One of the happiest countries in the world, Denmark is unique in many ways. Whether it is their 805-year-old flag or the absence of the word "please" from the Danish language, find out these lesser-known facts about this Scandinavian country.
The Danish flag is 805 years old, making it the oldest, continuously-used flag of an independent country. The Dannebrog, as it is called, was adopted on June 15, 1219.
Legend has it that during a battle against Estonia, Danes were on the defensive when suddenly a red banner with a white cross fell from the sky. The archbishop took the flag to King Valdemar II who was leading the battle.
This changed luck for the Danes and the situation on the war ground, too. The Danish army won and a voice declared, “when you raise this banner against your enemies, they will yield before you.”
It isn't uncommon to find the Dannebrog hoisted in people’s gardens or even staked into birthday cakes. They take much pride in their long-living flag.
Seems like things last long in Denmark! Similar to its flag, Denmark’s monarchy is the longest uninterrupted monarchy in Europe.
The current monarch, His Highness King Frederik X can trace his lineage back to the first Viking kings, to over 1,000 years ago. He has been the sovereign of the country since January 2024 after HM Queen Margrethe ll's abdication. It was for the first time in 900 years that a ruling monarch willingly stepped down to give way to the next generation.
If you witness Danes asking for help without saying “please," don’t consider them impolite. It’s just that their language doesn't have a word that directly translates to the English word. Instead, you can find them compensating with their warm and welcoming body language and tone.
You would find them using “tak” ("thank you" in Danish) instead. After all, it is not what you say but how you say it that makes all the difference!
Denmark continues to be a safe haven for people from the LGBTQIA+ community. It was also the first country, back in 1989, to legalise same-sex civil unions and partnerships. The country’s parliament passed a law in May 1989 that allowed same-sex couples to enter registered partnerships in a civil ceremony. Other European countries followed the lead in the 1990s.
This wasn't as giant a step as same-sex marriage but still a huge leap to ensure equality.
Interestingly, despite this acceptance, Denmark was also not the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage. Rather, Netherlands took the lead in 2001. Denmark followed nearly a decade later in 2012.
Everyone's childhood favourite toy, Lego, finds its roots in Billund, Denmark. It was created in 1932 by a carpenter Ole Kirk Christiansen who started working with wooden blocks. Going further, Christiansen experimented with plastic blocks and bricks that led to the creation of the now globally famous toy company.