Copenhagen is the capital and the most populous city of Denmark. Located on the islands of Zealand and Amager, the city lies at the southern end of the Sound, a strait that forms the Danish-Swedish border. When Hitler occupied Denmark in 1940s, Copenhagen was affected severely. However, after the war, the city has been rebuilt. Today, Copenhagen is one of the most modern cities in the world.

The city’s centre is Radhuspladsen, otherwise known as the City Hall Square. Amager Strandpark, a long artificial island was built in 2005 in the city. In fact, there are artificial islands here and there in the city mainly built for security purposes during the second world war. Even today, these are used as military bases.

The earliest historical records show that there was urban life in Copenhagen from the 12^th century onwards. It was a village of fishermen. Since there was a port in the city, pirates used to plunder the village often. It has slowly turned into a beautiful city and capital of Denmark with passage of time.

Copenhagen’s economy is largely dependent on services and commerce. Another major contributor to the city’s economy is tourism. There are a number of parks, gardens and zoos in Copenhagen. The historic centre of the city, Indre By, the new Copenhagen Concert hall and the Danish national art gallery are some of the tourist attractions of the city. The Bakken is known as the oldest amusement park in the world. This was built in the year 1883. In this park, there are roller-coaster type rides to travel from one end to another end.

Copenhagen is taking many steps to preserve environment. Wind energy and solar energy are only being used in the city. This resulted in reduction of carbon emissions by 3/4ths. The government is making the vacant lands into parks. This is done with a view to bring citizens close to greenness. There are even small parks called as pocket parks. In Copenhagen, trees and plants are found everywhere.

The port of Copenhagen is known as a clean harbour. The water is very clear as to tempt one to swim and take bath. Previously it was not the case. In recent years, the officials wanted to keep the water clean. They achieved this by strict implementation of the plan. Now, the harbour has some places earmarked for swimming.

The stroget shopping street, in the middle of Copenhagen, attracts most tourists. However, when the shopping street was started, there were huge traffic jams around this area and parking problems. Hence, the locals were against this idea and told Mayor to remove this. However, after convincing the locals, the shopping area had two years of trial run. Afterwards, locals slowly started to love this.

Facts about Copenhagen:

Ø  Copenhagen is one of the world’s happiest cities. The citizens are very friendly with the visitors.

Ø  The University of Copenhagen had its own court, laws and even a jail. After 1771, the University was brought under the city administration and hence, the separate laws for the University were abolished.

Ø  Copenhageners love soccer and handball.

Ø  They also love bicycles.

Ø  More than half of the employees go to work place on bicycles.

Ø  Bicycles are kept at roadside without locking them.

Ø  Sometimes, there are traffic jams due to bicycles.

Ø  There are cycle ways to the tune of 250 miles. There is even a super highway for cycles to link the satellite townships around Copenhagen.