Living in Denmark: the ultimate expat guide

Do you hope to join Denmark’s population of around 5.7 million people as an expat? Here is everything you need to know about the country before you decide to work or study in Denmark.

Denmark's geography

Denmark consists of a large peninsula and a collection of around 406 islands, of which up to 70 are inhabited. Interestingly enough, the number of Danish islands is constantly fluctuating since they appear and disappear regularly. 

Neighbours Sweden and Norway are located just across the water, and the country is also bordered by the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Germany. The Danish territory also includes the areas of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which is located between Norway and Iceland. 

Although not the flattest country on earth, Denmark is relatively level with a highest natural point of just over 170.86 metres about sea level. This geographical landscape, paired with Denmark’s relatively mild weather, makes it the perfect country for bike riding. 

The climate in Denmark

With a temperate climate, Denmark is a great place to stay if you enjoy mild weather with occasional rain. Summers are cool with temperatures hovering between 20 °C and 30 °C, while sub-zero temperatures in winter are possible but not for long periods. 

Summer days are long, but because of its northern location, winter days in Denmark are short and dark. The winter solstice sees just seven hours of daylight between sunrise and sunset. Luckily, the Danes have learned how to manage the dark winters by embracing ‘hygge’. 

The five regions of Denmark

Denmark is divided into five regions:

Region Hovedstaden (Captial Region of Denmark): Home to the Danish capital Copenhagen, as well as the larger Copenhagen area and Frederiksborg county

Region Midtjylland or Mid Jutland Region (Central Denmark Region): Includes most of Aarhus, northern parts of Vejle and the southern part of Viborg

Region Nordjylland or North Jutland Region (North Denmark Region): Includes the major city Aalborg, northern Viborg and a small piece of Aarhus

Region Sjælland (Region Zealand): Includes 17 municipalities in the southern part of Denmark closest to Copenhagen

Region Syddanmark or South Jutland Region (Region of Southern Denmark): The southern part of Denmark’s larger peninsula where Denmark’s third-largest city Odense and fifth-largest city Esbjerg are located

Demographics and language in Denmark

Danish is the main language of Denmark, while English, German (in the Southern Denmark region), and Faroese are widely recognised as second languages. Most locals speak English proficiently, but it is still important to learn as much Danish as possible if you intend to relocate here for the long-term. 

Most of the population in Denmark comprises people of Danish descent and citizenship with at least one Danish parent. Sizeable minority groups of other descent include people from Albania, Pakistan, Iraq, and Syria; EU immigrants from Turkey, Poland, and Germany among others also work and study in Denmark.  

The Danish economy

Denmark is part of the European Union, although the Danish krone (DKK) is still the currency being used. The krone is relatively stable and linked to the euro. Denmark’s high standard of living is the result of a modern economy with heavy foreign trade links. Major export areas include industrial machinery, aircraft, pharmaceuticals, and canned food.