Working in Danemark

 

	Population:	5,3 million (4,5% are non-Danish citizens)
	Area:	44,000 square Km
	Capital:	Copenhagen
	Main cities:	Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg
	Languages:	Danish
	Change:	1 USD = 8,4 DKK
	Unemployment rate:	5,9%

Queen Margrethe II, the Little Mermaid, football and votes on joint EU affairs may be some of the first things that come to your mind when confronted with the word Denmark. And true, all of the above aspects are central to Danish culture and the Danish self-understanding. However, if you decide to come to Denmark to work you may also come to appreciate other aspects as well: The social welfare system, the concern for the environment, women's equal status with men, the Danish openness and informal behaviour, and much more.
This article gives you a brief introduction to the Danish labour market and provides you with some ideas of where to look for work in Denmark, how to apply for a vacancy, and how to behave during a job interview.

About Denmark

With about 44,000 sq.km. spread on one peninsula and many islands, and with a population of about 5.3 million, Denmark is one of the smallest countries in the European Union. Denmark has been member of the EU since 1973 and is today generally recognised for having one of the strongest economies in the Union. Many decades ago, agriculture formed the cornerstone of the Danish economy. Today, however, two-thirds of the Danish GNP derives from services provided by the public and private sectors, while the lion's share of exports comes from industrial goods and services rather than agricultural products. Danish business life is dominated by small and medium-sized companies; the bulk of Danish industrial companies - more than 75 per cent - employ less than 50 people.
The Danes are subject to one of the world's highest tax rates, on average 50 per cent of the salary. Consequently, the reception of social benefits and education are free of charge and, additionally, these public services �are of a high quality.