Flag of Denmark
#116 in worldEurope

Denmark

Kingdom of Denmark

Current Population (Live)

6,011,488

Annual Growth Rate: +0.35%

Denmark is a Northern Europe country of around 6.01 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

6,011,488

👥

Area

43,094 km²

📐

Density

139/km²

🏘️

World Rank

#116

🏆

Population Trend (1960-2050)

Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.

4.4M4.9M5.4M6.0M6.5M7.1M19601980200020202040
HistoricalProjected

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.

1960-1965
+0.77%
1965-1970
+0.70%
1970-1975
+0.53%
1975-1980
+0.25%
1980-1985
-0.04%
1985-1990
+0.11%
1990-1995
+0.36%
1995-2000
+0.40%
2000-2005
+0.30%
2005-2010
+0.47%
2010-2015
+0.48%
2015-2020
+0.52%

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
6,011,488
Land Area
43,094 km²
Population Density
139 per km²
Annual Growth Rate
+0.35%
Annual Growth
+21,040 people
Daily Growth
+58 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
15.7%
15-64 years
63.4%
65+ years
20.9%

0-14 years

944K

15-64 years

3.8M

65+ years

1.3M

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.

88.7%Urban
Urban

5.3M

88.7%

Rural

679,298

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.

81.8years

Life Expectancy

World avg: 72.8

1.5/woman

Fertility Rate

World avg: 2.3

3/1K

Infant Mortality

World avg: 27.5

99.8%

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.

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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.

Denmark projected population 2026 to 2050
YearProjected Population
20266,011,488
20306,104,054
20356,238,309
20406,391,852
20456,563,572
20506,752,625

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 #116 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 0.35% per year, adding approximately 21,040 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.