Denmark officially Kingdom of Denmark is a Scandinavian country. Denmark means the boundary of Danes. Denmark encompasses two offshore territories Faroe Island and the Greenland. The neighbors of Denmark are Germany, Sweden and Norway. Copenhagen is the political capital and largest city. Denmark borders well with North Sea and Baltic Ocean, these waters are known as Danish straits. Denmark is a member country of European Union. During World War II Germany occupied Denmark which ended in a political neutrality in 1949. Denmark is the founding member of NATO.
Denmark has made many in number contributions for the development of modern world. Danish scientists like astronomer Tycho Brahe (1546-1601), geologist and anatomist Niels Steensen (1639-86), Physicist Nobel laureates Niels Bohr (1885-1962) and medical scientist Niels Finsen (1860-1904) has added up enormously in the world knowledge economy. The fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen (1805-75), the philosophical essays of Soeren Kierkegaard (1813-55), and the short stories of Karen Blixen (pseudonym Isak Dinesen; 1885-1962) have earned international recognition, as have the symphonies of Carl Nielsen (1865-1931).
The term Danish Design is used for high quality art and crafts work. Georg Jensen (1866-1935) is known worldwide for outstanding modern design in silver, and "Royal Copenhagen" is among the finest porcelains. When we speak about famous Danes the name of entertainer and pianist Victor Borge (1909-2000) naturally comes into mind. Perhaps these names speak enough about knowledge economy of Denmark.
The executive authority in Denmark is Monarch. The Danish Constitution does not make responsible Monarch for his or her actions. Monarch has the power to make or dismiss the government. Monarch appoints the prime minister of Denmark and other ministers of cabinet. The Monarch and the Danish Parliament jointly exercise the legislative power in Denmark. The Danish Privy Council's protocols are secret. The Judicial authority lies within the courts of justice.
Denmark lies in the temperate zone. Winters are extremely cold, temperature in January, February months reaches to 0 degree Celsius. Summers are not too hot. The average temperature in summer months stays around 15 degree Celsius. Strong winds blows during the winter months. Rainfall occurs mainly in September, October and November. The length of day varies greatly in Denmark. Days in winters are shorter, sometimes the Sun rise around 8 AM and Sets at 3.30 pm. During summer days Sun rises around 3.30 AM and sets by 10 PM. The Denmark proudly celebrates longest and shortest days.
The economy of Denmark largely depends on high tech agriculture, small scale and corporate industry, government measures, well living standards of people, stable currency and high dependence on foreign trade. Denmark has zero net foreign debt. Denmark is a net exporter of food and energy and has ownership of 40000 plus sq mi of sea territory. Approximately, 75% Danish work force is member of trade union. The unemployment rate in April 2007 was 3.7%. The Danish welfare model is accompanied by a taxation system which is both broad based (25% VAT and excise) and with high income tax rates (minimum tax rate for adults is 38%). Denmark is a active member of United Nations, NATO, Nordic Corporation, IMF, WTO, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and many other councils.