Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
blue notes really hit. It becomes a state of mind. There's a longing, a sense of nostalgia,
perhaps a little sadness. As Danes, we live it. It's part of us'.
For around 12% of the population, that little sadness is in fact Seasonal Affective
Disorder (SAD), a seasonally triggered depression most prolific in the autumn and winter
months. Whether affected or not, many Danes combat the winter blues with escapes to
warmer climes, from nearby Malaga to the far-flung beaches of Thailand. At home,
however, it's hygge (cosiness) to the rescue as flickering candles, soft lighting, and toasty
catch-ups with friends turn the darkness into a celebration of all things snug. It's a Danish
tradition that reaches fever pitch at Christmas, when Christmas markets, twinkling lights
and hot, flowing gløgg (mulled wine) turns cities and towns into winter wonderlands.
Not surprisingly, Denmark's short, sweet summers are embraced with fervent gusto, the
long nights of winter replaced by deliciously long, invigorating days. Parks become verit-
able seas of bronzing flesh, outdoor festivals are in full swing, and those with a sommer-
hus (summer house) or grill (barbeque) dust them down for another much-awaited season.
Anne and Peter are the most common first names in Denmark today, and Jensen the
most common surname. The current average age of Danish women is 41.8 years and 40
years for men. Life expectancy is 81.9 years for women and 78 years for men.
Equality
In 2013 Denmark ranked number eight internationally in the gender gap index, a report on
gender equality released by the World Economic Forum. Of the numerous factors taken in-
to account, the country ranked first for educational attainment, 11th for political empower-
ment, and 25th for economic participation and opportunity.
While it scored lowest of the Nordic countries, Denmark remains one of the world's
most gender-equal societies. Women students outnumber men at tertiary level, while fig-
ures released by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
in 2013 showed that the average Danish man spends three hours and 37 minutes a day
cooking, cleaning or caring for loved ones. In total, Danish men undertake 47% of domest-
ic chores, giving Denmark the narrowest gap in the division of housework between the
sexes. Policies including mandatory paternal leave and post-maternity re-entry pro-
grammes have also helped shape a society in which women can more easily balance a ca-
reer and family.
 
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