Country Overview
Denmark consists of the Jutland peninsula and a series of islands in the Baltic and North Seas. It is located to the north of Germany and to the west of Sweden. The capital is Copenhagen.

Denmark's northerly location gives it a fairly cold climate, but the Gulf Stream helps to keep it slightly warmer than its neighbors. Rain and grey skies are common, and winter temperatures hover around the freezing point. During the summer, Danes experience 18-hour days.

The official language is Danish, although most Danes begin learning English at an early age. The chief unit of currency in Denmark is the Krone.

The Kingdom of Denmark, as it is known, has a population of 5.2 million. Denmark has a parliament and a monarchy which share joint legislative powers and are led by Queen Margrethe II and the Prime Minister.

Danes can vote when they turn 18. There is mandatory military service for men, but a lottery provides a chance for exemption.

Denmark has a very strong economy despite having very few natural resources. Denmark is self-sufficient in both oil and gas, and began exporting them in 1991. Denmark has an extremely efficient agricultural sector, and has become the world's main supplier of bacon and processed meats. Successful trading and transport businesses have also compensated for the lack of resources.

Danish workers are known for a strong sense of quality. More than 75% of all workers belong to organized trade unions, and all enjoy a minimum of 5 weeks vacation per year.

Denmark is a welfare state, and taxes are very high. Denmark offers its citizens a high degree of income redistribution, and good care for the elderly.

Denmark is known for the Tivoli (amusement park) and for the Little Mermaid. Denmark is also home to the world's oldest monarchy -- and the world's youngest queen. Notable Danes include children's writer Hans Christian Andersen, and Karen Blixen-Finecke (aka Isak Dinesen) who wrote Out of Africa.

The timeless toy, Lego, was invented in Denmark.

In Denmark, dinner is the main meal of the day. Traditional foods include meatballs, pickled herring, rye bread, and smorrebrod (open-faced sandwiches).

School
The Danish educational system is large and efficient. Schooling is compulsory for nine years. After these nine years, the student will decide whether he wants to continue on for 3 more years to prepare for college. Of all high school graduates, about one-third go on to university, while others choose job training or apprentice for a career. Universities are free, but admission is extremely competitive.

A typical class size is 25-30 pupils. Students are expected to respect the teacher, but the relationship is very equal and teachers are usually called by their first name. Students typically spend 1-2 hours on homework per night.

Teenagers
It is common for Danish teens to gather with their friends after school. Popular activities are sports, music, and non-religious youth groups. It is also common for teens to have part-time jobs.

Styles of dress are much the same as they are for teens in the U.S., with jeans and t-shirts being very popular.

Danish parents tend to give their children a lot of freedom and responsibility to help them become well- educated, independent teenagers. Teens often begin dating at 14 or 15, and are well informed about AIDS, sex, and birth control. Sex education is compulsory in secondary school, and the topic is openly discussed with parents and friends.

Few teenagers have curfews during weekends, but during the week most teenagers are expected to be home before midnight. The legal drinking age is 18. Alcoholic drinks are not served to minors in bars or dance clubs, but alcohol is common at parties for teenagers, and is also available in supermarkets.

It is possible to obtain a driver's license at the age of 18, however the public transportation system is extensive and efficient so very few young people have their own cars.

Community
Every home in Denmark has at least one television, and many people have cable television. There are two national channels and 10-15 cable stations that broadcast in English, German, Swedish, and Norwegian. Danes so not watch as much television as Americans; the average teen watches 2-6 hours per week.

Business hours are from 9 am to 5 pm. Shops have shorter hours on Saturday, and most places are closed on Sunday.

Family
The average Danish family has 1.7 children, and it is very common for both parents to work. Child care is readily available, and in 1994, 80 of children aged 3 to 6 were in day care. There are two divorces for every three weddings in Denmark.

Most young people move out on their own when they have finished high school and go on to specialized school or university, between the ages of 18 and 20.

Danes can retire at age 60, but most people work until they can receive the old-age pension that is paid to everyone aged 65 and older. The current policy is to help elderly people stay in their own homes, so home help and health care are very common. Only a small percentage of elderly people live in nursing homes.

Customs
In formal situations, Danes greet one another by shaking hands and saying goddag (good day). Upon leaving, they shake hands again and say farvel (goodbye). Among friends and family, the greeting is usually a hug and hej (hi). Hej hej means 'bye.'

It is polite to use both a knife and fork at meals. Few families say grace before a meal, and it is customary to say 'thank you for the meal' when leaving the table.

There are no big differences in standards of hygiene between the U.S. and Denmark. Former exchange students have noticed that teens in the U.S. are more modest and prefer not to shower after gym class, whereas Danish students would shower right away.

The largest church in Denmark is the Danish National Church, an Evangelical Lutheran church to which 87 of Danes belong. Few people attend services regularly, however, except for special services on Christmas and Easter. Many other religions are represented in Denmark as well.

Denmark's major holidays are Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter, and Midsummer's Eve (June 23 & 24). On Christmas Eve, a large meal is prepared. The meal often includes roast duck or pork, potatoes, red cabbage, and wine. For dessert there is sometimes a traditional dish called riz a l'amande, almond rice pudding. Inside, there is a whole almond, and whoever finds it gets a small present. Danes decorate Christmas trees and sing Christmas carols.

New Year's Eve is celebrated with friends, dinner, and fireworks. Easter is celebrated with a special meal. Midsummer, the longest day of the year, is celebrated with dinner and a bonfire.

Most Danes take 3 weeks vacation during the summer, and one week each during winter and fall.

Understanding
Danish people have many reasons to be proud of their country and heritage: the Danish rescue of over 1000 Jews during World War II, their excellent socialized health care system, and their open attitudes.

In Denmark, America is looked upon a very large country with lots of possibilities. It is a place where TV shows, movies, music, and fashion come from.

Students from Denmark have noticed that religion is much more important to Americans, and that the school system is very different than what they are used to.

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