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The city's planners prioritized public access, with privately-owned land remaining open to all. They also invested in district heating, bike infrastructure, and cooperative housing, creating a livable, interconnected urban environment. Today, 58% of Copenhageners commute by bike, and the city's carbon footprint continues to shrink.
Education and Welfare
Denmark's approach to education and welfare is equally innovative. Children start kindergarten at age 3, with a focus on play and cooperation, before entering primary school at 6. Many young Danes then spend a year in an "efterskole," a residential school that encourages self-discovery and community living.
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Denmark: A Small Country Punching Above Its Weight
A Model for Sustainable, Cooperative Living
Denmark, a small Nordic nation, has emerged as a global leader in the green transition, boasting the world's second most livable city, the most contented workforce, and Europe's shortest working hours. However, this success comes at a price, as Danes pay some of the highest personal taxes in the world.
Transforming Copenhagen
In the 1980s, Copenhagen was on the brink of bankruptcy, with heavy industry in decline and a polluted river dividing the city. The council's solution? Turning the harbor into a public swimming spot, kickstarting a transformation that would make Copenhagen one of the world's most sustainable capitals.
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This emphasis on personal development continues at the folk high schools, where students aged 18-19 explore their interests without exams or grades. Denmark's generous welfare state, funded by high personal taxes, provides free healthcare, livable pensions, and flexible employment policies that prioritize security over job permanence.
Powering the Green Transition
Denmark's success is not just about livability – it's also about economic might. Corporations like Maersk, Lego, and Vestas have made the country a global leader in shipping, toys, and wind turbines, respectively. The nation's expertise in engineering and its commitment to the green transition have made it a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Scaling the Danish Model
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While the Danish model may not be easily replicable elsewhere, its emphasis on cooperation, sustainability, and citizen well-being offers valuable lessons. By investing in public infrastructure, education, and social welfare, Denmark has created a society that balances individual freedom with collective responsibility – a blueprint for a more equitable and resilient future.