History of Denmark in Timeline

Denmark is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe, comprising the Jutland peninsula and an archipelago of islands. It's the main constituent of the Kingdom of Denmark, which also includes the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Situated south of Norway and Sweden and north of Germany, Denmark lies between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. It's the southernmost of the Scandinavian countries.

1909: De Tretten art collective

The De Tretten art collective was active from 1909–1912.

1912: De Tretten art collective

The De Tretten art collective was active from 1909–1912.

1917: Danish West Indies

Denmark continued to rule over Danish West Indies from 1671 to 1917.

March 1920: Schleswig Plebiscites

In March 1920, the second Schleswig Plebiscite took place.

July 1920: Northern Schleswig Recovered

On 10 July 1920, Northern Schleswig was recovered by Denmark, adding approximately 163,600 inhabitants and 3,984 square kilometers.

1920: North Schleswig Becomes Danish Again

In 1920, North Schleswig became Danish again.

1924: First Social Democratic Government

In 1924, the country's first social democratic government took office.

1931: Carl Nielsen's death

Carl Nielsen (1865–1931), Denmark's most famous classical composer, died in 1931. He is remembered for his six symphonies and his Wind Quintet.

1939: Nonaggression Pact with Nazi Germany

In 1939, Denmark signed a 10-year nonaggression pact with Nazi Germany.

April 1940: German Invasion of Denmark

In April 1940, during World War II, Danish neutrality was violated by a rapid German invasion.

April 1940: German Invasion and Danish Surrender

On 9 April 1940, Germany invaded Denmark, and the Danish government quickly surrendered.

1943: Resistance movement emerged

In 1943, a resistance movement emerged during the occupation of Denmark.

1943: End of Cooperation with Germany

In 1943, the Danish government refused further co-operation with Germany, scuttled its navy, and sent officers to Sweden, leading to the fall of the government.

1944: Iceland Retains Danish Monarchy Until 1944

Denmark kept the possessions of Iceland (which retained the Danish monarchy until 1944).

1944: Iceland Declared Independence

In 1944, Iceland declared independence during World War II.

1944: Iceland Severed Ties and Became Independent

In 1944, Iceland severed ties with Denmark and became an independent republic.

May 1945: Liberation of Denmark

In May 1945, Denmark was liberated after the end of World War II.

May 1945: German Surrender

In May 1945, Germany surrendered, marking the end of World War II for Denmark.

1945: Expansion of Industrial Base and Service Sector

Since 1945, Denmark has greatly expanded its industrial base and service sector, moving away from a predominantly agricultural economy.

1948: Home Rule Granted to Faroe Islands

In 1948, Home rule was granted to the Faroe Islands, each having previously had the status of counties.

1948: Faroe Islands Gained Home Rule

In 1948, the Faroe Islands gained home rule.

1948: COBRA art collective

The COBRA art collective was active from 1948–1951.

1949: Denmark Became Founding Member of NATO

In 1949, Denmark became a founding member of NATO.

1949: Founding Member of NATO

In 1949, Denmark became a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

1950: Danish Rugby Union

The Danish Rugby Union dates back to 1950.

1951: FIBA membership

Denmark joined the international governing body FIBA in 1951.

1951: COBRA art collective

The COBRA art collective was active from 1948–1951.

1953: Constitutional Change

Constitutional change in 1953 led to a single-chamber parliament elected by proportional representation, female accession to the Danish throne, and Greenland becoming an integral part of Denmark.

1957: Eurovision Song Contest participation

Denmark has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1957.

1962: Silver medal for women's handball

In 1962, the Denmark women's national handball team won a silver medal.

1963: Eurovision Song Contest win

Denmark won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1963.

1967: Silver medal for men's handball

In 1967, the Danish men's national handball team won a silver medal.

1969: Legalization of pornography

In 1969, Denmark was the first country to legalize pornography.

1970: Gourmet cooking introduction

Since around 1970, chefs and restaurants across Denmark have introduced gourmet cooking, largely influenced by French cuisine.

1971: Ministry of Environment Established

In 1971, Denmark established a Ministry of Environment.

1971: Roskilde Festival start

Since 1971, Roskilde Festival near Copenhagen has been the largest music festival in Northern Europe.

1973: Membership of the European Economic Community (EEC)

In 1973, Denmark including Greenland joined the European Economic Community (EEC), the EU's predecessor.

