Denmark facts as England battle nation in Euros – from royals to pastries

HEJ! It’s England v Denmark tonight as the two sides slug it out for a place in the final of the Euros.

But how much do you know about the country squaring up to the Three Lions? We have 15 great Dane facts so you can swat up on your knowledge.

1. Anglo-Saxon England was home to the Danelaw

This is the area of the country which was conquered and ruled by Vikings from Denmark.

It comprised York, Nottingham, Derby, Lincoln, Cambridge, Northampton, Huntingdon, Bedford and Hertford together with parts of Suffolk, Norfolk and Middlesex.

2. Denmark is an archipelago

Meaning it’s made up of islands.

There are 443 in total but only 70 are inhabited, with the capital Copenhagen on the largest island Zealand

3. You’re never more than 30 miles from the beach

No matter where you are in the country.

4. Danes regularly top lists of happiest people in the world.

Experts say it’s down to a healthy work-life balance, free education and healthcare, low crime rates and a fairly well-off population.

5. There’s also an unofficial law of “Janteloven”

This states “no one is better than the other” – meaning everyone is accepted and equal.

6. Danish has no word for “please”

But you can say “thank you” using “tak” while “hej” translates as “hello”.

7. Danes love being cosy

So much they came up with a word for it – “hygge” – and it’s considered an art form.

The closest English translation is “comfy”.

Five fast Danish phrases for the big match

  • Send him off: Han skal udvises
  • Penalty: Straffe
  • Yellow card: Gult kort
  • Well played: Godt spillet
  • Cheers! Skål!

8. There are twice as many bikes as cars

The country has around 4.2million bikes and only 1.8million motors.

9. And pigs outnumber people in Denmark by more than two to one

With 215 pigs for every 100 residents – no wonder it’s so famous for its delicious bacon!

10. Danish pastries actually come from Vienna

In the 1840s, some Austrian bakers set up in Denmark and introduced the dish.

So in Danish, it is actually called “wienerbrød” or “Viennese bread”.

11. There are three extra letters in the Danish alphabet

And they're Æ, Ø, and Å.

It’s also said to be one of the most difficult languages to learn.

12. Denmark is the home of Lego

The toy manufacturer's name is actually a shortened version of two Danish words – “leg godt,” which means “play well.”

The company was founded by Ole Kirk Kristiansen in Billund in 1932 with the HQ still there today.

13. The Danish flag is the oldest flag still being used by an independent nation

First adopted in 1219, it is believed the design of a white cross on a red background could be a variation of a Crusader banner.

14. Denmark has a royal family

It's one of the oldest in the world, and reigning queen Margrethe II can trace her ancestry back to the Viking more than 1,000 years ago.

15. There's plenty of famous Danes

They include supermodel Helena Christensen, Bond baddie Mads Mikkelson, Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, actress Brigitte Nielsen and retired tennis star Caroline Wozniacki.

So there you have it!

All the info you need to impress your mates down the pub later on tonight. Thank us later.

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