Denmark: The Danish Dynamite

By: Guadalupe Muñoa Ocampo

The Danish Dynamite haven’t played in many World Cups, but they arrived in Qatar expecting to make some noise as a young, competitive team seeking a return to glory during their sixth appearance. They played alongside France, Tunisia, and Australia in Group D, looking to prove that their success at the latest Euro Cup was not a coincidence but the result of years of work by a mature team with potential to achieve even more impressive victories. In the last Euros, star player Christian Eriksen went into cardiac arrest during a match with Finland: a good example of a real fighter, his training and performance after his recovery have allowed him to shine once again in Qatar 2022.

Values and morals are essential for Danes, as they contribute to community development and are known for their solidarity, cooperation, and respect for diversity. Some state that Danish culture is best described in three aspects: simplicity, courtesy, and equality. Denmark was ranked the happiest country in the world for a second time in 2016, no doubt a result of the principles professed by its inhabitants; solidarity, trust among other people, freedom, equality, empathy, tolerance, and fairness. Considered the secret of their happiness and an important factor in their culture, Hygge means creating a warm atmosphere, enjoying the good things in life with good people.

Denmark is a country with numerous lakes and a 7,314-kilometer coastline, predominantly consisting of evergreen forests, dunes, moors, and marshes. Its economy is greatly varied, spanning from crops and livestock to the export of industrial products, machinery, and chemical products. With worldwide recognition for quality standards, they stand out in both applied arts and industrial design. Traditional celebrations include the Fastelavn festival, Christmas, Valdemar Day, and the night of San Juan, often celebrated with food like the Smorrebrod (open sandwiches), the kolde bord (a cold buffet), Frikadeller (meatballs), and Hakkeborf (minced meat pies). It’s got incredible tourist attractions such as the Frederiksborg Castle, the open-air opera city of Odense, and the Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse.

Christianity is the nation’s majority religion as the Evangelical Lutheran Church is the national church and benefits from state support. However, in recent years, Christianity has declined from 84% to 82% while other religions have increased. As of 2021, 4% of the population identifies as Islamic, 10% as non-believers, and others, 4%.

Pray for the Christian churches that have seen their membership slowly decreasing. And let us pray for a revival of the Holy Spirit in Denmark, revealing the power of God in the hearts of non-believers.