The idyllic notion of a stateless utopia where the old have care, the young have growth, and the able-bodied are employed, manifests itself not in a fabled land, but in the snowy reaches of Denmark, known globally for its high levels of happiness.
In Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, flower stands operate without a vendor in sight. Patrons pick their blooms and leave the correct amount of money in an adjacent empty pot. Such honor-based commerce is a testament to the trust ingrained within Danish society. This level of confidence extends across the country, from vulnerable groups to the wealthy — equality and respect are universal. Even the Danish Royal Palace epitomizes simplicity, and it’s not uncommon for the Queen herself to be seen shopping at the supermarket. Let’s delve into what makes Denmark so distinctive.
A pinnacle of happiness
Denmark’s people enjoy substantial wealth, with a per capita income of US$59,000 in 2013, securing the 8th spot globally. Contrast this with the United States (US$50,100), Hong Kong (US$36,600), South Korea (US$22,700), and China (US$3,700). In Professor White’s World Map of Happiness report from July 2006, Denmark crowned the happiness rankings among 178 countries, an astonishing feat considering its frigid climes.
An ode to integrity
Even amid harsh weather, Danish parents confidently leave their children outdoors, believing the cold weather will make them more resilient. The image of strollers left unattended while parents shop or enjoy a coffee paints a picture of societal trust, where the fear of theft or abduction is remarkably low due to the high degree of mutual respect and excellent welfare systems.
Danish citizens often exhibit a high degree of civic-mindedness, characterized by adherence to societal norms and the independent embracement of principles, even in the absence of oversight. For instance, a Dane might persist in cycling through the rain, motivated by a personal commitment to mitigating climate change.
Each Dane carries a yellow card — a personal identification with no photo, but a number that links to their tax, credit, crime, and medical records, promoting a lifetime of honesty.
Mutual respect for all
Denmark champions respect for all, regardless of social standing. According to the United Nations Human Development Report in 2006, it boasts one of the lowest income inequalities in the world, virtually nonexistent poverty, and equal starting points for all its citizens, as evidenced by its welfare and education systems.
Education without fees
Education in Denmark is truly egalitarian, focusing on individual talents rather than academic hierarchy, with no report cards for children under 12. From primary school to university, education is free, and students over 18 even receive living allowances.
The concept of “lifelong learning” is not just a slogan in Denmark; it’s a practice supported by the world’s second-highest book borrowing rates and the highest broadband usage. Lifelong learning is accessible thanks to the absence of tuition fees. Even private schools receive substantial support, with 75 percent of their funding subsidized by the government. As a result, attending a private school in Denmark is not so much a marker of elite status as it is an opportunity to develop specialized skills in areas like the arts and sports.
No job is above another
With ministers who are high school graduates and a Deputy Prime Minister hailing from an agricultural school, the Danish value system does not discriminate by profession. Here, every profession is noble, a reflection of a value system that does not prioritize one career over another.
Institutional integrity
The Danish populace harbors a strong disdain for corruption and the special treatment of government officials. For instance, a notable scandal erupted in May 2005, when it was discovered that lower-level immigration officials had been taking bribes from Chinese students. One particular bribe, equivalent to roughly US$12,000, was cited as “the most significant bribery case in Denmark in 30 years.”
Furthermore, the Danish government upholds a policy of transparency, where all reports and regulatory documents from government departments are accessible to the public and the press, provided they are not classified. This extends to the disclosure of officials’ incomes and tax contributions, information that is made available to both local and international journalists.
High taxes for the common good
“I have to make at least 1,500 Danish krone (about US$215) today,” said Olav, a Danish taxi driver in his early 40s. “Half of the money goes to taxes and all sorts of insurance. After all that, I get no more than 50 euros (US$53). But I’m very happy that when my family and I get sick, we have good hospitals and doctors, and my children go to good schools for free.”
From kindergarten to university, Danish get their education for free. “In an honest society, it’s like standing in a transparent bubble where people from a very young age can see that they will have equal opportunities for education and employment as others, so they don’t have to worry about anything,” said Hagen, a young Danish man who just received his Ph.D.
Denmark’s ‘three highs’
Denmark is a typical “three highs” country — high income, high taxes, and high welfare, with income tax rates as high as 50-70 percent. These taxes are heavily spent on social welfare and education. Why are Danish people willing to pay high taxes? And why do high-income earners not try to evade taxes? Niels, CEO of Copenhagen Airport, laughed at the question and said: “Paying taxes is a responsibility. I’m a very rich man but I’m willing to pay taxes because I don’t want to see poor people on the street.” Here, the rich are willing to pay taxes to help the less able.
Jens, a member of the Danish Parliament, said that for every US$100 he earned, he had to pay US$60 in taxes. “It’s not a question of wealth. It’s a question of position. Those who are more capable should help those who are less capable.”
No privileges for royalty or officials
Even the Danish royal court must abide by the law and maintain a simple life. On weekends, the Queen often walks quietly into churches to pray with just two attendants. “I was shocked to see her in person with just two attendants. It was amazing!” said one Danish man who saw her walk into the church. The Queen even goes to the supermarket by herself.
For those Danes who love the Internet, the budgets of the main members of the Danish royal family, including the Queen, the Prince Consort, the Princes, and the Crown Princesses, are readily available on the Internet. “For Danes, the distance between the most powerful and the least powerful is very small — it’s a very egalitarian country.”
Translated by cecilia