1973: Environmental Law Implemented

In 1973, Denmark was the first country in the world to implement an environmental law.

1973: Denmark Joined the European Economic Community

In 1973, Denmark, along with Britain and Ireland, joined the European Economic Community (now the European Union) after a public referendum.

1973: Denmark Joins the European Union

In 1973, Denmark, along with Greenland, became a member of what is now the European Union, though it negotiated certain opt-outs.

1975: Record High Temperature

In 1975, the most extreme temperature recorded in Denmark was 36.4 °C.

1979: Home Rule in Greenland

In 1979, Greenland achieved home rule, devolving powers to handle their internal affairs.

1979: Greenland Gained Home Rule

In 1979, Greenland gained home rule.

1982: Record Low Temperature

In 1982, the most extreme low temperature recorded in Denmark was −31.2 °C.

1984: European Championships qualification

In 1984, Denmark qualified for the European Championships.

1986: Greenland Withdraws from EEC

In 1986, Greenland withdrew from the EEC because of fisheries policies.

1987: Babette's Feast Oscar win

In 1987, Gabriel Axel's film 'Babette's Feast' won an Oscar.

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1987: Establishment of the Danish Centre of Human Rights

In 1987, the Kingdom Parliament (Folketinget) established a national human rights institution, the Danish Centre of Human Rights, now the Danish Institute for Human Rights.

1988: Pelle the Conqueror awards

In 1988, Bille August's film 'Pelle the Conqueror' won an Oscar, Palme d'Or, and Golden Globe award.

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1989: Legal recognition to same-sex unions

In 1989, Denmark became the first country in the world to grant legal recognition to same-sex unions in the form of registered partnerships.

1989: Introduction of registered partnership laws

In 1989, Denmark was the first country to introduce "registered partnership" laws.

1992: European champions

In 1992, Denmark were crowned European champions in football.

1992: Rejection of the Maastricht Treaty

In 1992, the Maastricht Treaty, which involved further European integration, was rejected by the Danish people.

1993: Silver medal for women's handball

In 1993, the Denmark women's national handball team won a silver medal.

1993: Acceptance of the Maastricht Treaty

In 1993, the Maastricht Treaty was accepted by the Danish people after a second referendum, which provided for four opt-outs from policies.

1993: Superflex founded

The art collective Superflex was founded in 1993.

1994: Gold medal for women's handball

In 1994, the Denmark women's national handball team won a gold medal.

1994: Government initiatives for integration and urban decay

In 1994, the government of Poul Nyrup Rasmussen presented major plans to further integration and counter urban decay in vulnerable residential areas.

1995: Confederations Cup win and bronze medal

In 1995, Denmark won the Confederations Cup in football and the Denmark women's national handball team won a bronze medal.

1996: Ratification of ILO-convention 169

In 1996, Denmark ratified ILO-convention 169 on Indigenous people recommended by the UN.

1996: Gold medals for women's handball

In 1996, the Denmark women's national handball team won 2 gold medals.

1997: Gold medal for women's handball

In 1997, the Denmark women's national handball team won a gold medal.

1998: World Cup quarter-final and silver medal

In 1998, Denmark reached the quarter-final of the World Cup and the Denmark women's national handball team won a silver medal.

1999: NATO Bombing of Yugoslavia

In 1999, Denmark participated in the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia, marking a shift towards a more active role in international conflicts.

September 2000: Referendum on Adopting the Euro

In September 2000, a referendum rejected adopting the euro in Denmark.

2000: Eurovision Song Contest win

Denmark won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2000.

2000: Rejection of the Euro

In 2000, the Danes rejected the euro as the national currency in a referendum.

2000: Gold medal for women's handball

In 2000, the Denmark women's national handball team won a gold medal.

2000: Government initiatives for integration and urban decay

In 2000, the government of Poul Nyrup Rasmussen presented major plans to further integration and counter urban decay in vulnerable residential areas.

2000: Pioneering Development of Enzymes for Bioethanol

Since 2000, the Danish biotech company Novozymes has pioneered development of enzymes for converting waste to cellulosic ethanol.

2001: War in Afghanistan

In 2001, Denmark participated in the War in Afghanistan, marking a shift towards a more active role in international conflicts.

2002: Gold and bronze medals

In 2002, the Denmark women's national handball team won a gold medal and the Danish men's national handball team won a bronze medal.

