Capital: Copenhagen
Location:
Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes two major islands (Sjaeland and Fyn) ( slightlyless than twice the size of Massachusetts )
Registration Embassy and Consulate:
Americans living in or visiting Denmark are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen and obtain updated information on travel and security within Denmark. The U.S. Embassy is located at Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24; 2100 Copenhagen, Tel: (45) 35-55-31-44. Fax: (45) 35-43-02-23. After hours emergencies: Tel: (45) 35-55-92-70. Information is also available via the U.S. Embassy home page at http://www.usembassy.dk. The U.S. has no consular presence in Greenland or the Faeroe Islands.
Background:
Once the seat of Viking raiders and later a major north European power, Denmark has evolved into a modern, prosperous nation that is participating in the political and economic integration of Europe. So far, however, the country has opted out of some aspects of the European Union's Maastricht Treaty, including the economic and monetary system (EMU) and issues concerning certain internal affairs.
Ethnic Groups:
Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali
Language:
Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority)
note: English is the predominant second language
Currency:
DKK
Danish krone (DKK)
Danish kroner per US dollar - 7.951 (January 2001), 8.083 (2000), 6.976 (1999), 6.701 (1998), 6.604 (1997), 5.799 (1996); note - the Danes rejected the Euro in a 28 September 2000 referendum
Climate:
Temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers
Population:
5,352,815 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3%, Muslims 2%
Medical:
Excellent medical facilities are widely available in Denmark. In Greenland and the Faeroe Islands, medical facilities are limited and evacuation is required for serious illness and injury. Although emergency medical treatment is free of charge, the patient is charged for follow-up care.
Travelers are advised to carry special insurance coverage for arctic areas when visiting Greenland and the Faeroe Islands.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties.
Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation, and for adequacy of coverage. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Denmark is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Excellent
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Excellent
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Excellent
Danish expressways, highways, and secondary roads are of high quality and connect all areas of the country. It is possible to drive from the northern tip of Denmark to the German border in the south in just four hours. Greenland has no established road system, and domestic travel is performed by foot, boat or by air. The majority of the Faeroe Islands are connected by bridges or serviced by boat. Although the largest islands have roads, most domestic travel is done by foot, horseback, boat or by air.
A valid U.S. driver's license may be used while visiting Denmark, Greenland and the Faeroe Islands. Highways in Denmark are equipped with emergency telephones at frequent intervals. Travelers should be aware that pedestrians and automobiles must yield right-of-way to bicyclists in Denmark, and it is important to watch for traffic from bicycle lanes when crossing streets (bicycle lanes are most often located nearest to the curb). Drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced with offenses severely punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.
