Education
Organized institutional education in Denmark had its beginnings in the latter part of the 11th century, with the founding of cathedral schools under church auspices and grammar schools. The University of Copenhagen was founded in 1479. Throughout the early modern period the educational system was administered in conjunction with the established church. Religious instruction was, therefore, required in all the state schools. In 1739, under the influence of the teacher and dramatist Ludvig Holberg, the Danish language replaced Latin as the language of instruction. An important experiment, at Sorø, by the German educational reformer Johann Bernhard Basedow was the introduction of nature study and handicrafts into the curriculum.
In the mid-19th century, the first program of adult education was originated in Denmark at the Folk High School in Rødding, Jutland. Under the leadership of Bishop Nikolaj F. S. Grundtvig and Kristen Kold, the school became a model for similar institutions in Europe and the United States. The gymnastic institute of France Nachtegall (1777-1847) and the International People's College, founded in 1921 at Helsingør, introduced programs of study that were also of far-reaching influence.
Recent trends in Danish education have been an expanded program of rural education, the extension of higher education, and the raising of the level of teacher training.
Elementary education has been compulsory since 1814 and is, for the most part, free. All children must attend school from age 7 to 14. Primary education consists of a 9-year comprehensive school; all students may continue school through the tenth year, and gifted students are encouraged to continue their studies.
Elementary and Secondary Schools
In the late 1980s Denmark had about 5740 primary and secondary schools, with a total annual enrollment of nearly 700,000 students.
Specialized Schools
In the late 1980s some 340 folk high schools, agricultural schools, home economics schools, and other specialized high schools and vocational schools had a total yearly enrollment of more than 181,000 students. Many of the schools are private, but the state contributes to their support.
Universities and Colleges
Among the universities in Denmark are Ålborg University (1974); Århus University (1928); the University of Copenhagen, the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University (1856), and the Technical University of Denmark (1829), all in Copenhagen; and Odense University (1964). Other institutions include the Århus School of Architecture (1965); the Copenhagen Business School (1917); and the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music (1867) and Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (1754), both in Copenhagen.
Economy
Denmark has traditionally been an agrarian country. Since the end of World War II, however, manufacturing and services have gained in importance. The proportion of the labor force in agriculture declined from an estimated 14% in 1965 to 5% in 1988. Danish ships, which operate in foreign waters, contribute substantially to the economy. The country is also profitably involved in foreign investments, shipbuilding, and foreign construction. The annual national budget in the late 1980s included about $34 billion in revenue and expenditure.
Climate
Denmark has a temperate maritime climate. The mean temperature in summer is about 16° C (about 61° F); in winter, about 0° C (about 32° F). Changes in wind direction cause wide day-to-day temperature fluctuations. Average annual rainfall is about 610 mm (about 24 in).
List of Universities in DENMARK
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