2003: Engagement in Iraq

Between 2003 and 2007, approximately 450 Danish soldiers were stationed in Iraq.

2004: European Championships qualification, silver and bronze medals

In 2004, Denmark qualified for the European Championships and the Denmark women's national handball team won a gold and silver medal, while the Danish men's national handball team won a bronze medal.

2004: Government initiatives for integration and urban decay

In 2004, the Anders Fogh Rasmussen I Cabinet presented major plans to further integration and counter urban decay in vulnerable residential areas.

2005: King of the Mountains status

In 2005, Michael Rasmussen reached King of the Mountains status in the Tour de France.

2006: King of the Mountains status

In 2006, Michael Rasmussen reached King of the Mountains status in the Tour de France.

2006: Bronze medal for men's handball

In 2006, the Danish men's national handball team won a bronze medal.

January 2007: Regions Created

On 1 January 2007, the regions were created to replace the 16 former counties.

2007: Health care expenditure

As of 2007, Denmark spent 9.8% of its GDP on health care (US$3,512 per capita).

2007: Withdrawal from Iraq

Between 2003 and 2007, approximately 450 Danish soldiers were stationed in Iraq.

2007: Native speakers of German

In 2007, Denmark had 25,900 native speakers of German, mostly in the South Jutland area.

2007: Regional Reforms

In 2007, reforms led to the incorporation of sui generis municipalities like Copenhagen Municipality and Frederiksberg into the new regions.

2007: Government attempt to favour environmentally friendly cars

In 2007, the Danish government attempted to favor environmentally friendly cars by slightly reducing taxes on high mileage vehicles.

2007: Bronze medal for men's handball

In 2007, the Danish men's national handball team won a bronze medal.

2008: Increase in the import of fuel inefficient old cars

In 2008, Denmark experienced an increase in the import of fuel inefficient old cars, as the cost for older cars, including taxes, kept them within the budget of many Danes.

2008: Gold medal for men's handball

In 2008, the Danish men's national handball team won a gold medal.

2009: Poll about religion

According to a 2009 poll, 25% of Danes believe Jesus is the son of God.

2009: Crude Oil Production

In 2009, Denmark was producing 259,980 barrels of crude oil a day.

2009: Further Autonomy for Greenland

In 2009, Greenland achieved further autonomy, devolving powers to handle their internal affairs.

2009: Greenland Awarded Self-Determination

In 2009, Greenland was awarded self-determination.

2009: Referendum on the Danish Act of Succession

In 2009, a referendum was held on changing the Danish Act of Succession to grant absolute primogeniture to the Danish throne.

2010: Eurobarometer poll about religion

According to a 2010 Eurobarometer poll, 28% of Danish nationals polled responded that they "believe there is a God".

2010: Official use of the term "ghetto"

During the years 2010, the term "ghetto" was used officially to designate some or all of the vulnerable areas.

2010: Ecological Footprint

In 2010, Denmark's national ecological footprint was 8.26 global hectares per person.

2010: Government initiatives for integration and urban decay

In 2010, the Lars Løkke Rasmussen I Cabinet presented major plans to further integration and counter urban decay in vulnerable residential areas.

2010: Opinion Polls Against Adopting the Euro

Since 2010, opinion polls have consistently shown a clear majority against adopting the euro in Denmark.

May 2011: GDP from Renewable Energy Technology

In May 2011 Denmark derived 3.1% of its gross domestic product from renewable energy technology and energy efficiency.

2011: Average car age

As of 2011, the average car age in Denmark was 9.2 years.

2011: Silver medal for men's handball

In 2011, the Danish men's national handball team won a silver medal.

June 2012: Presidency of the Council of the European Union

From January to June 2012, Denmark held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

June 2012: New same-sex marriage law

On 7 June 2012, a new same-sex marriage law was introduced replacing the registered partnership law. The new law came into effect on 15 June 2012.

2012: Health care expenditure

As of 2012, Denmark spends 11.2% of its GDP on health care

2012: Gender-neutral marriage

In 2012, Denmark replaced its "registered partnership" laws with gender-neutral marriage.

2012: Initiatives to Simplify Business Rules

In 2012, the Danish government launched a series of initiatives aiming to simplify business rules through the "Danish Business Authority".

2012: Gold medal for men's handball

In 2012, the Danish men's national handball team won a gold medal.

