Denmark
Kingdom of Denmark
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.50%
Denmark is a Northern Europe country of around 5.98 million residents, placing it above the global median in population. The country extends across 43,094 km², translating to a density of 139 people per km². Its capital is Copenhagen, and Danish is the official language, while the Danish krone serves as the national currency.
Population
5,976,992
Area
43,094 km²
Density
139/km²
World Rank
#115
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Deaths (9.8 per thousand) now equal or exceed births (9.7 per thousand), resulting in natural population decline. The population skews older, with 20.9% aged 65 or above and 15.7% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Copenhagen
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Northern Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Danish
- Currencies
- Danish krone (kr)
- Calling Code
- +45
- Top-Level Domain
- .dk
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC-04:00, UTC-03:00, UTC-01:00, UTC, UTC+01:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 5,976,992
- Land Area
- 43,094 km²
- Population Density
- 139 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.50%
- Annual Growth
- +29,885 people
- Daily Growth
- +82 people
- World Population Share
- 0.07%
- Coordinates
- 56.00°, 10.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $71k, Denmark sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. Unemployment sits at 5.5%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 29.9.
Life Expectancy
81.8 years
GDP per Capita
$71,026
Birth Rate
9.7 per 1,000
Death Rate
9.8 per 1,000
Urban Population
88.7%
Fertility Rate
1.50 births/woman
Infant Mortality
3.0 per 1,000
Unemployment
5.5%
Internet Users
99.8%
Under 15
15.7%
Over 65
20.9%
Health Spending
9.4% GDP
Gini Index
29.9
Age Distribution
0-14 years
938K
15-64 years
3.8M
65+ years
1.2M
Urbanization
Denmark is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 88.7% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. The capital, Copenhagen, remains the primary hub for government and commerce. Net inward migration of 22103.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
5.3M
88.7%
675,400
11.3%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 81.8 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality is remarkably low at 3.0 per thousand live births, indicative of high-quality maternal and neonatal care. Health expenditure accounts for about 9.4% of GDP, shaping the reach and quality of medical services available to the population.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Denmark
Denmark has 4 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Denmark is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.5 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Denmark participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 5,976,992 |
| 2030 | 6,102,732 |
| 2035 | 6,274,715 |
| 2040 | 6,462,548 |
| 2045 | 6,665,746 |
| 2050 | 6,883,973 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Denmark.
Largest Cities in Denmark
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Denmark by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Denmark?
The population of Denmark is approximately 6.0 million as of 2026, making it #115 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Denmark?
The capital of Denmark is Copenhagen.
What languages are spoken in Denmark?
The main languages spoken in Denmark are Danish.
How big is Denmark?
Denmark covers an area of 43,094 km² with a population density of 139 people per km².
Is Denmark growing or shrinking?
Denmark is growing at a rate of 0.50% per year, adding approximately 29,885 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Denmark?
The average life expectancy in Denmark is 81.8 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Denmark?
The GDP per capita of Denmark is $71,026.