ACTIVE IN THE WORLD DENMARK

Area: 43,069 km²
Population: 5.4 million
Capital: Copenhagen
Form of government: Parliamentary Democracy
Head of State: Queen Margrethe II
Government: Liberal-Conservative coalition
Head of government: Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Liberal
Religion: Lutheran Protestants (88%)

In the thousand years since the Viking era, the world has totally changed. The bearded marauders in their horned helmets have been replaced by clean cut Danish soldiers on peace-keeping missions in many places throughout the world. Measured by population, Denmark has sent out more soldiers and policemen than any other country in the world – around 56,000 between 1948 and 2002 – to undertake peace-making and humanitarian tasks for the UN, NATO, OSCE and as EU monitors. Since 1945 Danish foreign policy has been built on a high degree of international cooperation in order to create world stability, sustainable progress and a shared legal system for all. To Denmark, the EU, NATO and UN are organisations of great importance for global security and stability.

EU membership is especially important for Danish foreign policy. Denmark shares history, values and interests with Europe. The large European market is the foundation of the Danish economy, and the EU is the key to Danish influence on the rest of the world. During its EU Presidency in 2002, Denmark concluded the accession negotiations with 10 new membership countries. It is the Danish government’s view that a united EU will provide global strength which can compare with its economic strength.

Development policy in relation to the Third World is a significant part of Danish foreign policy. For many years Denmark has been among the few countries meeting the UN’s target of giving at least 0.7% GDP in development assistance. Half of the assistance is given multilaterally, the other half goes directly to the most poor, to women and to environmental projects in 15 selected countries.

As an ancient trading nation, Denmark works actively for breaking down duty and other trade barriers through the World Trade Organization. The objective is free trade for all and a shared system of trading law. For Denmark globalisation is not a danger but a challenge to create increased growth, not just in the industrialised world but for all.

Denmark is a European country. It lies north of Germany, south and west of the Scandinavian peninsula and east of Great Britain, separated by the North Sea. In addition to Denmark itself, the kingdom consists of Greenland, the world’s largest island, and the Faroe Islands – a small group of islands in the North Atlantic. Denmark comprises Jutland, which forms part of the European continent, and more than 400 islands of varying size. The capital Copenhagen is located on the largest island, Zealand. The form of government is a parliamentary democracy with a royal Head of State. The system of production is capitalist (economic liberalism) with private ownership of businesses and production. The state and other public authorities, however, exercise considerable control and provide comprehensive services for the citizens.