. The capital is Copenhagen, which has approximately 1.2 million inhabitants. Copenhagen – often called the Paris of the North – has an old, historical centre and a large network of pedestrian streets, bicycle paths and parks. Denmark’s official language is Danish, and most people understand and speak English. The number of immigrants has doubled over the past 20 years and now account for about 5 per cent of the population.

Politics
Denmark is a modern welfare state and a constitutional monarchy with a history of monarch dating back to year 1000. A democratically elected government and a par-liament, Folketinget, govern the country. Many political parties are represented in the parliament (often 10 to 15 parties). Denmark has a high level of social security and free public services, including a high quality educational sector. A relatively high tax rate makes it possible to provide this service level. Denmark has a strong international political commitment and is a member of the Euro-pean Union, the Nordic Council, the United Nations and NATO. The country has been a member of the European Union since 1973, but opinions are divided about how the membership of the union should progress. In 1993, the Maastricht Treaty allowed Denmark to opt out of four areas, including common defence policy and union citizenship. This arrangement can only be changed through a referendum. In 2000, Denmark in a referendum voted against participating in the European Monetary Union. The Danish currency is therefore still the Krone, DKK, although it is pegged to the Euro.

Economy
Denmark has one of the highest standard of living in the world. Since 1963, industry has accounted for the majority of exported goods. However, North Sea oil and natural gas become increasingly important to the economy, as have biotechnology and information technology. A very high percentage of women are active on the labour market and the unemployment rate has been relatively low since the mid-1990es.

Education
Education in Denmark is provided free of charge at all levels and there are nine years of compulsory education. Public expenditure on education and training corresponds to 7 per cent of the country’s GDP and around 13 per cent of total public expenditure. Adult learning plays a considerable role in the educational system, and many Danes participate in some kind of formal or informal learning. Denmark is also known for its many local associations and organisations at grassroot level.

Living in Denmark
A range of practical information about living and studying in Denmark before you embark on your study period abroad, you probably wish to familiarise yourself with the country in which you are going to study and live. It might be useful to know about the culture of your host country and what characterises its people and their traditions and student life. There is also a range of practical information, e.g. about residence and work permit, public transport, cost of living and accommodation, which will be useful.

Denmark – a gateway to Europe – Connecting Europe and Scandinavia
Denmark is located in the Northern part of Europe called Scandinavia. Denmark is north of Germany, south of Norway and southeast of Sweden. This geographic position makes Denmark an excellent gateway for those, who wish to study in Europe and explore Europe and Scandinavia. Danish universities have exchange programmes with other European universities and are also connected through the Erasmus Mundus programme.

Getting around Island kingdom
Denmark consists of the peninsula of Jutland and of 406 islands. A number of bridges connect many of the islands – so you are not at risk of getting your feet wet. The two largest and most densely populated islands are Zealand and Funen. There is a bridge connecting Jutland and Funen, the Little Belt Bridge. And one of the longest bridges in the world, called the Great Belt Bridge, connects Funen with Zealand. The Oresund Bridge, between Denmark and Sweden, connects the two neighbouring countries.

Can I study in English?
A number of study programmes are taught in English.Danish higher education institutions welcome all international researchers, teachers and students regardless of whether they are exchange students, visiting students or full degree students. You can choose between more than 1,000 individual courses and more than 130 study programmes taught in English. Some institutions also organise intensive summer programmes. More information is available in the database on study programmes taught in English. As most Danes speak English, you will find it easy to live in Denmark even if you do not speak any Danish. Approximately 80% of the population speaks English and many speak French, German or Spanish. When you go shopping, use public transportation and visit official buildings etc. you will find that you can manage perfectly well in English. In addition, foreign films in the cinema and television are shown in their original version with Danish subtitles.

Innovative education
Danish higher education can introduce a whole new way of studying and thinking Danish higher education is famous for its innovative teaching approach and high international standards. The Danish institutions offer a dynamic study environment with an emphasis on independent study, initiative and project-oriented learning. As a student at a Danish higher education institution you are encouraged to play an active role in your learning process and take responsibility for planning and carrying out your projects, either independently or together with other students. In addition to attending lectures, you will be expected to participate in discussions and continuously develop your critical thinking and analytical skills. For international students, the Danish approach to teaching and learning can introduce a whole new way of studying and thinking, which will challenge you and provide you with an excellent platform for your future career.
Danish higher education institutions are located in modern buildings with excellent facilities such as libraries, lecture, class and study rooms, laboratories, IT equipment, canteens etc. Computers are available in several places, including libraries and study rooms. The libraries are public, so all students can borrow books, tapes, language learning materials, etc. for free. Denmark has a strong commitment to investing in education. Public expenditure on education accounts for 8% of GDP, the highest percentage in the world.

A safe and modern knowledge-based society
Children walk to school while chatting on their mobile phones. Denmark is the oldest monarchy in the world and at the same time a modern welfare state.
The country has a high degree of income redistribution facilitated by the tax system and the differences between rich and poor are relatively small. The Danish welfare state is based on the “Scandinavian model”, characterised by universal healthcare, free education and social security for all citizens. Denmark is recognised for its high quality research in areas such as biotechnology and food and environmental science. The country is internationally oriented and plays an active role in global business and politics.
Denmark has been a member of the EU since 1973 and has had a significant influence on both environmental and social issues as well as on the EU enlargement process.
People who have visited Denmark often emphasise how safe the country feels. Children walk to school on their own and even the Queen can go shopping with a minimum of security arrangements. The statistics confirm this image of Denmark as a safe place: the country has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.