1.0. Introduction
Chapter summary
- Denmark is a comparatively small, urbanized, high-income country with a high population density and a demographic profile similar to other western European countries. The age dependency ratio in Denmark has been increasing due to an increasing share of older people in the population.
- Denmark is a stable parliamentary democracy divided into three administrative levels: the state, the regions and the municipalities. The regions and the municipalities have separate areas of responsibility, and their relationship is not hierarchical.
- In 2022, the average life expectancy at birth in Denmark reached 81.3 years (83.2 years for women and 79.5 years for men). Since 1995, average life expectancy has increased significantly and at a pace similar to many western European countries. However, life expectancy in Denmark lags behind other Nordic countries.
- Mortality reductions from some of the most frequent causes have driven the steady increase in life expectancy since 2000. In 2020, the leading causes of death in Denmark were cancer (29%), heart disease (14%) and respiratory diseases (10%).
- The key public health challenges are similar to those across northern Europe. Over recent years, the proportion of people who are overweight or obese has increased, and alcohol consumption and overall consumption patterns remain an issue. In addition, socioeconomic inequalities in health have increased and constitute another challenge.
- The proportion of daily smokers has decreased in the past two decades, partly due to tobacco control policies. Still, tobacco use remains higher than in other Nordic countries, and historically high smoking rates mean that tobacco continues to impact population health negatively.