Country explorer: Denmark
EXPERIMENTAL
2024
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Overview
Denmark is a coastal, high-income country in Europe with a small population. Its economy has grown slowly in recent decades, and is based on services, industry and agriculture.
Denmark leads the world in wind energy production.
Economy
Denmark's economy has demonstrated steady economic growth, with an evolving GDP per capita significantly above the high-income country average, a successful reduction in unemployment rates to below those of its Nordic neighbors and high-income counterparts, and a stable inflation rate showcasing effective monetary control, underpinning a robust economy that mirrors the resilience and adaptive nature of its social welfare model.
Demographics
Denmark has consistently experienced moderate population growth, steady net migration gains, a fertility rate below the replacement level but seeing slight fluctuations, and a significant increase in life expectancy, indicative of trends common among high-income countries reflecting improved healthcare and changing family planning dynamics.
Basic needs
Denmark has consistently maintained 100% access to clean cooking fuels, electricity, and high but improving access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation facilities, reflecting its status as a leader in basic needs fulfillment among high-income countries.
Human development
Denmark has demonstrated sustained improvements in human development indicators such as rising Human Development Index scores, declining child mortality rates, high literacy rates, and increased learning-adjusted years of schooling, reflecting the nation's commitment to high standards of living, education quality, and overall well-being, in line with its Nordic peers.
Environment & energy
Denmark has undergone significant environmental transformations, notably reducing its per capita CO₂ emissions, immensely increasing its renewable energy production—particularly from wind and bioenergy—while maintaining its freshwater resources and expanding its forest area, thereby distinguishing itself as a leader in sustainable practices among high-income countries.
Technology & innovation
Denmark has consistently elevated its status as a leading technological and innovative hub, underscored by widespread Internet usage, a high number of mobile subscriptions, substantial investment in research and development, and a significant output of scientific publications per capita, illustrating a deep-seated culture of digital adaptation and scientific inquiry that parallels or exceeds that of its Nordic neighbors and other high-income countries.
Culture & society
Denmark has experienced increased cultural diversity with a growing share of the population born abroad, maintained high levels of self-reported life satisfaction, achieved significant reductions in gender inequality, and faced a rising age dependency ratio, showcasing its resilient, inclusive, and aging society amidst challenges common to high-income countries.
Governance
Denmark has consistently demonstrated high governance standards, featuring robust rule of law, minimal corruption, extensive political civil liberties, and significant press freedom, positioning it consistently alongside its Nordic neighbors as a global exemplar of transparent and effective governance.