No one in Denmark lives more than 30 miles from the sea. The waters of the North and Baltic Seas border this country on the Jutland Peninsula, north of Germany. From the eighth to the eleventh centuries, Viking raiders recognized the importance of controlling these waters, which are still important to NATO defenses today. Over 400 named islands are part of Denmark, and Copenhagen, its capital, is on one of the largest of them. The romantic Tivoli Gardens, famous Opera House, and Little Mermaid statue in the harbor draw tourists to this most visited Nordic city.Denmark, recognized as the oldest kingdom in Europe, is ruled by a constitutional monarchy. It has received praise for its extensive welfare system and a healthy modern market economy. The 5.5 million Danes enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world despite proportionally high taxes. A member of the EEC (now EU) since 1973, Denmark has occasionally dissented from its European counterparts and in 2000 chose to reject the Euro currency, retaining its traditional Danish kroner. At one time very open to immigrants, Denmark has gradually tightened its immigration laws due to rising tensions. Greenland and the Faroe Islands, once considered part of Denmark, are now self-governing territories.

Due in large part to the centuries old and state supported Evangelical Lutheran Church, Denmark’s laws and social values are firmly rooted in Christian principles and traditions. While over 80 percent of the population identifies themselves as Lutheran, church attendance is an astonishing two percent, and half of those members report being agnostic or atheist. Other Christian denominations bring the total to a little over eighty-five percent. Immigrants have influenced religion in Denmark as well, with the number of Muslims at almost four percent. This makes Islam the second largest religion in Denmark. Christian immigrants have established over 150 churches drawing as many as one third of the churchgoers. There is increasing evidence of a spiritual openness among Danes and in response churches are being planted and ministries established to reach them.