2012: Cancer rate in Denmark

In a 2012 study, Denmark had the highest cancer rate of all countries listed by the World Cancer Research Fund International.

2013: Eurovision Song Contest win

Denmark won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013.

2013: Silver and bronze medal

In 2013, the Danish men's national handball team won a silver medal, and the Denmark women's national handball team won a bronze medal.

2013: Government initiatives for integration and urban decay

In 2013, the Helle Thorning-Schmidt I Cabinet presented major plans to further integration and counter urban decay in vulnerable residential areas.

2014: Silver medal for men's handball

In 2014, the Danish men's national handball team won a silver medal.

2015: Life expectancy in Denmark

As of 2015, Denmark had a life expectancy of 80.6 years at birth.

2015: Wind Power Consumption

In 2015 wind turbines provided 42.1% of the total electricity consumption in Denmark.

2015: Contribution to Foreign Aid

In 2015, Denmark contributed 0.85% of its gross national income (GNI) to foreign aid, meeting the UN target of 0.7% of GNI.

2015: Climate Change Performance Index

In 2015, Denmark topped the list of the Climate Change Performance Index due to its implementation effective climate protection policies.

2015: Tax Structure Characteristics

In 2015, the Danish tax system was characterized by substantially higher revenues from taxes on personal income and a lower proportion of revenues from taxes on corporate income and gains and property taxes than in OECD generally.

2015: Union Density

In 2015, union density in Denmark was 68%.

January 2016: Transgender identity resolution

In January 2016, the Danish parliament implemented a resolution preventing transgender identity from being classified as a mental health condition, going against the World Health Organization standards.

April 2016: Greenland legalises same-sex marriage

In April 2016, Greenland legalised same-sex marriage.

2016: Net Replacement Rates for Unemployed Persons

According to OECD, initial as well as long-term net replacement rates for unemployed persons were 65% of previous net income in 2016, against an OECD average of 53%.

2016: Gold medal for men's handball

In 2016, the Danish men's national handball team won a gold medal.

2016: Public Opinion on Globalisation

In a 2016 poll, 57% of the Danish public saw globalisation as an opportunity, whereas 18% viewed it as a threat.

2016: Empathy scores of countries study

In a 2016 study comparing empathy scores of 63 countries, Denmark ranked 4th world-wide having the highest empathy among surveyed European countries.

July 2017: Faroe Islands legalises same-sex marriage

In July 2017, the Faroe Islands legalised same-sex marriage.

2017: Gini Coefficient Ranking

According to Eurostat, Denmark's Gini coefficient for disposable income was the 7th-lowest among EU countries in 2017.

2017: Largest Export Partners

As of 2017, Denmark's largest export partners are Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.

2017: Most Widespread Tree

As of 2017, Norway spruce is the most widespread tree in Denmark.

2017: Contribution of Services to GDP

By 2017, services contributed circa 75% of Denmark's GDP.

2017: Immigration Statistics

In 2017, 54% of all non-Scandinavian immigrants were from other EU countries. The net migration rate in 2017 was 2.1 migrants per 1,000 population.

2017: Overall Level of Taxation

In 2017, the overall level of taxation in Denmark (sum of all taxes, as a percentage of GDP) was 46%.

2017: Employment Rate

With an employment rate in 2017 of 74.2% for people aged 15–64-years, Denmark ranks 9th highest among the OECD countries.

March 2018: Eurobarometer Opinion Poll on the Euro

In March 2018, a Eurobarometer opinion poll showed that 29% of respondents from Denmark were in favor of the EMU and the euro, whereas 65% were against it.

June 2018: WHO standards

Until June 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified transgender identity as being a mental health issue.

July 2018: Net International Investment Position

By 1 July 2018, the net international investment position (or net foreign assets) of Denmark was equal to 64.6% of GDP.

2018: Energy Export

Denmark exported roughly 460 million GJ of energy in 2018.

2018: Government initiatives for integration and urban decay

In 2018, the Lars Løkke Rasmussen III Cabinet presented major plans to further integration and counter urban decay in vulnerable residential areas.

2018: Education statistics

In 2018, the government recorded upper secondary school completion rates of 83% and tertiary enrolment and completion rates of 45%.

2018: National Health Service Financed by a National Health Care Contribution

Until 2018 the health service is partly financed by a national health care contribution.

