With little to get angry about in Scandinavia's cosiest community, post- Viking Danes have had to file down their horns and make their mark in more civilised fashion. The Danes have responded by inventing Lego toys, being the European Union's cagiest member, and producing some Danes baking pastries so delicious that the addiction of the entire gap- toothed world is assured.

Denmark's capital, the toe-tapping toy-town of Copenhagen, is an urban mosh pit of the most fragrant persuasion. Its flannels are always launded, its grunge never more lank than just the other side of swank, and its Jensens, Hansens and Neilsens are a cacophany of excute-me's as they elbow their way to the bouncer-line. And given all the fun that there is to be had in this festival-happy scattering of islands, Denmark's status as the least bank-breaking country in Scandinavia deserves glad- handed shake me happy thank you letters from travellers all the way from the bottom of the beer glass.

Full country name: The Kingdom of Denmark Area: 42,930 sq km Population: 5,3356,000 Capital city: Copenhagen (pop 1.8 million) People: 95% Danish; 5% foreign nationals Language: Danish; English & German are widely spoken Religion: Lutheran Government: Constitutional monarchy Prime Minister: Anders Fogh Rasmussen

GDP: US$161 billion GDP per head: US$30,150 Annual growth: 1.5% Inflation: 2.5% Major industries: Agricultural products, fish, beer, home electronic and furniture. Major trading partners: EU (esp. Germany, Sweden, UK), USA Member of EU: yes Euro zone participant: no