Denmark
Political overview
Denmark is a parliamentary democracy headed by a monarch with a largely ceremonial role. The Danish parliament (or Folketing) has 179 members: 175 are elected in Denmark; two are elected in Greenland and two in the Faroe Islands. Parliamentary elections occur every four years (although the prime minister can call an election at any time).
Since 1920, the electoral system in Denmark has been proportional. Since 1909, no single party has held enough of the 179 votes to rule on its own, meaning government is formed by multi-party coalitions. The leading figure of one of the stronger parties within that coalition becomes the prime minister, while leaders from the other coalition parties take on important roles such as the Minister for Justice, the Minister for Finance, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Foreign policy
Denmark’s Foreign and Security Policy Strategy, published in May 2023, sets out the primary drivers for Denmark’s foreign policy: continued support for Ukraine’s fight to defend itself and integrate with Europe; strengthened defence and security and contribution to NATO’s deterrence; support to the European Union’s (EU) neighbours to the east and in the Western Balkans; addressing the global consequences of Russia’s war of aggression; increasing Danish engagement in the world and building new alliances and equal partnerships globally; strengthening Denmark’s and Europe’s resilience broadly; expanding Denmark’s strengths on the green agenda, technology, health etc; and supporting and working together with Danish companies in the new geopolitical context.
Denmark is a founding member of the United Nations (1945), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO, 1949), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD, 1961), the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE, 1973) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO, 1995). Denmark was part of the first enlargement of the EU (as it is now known) in 1973 and joined the EU’s Schengen Area from 2001.
Bilateral relations
Australia and Denmark established diplomatic relations in 1967 and share a likeminded global outlook underpinned by strong people-to-people links established over two centuries of migration.
Australia and Denmark work together to promote and protect agreed international rules and norms and universal human rights. Both countries contribute to global peace and stability with humanitarian efforts and international military operations, prevention of terrorism and radicalisation and with support to fragile states. Denmark is a global leader in wind energy and contributes significantly to Australia's renewable energy capacity.
In July 2023, the Prime Ministers of Australia and Denmark signed a Strategic Partnership Arrangement. The Partnership is focused on advancing action on climate change and enhancing green transition, promoting peace and security in a changing security environment and enhancing collaboration in areas of strategic importance.
Australia's profile in Denmark, and vice-versa, was boosted by the marriage in May 2004 of Australian-born Mary Donaldson to Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik. The couple became King and Queen of Denmark in January 2024.
Denmark has an Embassy in Canberra, a Consulate-General in Sydney and consulates in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne and Perth.
Fast Facts
- Danish visitors to Australia (visitor arrivals – 2023) – 26,010
- Australian visitors to Denmark (resident returns - 2023) – 13,840
- Resident Australian population born in Denmark (2021 census) – 8,874
- Australian residents of Danish descent (2021 census) – 65,529
High level engagement
- 2024 – Assistant Minister for Trade and for Manufacturing, Senator the Hon Tim Ayres visited Denmark from 30 April to 1 May.
- 2023 – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen signed the Australia-Denmark Strategic Partnership in the margins of the 2023 NATO Summit in Vilnius on 11 July.
- 2023 – then Crown Princess Mary led an official visit to Australia with Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy Dan Jørgensen from 23 to 28 April.
- 2022 – Minister for Government Services and Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Hon Bill Shorten MP visited Denmark from 15-16 November.
Agreements and arrangements with Denmark
- Working Holiday Maker (2001)
- Social Security (2001)
- Double Taxation (1981).
A comprehensive list of bilateral agreements and texts is available at the Australian Treaties Database.
Public diplomacy
The Australian Embassy in Copenhagen actively promotes Australia's industries, sports credentials, First Nations diplomacy, academic exchange and creative industries. In March 2023, the Embassy launched an “Australian Professionals in Denmark” network.
The Embassy hosts several cultural and business events throughout the year to promote Australia's creativity and innovation. Partnering with local cultural institutions, the Embassy has supported exhibitions and hosted film festivals that highlight Australia's diversity and Indigenous history.
The Embassy hosts a dawn service and gunfire breakfast on 25 April to mark ANZAC Day at the Australian War Memorial in Churchill Park in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Pride – Denmark's largest annual Human Rights festival – receives strong support from the embassy each year.
Economic diplomacy
Total two-way trade between Australia and Denmark in 2023 was worth $3 billion, dominated by imports from Denmark ($2.7 billion). Australian investment stocks in Denmark for 2023 totalled $8.26 billion; Danish investment stocks in Australia were valued at $3.67 billion.
Australia's major exports to Denmark were services, recreational travel, alcoholic beverages, education-related travel, and medicaments (incl veterinary). Major imports from Denmark were services, medicaments (incl veterinary), meat (excl beef), pharmaceutical products (excl medicaments), and edible products and preparations.
More economic and trade information can be found in the Denmark Country Fact Sheet [PDF]
Business
Austrade's Stockholm Office is responsible for business in Denmark. Australia seeks opportunities to promote Australian business and raise awareness of the benefits of increased trade and investment between Australia and Denmark.
Denmark is an open, innovative and export-focused economy with relatively low trade barriers. The innovation ecosystem in Denmark is well developed and boasts a wide range of opportunities for start-ups and companies wishing to do business in Denmark, including targeted start-up programs, cluster networks, regional growth centres, and access to early-stage funding.
Over 100 Danish companies have a presence in Australia including Vestas Wind Systems (wind turbines), Falck (health services), ISS (cleaning company), Novo Nordisk (pharmaceuticals), Chr. Hansen (bioscience), and Pandora (jewellery). Significant Australian companies in Denmark include the Adina Group (hotels) and Virtus Health (IVF provider).
Australian Embassy in Denmark
Travel
See Smartraveller for Information on travelling to Denmark.