The Land of  H. Christian Andersen & Karen Blixen,

 Lego & The Little Mermaid

Information on Relocating to Denmark

• The capital city of Denmark is Copenhagen with about 1.2 million people. The political centre is in Copenhagen where the Queen resides most of the year. Denmark is constitutional monarchy.

• Language: The official language spoken is Danish. Other languages are Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority); however, English is the predominant second language. The TV programs are in their original languages and subtitled. There are about 4 public channels and several regional channels available mostly in Danish. Cable and satellite are also readily available.

• Population: The population is about 5.5 million people of which the majority are Danish. Also included are Scandinavians (Sweden, Norway and Finland), Greenland, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali nationals.

• Expat areas: Popular areas for the Expat community are mainly Copenhagen and Aarhus.

• Housing: Where you choose to live in Denmark depends on your lifestyle - some prefer city life and others sea or country – it's all is possible in Denmark. Housing and high quality interior environments are typically a high priority in Danish life. Therefore, rental properties in Denmark also have  very high quality and design standards, although the quantity of rental properties is relatively limited in a fast moving market. The housing that is available is often that of Danish expats who live abroad themselves for some years. Houses and apartments vary from newly built to old buildings from past centuries. Some are newly refurbished and some show wear and tear. In Copenhagen city, most apartment buildings are from pre-1910, although have been preserved and renovated, so that modern, high quality materials and features have been added, including bathrooms - although big bathrooms, or more than one, is uncommon. Houses are of varying styles and periods and available mostly outside of Copenhagen in suburbs, and thus accessible with the fabulous public transportation system in Denmark. Many properties are unfurnished and are without elevators or air conditioning. Animals are usually forbidden in rental properties. Many properties have wooden floors and stucco ceilings, along with quaint rooftop views of the old city. Although most international companies are situated in the Copenhagen area, are choosing headquarters in Jutland which is now accessible by bridge - one of the longest bridges in the world – Storebælts Bridge.

• Cost of housing: Varies depending on number of bedrooms required, type and location, although because of limited supply and increasing demand, is relatively highly priced. For a 1-bedroom standard apartment, a typical price could be 1.100 Euros, and for other standard, villa housing up to 5000 Euros. Renovation costs at the time of move out also should be considered. The local currency is Danish Crown.

• Schools: There are the American, British, French, European and local schools are available. There are few boarding schools from which to choose, as tuition is high. There can be a waiting list for certain age groups/classes.

• Transportation: There is a great public transportation system in place consisting of: Plains, trains, trams, busses, subway, and taxis. In general, people are encouraged to use public transport instead of using their car. Denmark is like Holland, one of the countries where most people use the bicycle as a means of transportation. In general, cyclists have good conditions with many bicycle lanes in towns, as well as scenic routes/lanes all over the country. It is a common mode of transportation for work.

• Banking: The banking hours are generally from Monday-Friday from 9.30 am - 4.00 pm on Thursday until 6.00 pm. The banks are closed during the weekend and public holidays.

• Shopping: Monday -Friday 9.00/10.00 am - 5.30/6.00 pm, Saturday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm. Supermarkets are often open Monday - Friday 9.00 am - 8.00 pm. Opening hours vary from town to town. At some holiday resorts, bakers, florists and souvenir shops are open Sunday and public holidays.

• Climate: The Danish climate is determined by the country's position on the edge of the continent of Europe close to large sea areas and in the zone of prevailing westerly winds. This position results in cool summers with an average temperature of around 20°C (68°F) and winters that are not particularly cold, with averages temperatures of around 1°C (33°F). Denmark is thus placed in the temperate climate zone. There is a good deal of wind, strongest in the winter and weakest in the summer. Precipitation falls throughout the year. Within the Danish area there are only slight temperature differences from place to place. In winter, the lowest temperatures are found in areas removed from the sea. In summer, the highest average temperatures are in southern Zealand and Lolland-Falster. The areas near the coast experience smaller differences in temperature between summer and winter on account of the equalizing effect of the sea.

• Culture: The Danish cultural life is varied, offering live music, ballet, theatre and opera. The Royal Danish Ballet, the opera houses in Jutland and Copenhagen and the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra are examples of internationally acclaimed institutions. Denmark is, furthermore, the country of music festivals. This means the selection of music in the summer half is comprehensive and international, especially in the genres of rock, folk and jazz. Other leisure activities range from all types of sport and exercise to clubs, associations, organizations and evening classes. There are also many museums, art galleries, cinemas etc.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year’s Day; Maundy Thursday (date varies); Good Friday; Easter Monday-(date varies); General Prayer Day (date varies); Ascension Day (Date varies); June 5th-Constitution Day; Whit Monday-(date varies); December 24-26th-Christmas Day; December 31st-New Year’s Eve.