January 2019: Abolishment of National Health Care Contribution

From 1 January 2019 the national health care contribution will be abolished, as it is being replaced by higher income tax instead.

2019: Global Competitiveness Report Ranking

According to the World Economic Forum in its Global Competitiveness Report 2019, Denmark is the 10th most competitive economy in the world, and 7th in Europe and North America.

2019: World Championship title

In 2019, the Danish men's national handball team won their first World Championship title.

December 2020: Stopped Issuing New Licenses for Oil and Gas Extraction

In December 2020, the Danish government stopped issuing new licences for oil and gas extraction.

2020: Statistics on ethnic groups

According to 2020 figures from Statistics Denmark, 86.1% of the population in Denmark was of Danish descent. The remaining 13.89% were of foreign background.

2020: Light rail systems planned to be in operation

Around 2020, light rail systems were planned to be in operation in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense, and Aalborg.

2021: Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance

In 2021, Denmark joined Costa Rica to launch the "Beyond Oil and Gas alliance" for stopping use fossil fuels.

2021: Construction of the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link Started

In 2021, construction started on the Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link, which will connect Denmark and Germany with a second link.

2021: Government initiatives for integration and urban decay

In 2021, the Mette Frederiksen I Cabinet presented major plans to further integration and counter urban decay in vulnerable residential areas.

2021: Removal of the term "ghetto"

In 2021, the term "ghetto" was removed officially and four different lists are published.

November 2022: Danish General Election

Following the 2022 Danish general election in November 2022, incumbent prime minister and Social Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen formed a cabinet.

December 2022: Frederiksen II Cabinet Formed

In December 2022, incumbent prime minister and Social Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen formed the current Frederiksen II Cabinet, a coalition government with the until then leading opposition party Venstre and the recently founded Moderate party.

2022: Poverty Rate

As of 2022, 6.5% of the population was reported to live below the poverty line, when adjusted for taxes and transfers.

2022: Life expectancy in Denmark

As of 2022, Denmark had a life expectancy of 81.3 years at birth (79.5 for men, 83.2 for women).

2022: GDP Per Hour Worked Ranking

In 2022, Denmark's GDP per hour worked was the 16th highest in the world.

November 2023: Eurobarometer Opinion Poll on the Euro

In November 2023, a Eurobarometer opinion poll showed that 31% of respondents from Denmark were in favor of the EMU and the euro, whereas 63% were against it.

2023: Focus on Increasing Energy Taxes

In 2023, the Danish government focused on methods to increase taxes on energy dealers.

2023: Vulnerable residential areas in Denmark

In 2023, there were 19 vulnerable residential areas in Denmark.

January 2024: King Frederik X Became Head of State

Hereditary monarch King Frederik X has been head of state since 14 January 2024.

2024: Global Peace Index Ranking

According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Denmark is the 8th most peaceful country in the world.

2024: Church of Denmark Membership

As of 2024, 71.2% of the population of Denmark were members of the Church of Denmark (Den Danske Folkekirke).

2024: Copenhagen Airport passenger volume

In 2024, Copenhagen Airport handled almost 30 million passengers, making it Scandinavia's busiest passenger airport.

2024: Freedom House Report

In its 2024 Freedom in the World report, Freedom House rated Denmark 4 out of 4 for religious freedom.

May 2025: Denmark's Population

In May 2025, Denmark's population is over 6 million, with roughly 40% living in Zealand, the largest and most populated island.

May 2025: Population of Denmark reaches 6 million

In May 2025, the population of Denmark, as registered by Statistics Denmark, was 6 million, with an average age of 42.2 years.

June 2025: Elimination of Mailboxes

Since June 2025, approximately 1,500 mailboxes have been eliminated in Denmark.

November 2025: Danish Local Elections

The most recent Danish local elections were held on 18 November 2025.

December 2025: End of Paper Letter Delivery by PostNord Danmark

After 31 December 2025, PostNord Danmark ceased all delivery of paper letter envelopes to encourage electronic mailing.

2025: Global Innovation Index Ranking

Denmark was ranked 9th in the Global Innovation Index in 2025.

2025: US Hybrid Warfare Targetting Greenland

Since 2025 the Danish territory of Greenland has been the target of US hybrid warfare under Donald Trump. Mette Frederiksen urged the United States to cease its threats against a historically close ally.