9 Little-Known and Amazing Facts About Denmark

Denmark is a country with unique landscapes, cultures, historical towns, geological features, historical individuals, and ways of life.

Here's a list of cool stuff KnowInsider found about Denmark that we thought you'd like to know.

1.Oldest Flag in the World

Danmark's flag. Photo: Freepik

The white cross on a red background that comprise the Dannebrog or ‘Danish Cloth’ is instantly recognisable to many. Originating in the 14^th Century, legend has it that the flag appeared during the battle of Lyndanisse in 1219 and inspired the Danes to victory against Latvia. The flag was adopted at some point during the next 100 years.

Whilst it’s not the oldest flag ever to have existed, it holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest continuously used national flag.

It’s a matter of contention as to what constitutes ‘continuous use’ as the saltire of Scotland also lays claim to a similar feat but through sketchy evidence, Guinness sides with Denmark and gives a date of 1625 for its adoption.

2.The Monarchy is Even Older

Even older than the flag is the Danish Monarchy. Since Gorm the Old started things off in 935, the monarchy has continued right through to today.

Originally an elective monarchy, it became hereditary in the 17^th century and then in the 19^th century was converted to a constitutional monarchy. The current monarch is Queen Magrethe II, the first female monarch since her namesake Margrethe I died in 1412 during the Kalmar Union.

3.It’s a small country

Copenhagen. Photo: Life in Norway

Outside the cities, Scandinavia has a reputation as being a vast open space with mountains, fjords and lakes. Not so with Denmark! Our Danish friends live in a relatively small place.

At just a shade larger than the Netherlands and Switzerland, it ranks 130th in the world. In US terms that’s somewhere between Maryland and West Virginia in size.

4.Mysterious Vikings

Some people believe that Danes are as strong as Vikings, and that is the first association with them. We cannot prove them right or wrong but can state for the fact that Denmark is a perfect place to get a taste of the old Viking culture.

You don't need to spend much time in Denmark to feel that it is indeed the spiritual and historical home of these legendary warriors, craftsmen, and traders.

5.The Local Way of Living - Denmark Hygge

Photo: BBC

We are sure that some of you have come across a certain Danish concept hygge. It is hard to explain and even harder to pronounce "hoo-gah", but it is definitely worth adding some hygge in your daily life.

The Oxford dictionary added the word in June 2017. It refers to a form of everyday togetherness, coziness, the ability to recognize and enjoy your presence. So if the question of what are Denmark people like is one that interests you, this concept pretty much gives a rightful answer.

In simple words, hygge encourages us to make the ordinary special and to indulge in all the good things around us. It might be a simple pleasure such as eating something that you love or spending time with your family and friends, even something as simple as lighting candles or buying flowers.

6.The economy can be rather taxing

Many people visiting Scandinavia are shocked by how much things cost. Denmark’s sales tax of 25% is one of the highest in the world.

Denmark also has one of the highest rates of income tax in the world with Danes paying as much as 45% of their income to the government. Surprisingly though, in surveys 90% of Danes are happy with the level of taxation.

7.Salty Licorice - The Most Favorite Treat

Salty Licorice, Photo: Food52

One of the favorite Danish treats is a salty candy called licorice ("lakrids")! Yes, the same black candy, that many of us leave behind.

Danish licorice is very salty, so it is often quite off-putting, especially if you try it for the first time. But it is definitely one of the most favorable candies in Denmark!

While there, you can find licorice ice cream, biscuits, cupcakes, porridge, cocktails, even licorice flavored salt! We are not surprised that they even have a festival to celebrate it!

If you haven't tried it yet, you definitely should, the flavor is very specific and hard to put into words.

8.They’re naturally cozy people

Photo: Life in Norway

Enjoying the simple things in life is so important to the Danes that they have a special word for it – Hygge. Pronounced Hoo-ga, the word defies direct translation. Instead, it’s a feeling of contentment you get from enjoying simple pleasures.

In a way it’s the opposite of stress. Instead of worrying about terrible weather, simply make a cup of cocoa and curl up with a good book. Ignore the stresses of work and spend quality time with friends and family. These are all examples of Hygge and it’s concept I think we should all embrace.

9.Overall though, they’re a pretty progressive nation

Denmark is among the nations that are leading the world in progressive policies. In 1969, Denmark was the first country in the world to legalise pornography and it can be found everywhere, including on TV. The Danes have a healthy, liberal attitude to sex.

They were also the first nation in the world to legalise same-sex unions. This came in 1989 and since then 28 other countries have followed suit. Opinion polls in Denmark show support among the public is at 86%.

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