Denmark

Denmark is a small country in northern Europe. It is the most southern Scandinavian country. Denmark is the home of LEGO bricks, Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales, and some of the happiest people in the world.

Land and People

About 6 million people live in Denmark. The capital is Copenhagen. Denmark is mostly flat with farms, rolling hills, and sandy beaches. It is made up of a peninsula and over 400 islands. Greenland also belongs to Denmark.

Small golden sun pulled by a bronze horse and cart.
Small golden sun pulled by a bronze horse and cart. (National Museum of Denmark / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

LEGO was invented in Denmark and the name means 'play well' in Danish. Hans Christian Andersen wrote famous fairy tales like The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling. Danes love hygge, which means cozy, comfortable togetherness.

Fun Facts

  • LEGO was invented in Billund, Denmark in 1932.
  • Denmark is often ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world.
  • The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen harbor has been there since 1913.

Did You Know?

LEGO bricks were invented in Denmark by a carpenter named Ole Kirk Christiansen. The word LEGO comes from the Danish words 'leg godt' which means 'play well.' Today there are about 80 LEGO bricks for every person on Earth.