The gap between rich and poor has never been greater in Denmark – or at least it was the case last year, when the economy boomed, reports Denmark’s statistics.
The results are based on the increase in the Gini coefficient – a measure of income inequality in a country.
In a country where everyone is economically equal (like some communist states), the number would be zero; if one person controlled all the revenue (again most likely in a communist state) the number would be 100.
Biggest difference since registrations began
In 2021, the annual average was 30.2, compared to 29.7 in 2020 – the highest since it was first measured in 1987.
The Economist has attributed the increase to an increase in the value of many Danes’ real estate and stock portfolios. 2021 was definitely a good year for the stock market.
Recent declines in both property and stock prices should lead to a decline in the Gini coefficient in 2022.
Denmark ranked as the seventh most popular destination for tourists
Denmark ranks as the world’s seventh most popular tourist destination according to the international travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler. Almost a quarter of a million readers took part in the poll which rated the best places to visit, with Portugal coming out on top, as it did last year. According to readers, Denmark stands out for its world-famous Nordic cuisine, its growing reputation as a wine destination, its large selection of museums throughout the country and its architecture – it was recently named UNESCO Capital of Architecture in 2023. The top 20 were Portugal, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, India, Greece, Denmark, United Kingdom, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, Netherlands, Ireland, Croatia, Morocco, Sweden, Sri Lanka, Israel, Turkey, South Africa, Australia, Iceland, Peru, Colombia and Finland.
Record number of cases of blood poisoning
There was a new record in the number of blood poisoning cases in Denmark in 2021, states the Statens Serum Institut. Last year there were 2,512 cases caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which was 7 percent more cases than the year before. From 2012 to 2021, the average annual increase has been 4 percent. For the most part, it is the older population that is affected – with a mortality rate of just under 40 percent among people over 80 years of age. The health institutions point out that the increase in the problem is mainly due to the constant increase in the average age of the elderly. population.
Health workers must be vaccinated against influenza, body warns
The Danish Health Authority recommends that all healthcare workers be vaccinated against influenza due to the possibility of a sharp increase in cases. Should many employees become infected, there is a risk of a complete health breakdown. Only one in five doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other healthcare staff have been vaccinated against influenza this year: ranging from 23 per cent in North Jutland to just 15 per cent in Central Jutland.
The trial against Morten Messerschmidt continues
The trial against the leader of the Danish People’s Party, Morten Messerschmidt, who is again charged with forgery and fraud in connection with obtaining EU funds of almost DKK 100,000, is underway. Parliament last week lifted the politician’s immunity so he could stand trial, which was in line with his wishes as he is keen to clear his name after being found guilty in 2021 and given a suspended sentence. But then later last year, the so-called Meld and Feld case fell apart after Messerschmidt’s defender successfully argued that one of the judges in the case had made critical comments on Facebook about the Danish People’s Party. This time the defense will present ten witnesses and audio files in an attempt to completely clear Messerschmidt’s name.
Can citizenship applicants buck the latest trend?
More than half of the foreigners who took the biannual citizenship test on Wednesday will fail if the last two results are anything to go by. Around 4,252 applicants for Danish citizenship took part in a 45-minute long written test with 40 questions about Danish culture, history and values. Passing it is a prerequisite for obtaining citizenship in the country. To pass, participants must score 80 percent: i.e. at least 36 correct answers. In November 2021, only 40.7 percent made it, and in June 2022 the pass rate was 47.3 percent – the only time since June 2017 that the pass rate has slipped below 50 percent. The results will be published in late December or early January.
Source: The Nordic Page