|
Geography
With an area of just 43,069 square kilometers (16,629 square miles),
Denmark is a small, relatively flat nation encompassing the Jutland
Peninsula and roughly 500 islands (100 of which are inhabited).
This complex of islands makes travel somewhat like an amusement-park
ride, with combinations of trains, buses, and boats coming into
play any time travelers want to move from one island to the next.
Jutland, the country's largest area, has a varied landscape, from
the dunes and flat meadows of the east coast to the more dramatic
cliffs of the west coast. It is here that Denmark is connected to
Europe.
The highest hill, at 173 meters (568 feet), is Yding Skovhoj in
Jutland. On Funen, northeast of Faborg, are the Svanninge Bakker,
low hills that are nonetheless high enough to offer a panorama of
the islands south of Funen. Denmark is an agricultural country,
with three-quarters of the land devoted to farming.
As you drive across the country, you'll notice the unique farm buildings
called gaards. The thatched roofs on so many of the half-cottages
are uniquely Danish. They are made from rush harvested from fresh-water
lakes and are expensive both to construct and to insure, but many
Danes persevere, not wanting to relinquish a long-standing tradition.
Climate
Denmark has a temperate maritime climate. The temperature in summer
is about 16° C (about 61° F); in winter, about 0° C (about 32° F).
Changes in wind direction causes wide day-to-day temperature fluctuations.
Average annual rainfall is about 610 mm (about 24 in).
|
