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Denmark
The origin of the name Denmark is unknown, but debated. The name is likely named after the Dani people (Danes), the people who live in and have lived in Scandinavia for centuries or a historic, or mythical, king named Dan. No matter the origin, the word seems to be rooted in a historic Germanic word meaning "flat land." The mark in the name is less debated and is believed to mean "wood land" or "border land."
Danmark
Introduction:
Despite Denmark's limited size on a map, the country has historically been a crossroads of cultures and empires, making Denmark one of the most diverse and worldly countries in the world, both in the past and present. Standing on the straight connecting the Baltic and North Seas, this small country has been able to control trade, communication, and political power many times in the past.
Due to Denmark's location, the people have been able to control trade and communication at various points in history. This encouraged political and economic growth, but also encouraged exchanges of information, cultures, and lifestyles. This power began in the 1200s and lasted for centuries.
As a regional power, the Danish culture shifted in many ways, primarily in terms of lifestyle as many people moved from living off of fishing and farming to gaining employment in trade, business, and transportation. This led to a significant amount of urbanization as cities grew and Denmark gained influence. The people grew in wealth, but also slowly took over huge tracts of land throughout Europe, while also gaining access to new products and goods. All of this introduced new ideas, a new mentality, and a new religion (Lutheranism) to the Danish people.
Over time Danish power fell and during World War II the country was quickly overrun. However, over time the priorities of the Danes had also been altered as changes were decided at a negotiating table as opposed to a battlefield. Denmark was and continues to be a political leader as they are a champion for social rights and numerous other issues.
While Denmark has changed substantially over time in terms of politics, the country has always remained on a steady economic growth pattern and culturally the country has only changed slightly in recent years. Life in Denmark has always been focused on family and friends as the people are open, welcoming, and social. Time is better spent with these people over a beer or in the home around a table than at work trying to earn more money or a promotion.
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Information for Denmark was last updated: March, 2014 ● View our: Sources & Special Thanks