The Kingdom of Denmark
Denmark, officially known as the Kingdom of Denmark, is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe. It shares its borders with Germany to the south and is surrounded by the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. The country also includes two autonomous territories, Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
The history of Denmark dates back to the Viking Age, which lasted from the late 8th century to the 11th century. During this period, Danish Vikings explored and raided various parts of Europe, establishing trade routes and settlements. The Viking influence extended as far as England, Scotland, Ireland, and even parts of France. In the late medieval period, Denmark experienced a period of consolidation and expansion under King Valdemar the Great (1154-1182) and his successors. The Kalmar Union, formed in 1397, united Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under a single monarch. However, the union eventually dissolved in the 16th century due to internal conflicts and power struggles. Denmark became a constitutional monarchy in 1849 and underwent significant political and social reforms during the 19th century. It remained neutral during both World Wars but was occupied by Germany during World War II from 1940 to 1945. After the war, Denmark experienced rapid economic growth and became a member of NATO in 1949. It later joined the European Economic Community (EEC), now the European Union (EU), in 1973. Denmark has since been an active member of the EU while retaining some opt-outs from certain policies, such as adopting the euro as its currency.The Kingdom of Denmark |