Denmark

Denmark has an approximate area of 43,094 square kilometres (16,639 sq mi) and a population of roughly 5,699,220, as well as a number of constituent islands such as Greenland. The country consists of the main peninsula, known as "Jutland", and an archipelago of 443 named islands, of which around 74 are inhabited. The islands are generally characterised by flat arable land and sandy coastlines, they have low elevation and a fairly temperate climate. The main islands are Zealand, the North Jutlandic Island, and Funen. The island of Bornholm is located east of the rest of the country, in the Baltic Sea. Many of the larger islands are connected to the mainland by bridges, whereas others are only accessible by ferry boat or light aircraft.

Denmark has an overall temperate climate, which is characterised by mild winters and cool summers. Generally autumn is the wettest season and spring the driest, however, the country's position between a large continent and an ocean means that the weather can often change very quickly. Because of Denmark's northern location, there are large seasonal variations in daylight, with very short winter days and incredibly long summer days. This being said, Denmark very often ranks as one of the world's happiest countries. This is reinforced by the entirely Danish notion of "Hygge" (pronounced Hooga), which translates roughly as "cosiness" but is essentially much more than this and goes a long way to making this Nordic nation one of the happiest around!

Denmark is well known for six distinct horse breeds, which have originated here and gained popularity all over the globe. Most notably, the Danish Warmblood breed regularly appears in national and international competition and is recognised for its good confirmation and excellent galloping ability making it well suited to most modern disciplines. Originally, the Danish Warmblood was developed from native Frederiksborg mares - Denmark's oldest horse breed - who were put to elite Thoroughbred stallions. Similarly, the Danish Sport Pony was developed in recent times due in part to the rising popularity of pony riding. A combination of UK and European pony breeds have been used to produce a pony that is finely built, well mannered and athletic. Other notable breeds include the distinctive and eye-catching Knabstrupper horse, characterised by its beautiful spotted coat. The Jutlander heavy draught horse is another original Danish breed which was originally used by Viking raiders in what is now modern day Great Britain and is still used as a characteristic draught horse at the Carlsberg brewery in Copenhagen to this day.