Advantages And Disadvantages Of Living In Denmark: With over 6 continents and about one hundred and ninety-five Countries in the world, it should be fine to decide where to live a happy and fulfilled life. However, this might not be as simple as it sounds. The world today as we know it is made up of people and otheriving things, while the atmosphere is made up of seemingly uninhabitable planets and galaxies.
Notwithstanding the fact that man is a gregarious animal who doesn’t enjoy living in isolation, it completely presents a new side of the coin to live outside your indigenous habitation. Aot if things comes to play when you decide to step out and change your habitation. The issue of local foods that you’re accustomed to comes up, Language barrier, residence, religion, political views, comfort and lots more becomes the next issue to tackle. Each of the continents are made up of people with great resemblance and common characteristics.
So also is their position in the global space. While Continents like Asia and Europe are considered as first world countries, Africa is considered a third-world country. The reason for this is quite simple. The social standard if a Continent or Nation are not judged by mere population of such region but by its social, Economic and technological advancement. Sometimes, their political status may equally to ascertain their indepence and sovereignty.
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Another very important aspect of considerition would be it’s laws. To simplify these, considering a nation’s economy is quite paramount because it goes to show their self sufficiency and indepence as a severeign Nation. It goes further to show it’s capacity and ability to feed and sustain it’s citizens because, it is said that; charity begins at home. A country that can not run a viable economy that is capable of sustaining it’s citizens can not eventually compete social standard and class with a more wealthy Nation that has enough for it citizens and some to spare. On the area of technology, it becomes even more imperative because, the world is growing fastly and this seeming growth is propelled by science and technology.
There are great advanced Countries and living in such Countries can be very advantageous. It is equally important to point out that, there might equally be some form of disadvantages as well. Our case study here would be Denmark.
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Major Advantages (Demerits) of Living in Denmark
1. Affordable Education: Education ranks first on the list if advantages of living in Denmark because of its position in both National and global development. Education remains the bedrock of any civilized mordern society and so, it is given utmost priority. This is exactly what is obtainable in Denmark. Education has gained the level of interest and attention it deserves.
The country offers students a tuition free basic education. It has been made in a way that even the indigents amongst the people could afford basic education for their wards. Although the system may not be categorized as entirely free as the tuition fee, which is relatively low is infused in the taxing scheme whereby, once a person pays his or her tax, part of it goes to funding the free education scheme. This is quite impressive and a sign of growth and development. A real definition of a modern civilized society.
2. Less Work Hours: In less advanced Countries and even some of the advances capitalist States, workers are being rated by the duration of work as against productivity. In Denmark, the situation seems different as workers are evaluated by their level of productivity and so, with diligence, a person can work less and earn more with maximum productivity.
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3. Affordable Transport System: Transportation is very important especially where the individual don’t have a personal vehicle. Where the cost of transportation is relatively high, it affects the individual negatively. It hampers the financial growth of the individual. So, in Denmark, the system is quite favorable and citizens get to enjoy affordable means of transportation.
4. Quality and Affordable Health Care: Health they said, is life and so, no State can boast of being advanced and viable without quality healthcare system to cater for the well-being of her citizens. Health insurance schemes need to be viable enough to enroll citizens and ensure adequate medical care is given to patients.
The government plays a major roll in equipping these health care sector through appropriate management of public funds. The system in Denmark boast of one of the best health care system in Europe.
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5. Safety: It is no doubt how Denmark has continually been on the map as one of the most safest and peaceful Countries in the world to live. It ranks as one of the best Countries with lowest crime rate in the world. So, this is quite an advantage for anyone that has the intention of moving to Denmark because you are quite assured of peace and security all the way.
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6. Clean Environments: Danes (the people of Denmark) are so aware of their environments and take pride in keeping things clean. So, in Denmark, the streets, parks, and public places are clean and free of trash. Again, in this country, the water is potable and of such good quality that most Danes drink out of the tap instead of buying bottled water.
For instance, Copenhagen (one of the cities in Denmark) has a place on the waterway where you can rent kayaks for free if you agree to pick up any trash you see. This organization is called “GreenKayak” and they have engaged Danes and visitors in collecting thousands of kilos of ocean trash in order to help in keeping the city clean.
The GreenKayak is so clean that you can even swim in the port. This has not been heard in most countries of the world. Again, the quality of air in Denmark is excellent, and it is a good place for people with respiratory problems to live. This is because there is no pollution in Denmark.
7. Good Balance Of Work-life: Today, spending time with family and friends is valued in Denmark. The working hours are less than 40 hours in a week and there are strict laws about the maximum number of hours worked for certain jobs. These make the work-life in this country to balance. Again, there is more time for vacation in Denmark than in North America. Its government wants people to enjoy their time for vacation. The normal time for vacation in Denmark is five weeks on yearly basis.
However, most Danes spend their vacation at cabins near the sea or travel to other parts of Europe. Today, there is an emphasis on achieving a desirable balance of work-life in Denmark. Again, Danes work considerably less when compared to Americans. This includes the number of hours worked in a week and the number of vacation days that are given on yearly basis.
Companies in Denmark focus more heavily on productivity within the workday and less on the number of hours that everyone actually works. This helps to establish the concept of working in order to live instead of living to work. The Danish government provides benefits for their citizens and workers so as to give them a good balance of work-life.
However, Denmark has workweek that helps in keeping the work-life balance of workers in check. Also, it offers both maternal and paternal leave when a family has a new child. Also, in this country, it is mandatory that employers need to give five weeks of paid vacation to their employees on yearly basis. This is not so in the United States (US).
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Major Disadvantages (Demerits) of Living in Denmark
1. General cost of Living is High: The economic system around the would has, in recent time, experienced some challenges and so, that of Denmark is not left out. This however adds to the taxation system that requires every citizen to pay his or taxes in other to run the economy and that has affected the general cost of living. So, you may want to prepare very well, financially, if you plan on making Denmark your new place of residence.
2. Food is Expensive: Just like many other thing, food is also very expensive in commercial outlets. And this is a challenge because it is a basic human necessity and should be more affordable when compared with other commodities. Considering living in Denmark might be quite a hurdle because, you might be spending a whole lot on food alone.
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3. The Language Can Be Challenging: Because it is a new and foreign country you might want to consider the Language difference and since their official language is Danish, and equally not an easy language to learn, it could be very challenging to adapt and live comfortably in Denmark and so, it becomes a disadvantage.
4. Cost of Gas: Having considered cost of transportation to be relatively affordable, it may not have affected private car owners as the cost of petrol is high and might become a very serious financial issues for any one planning to relocate to Denmark.
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5. Visa: Just like many other European countries, obtaining a residential visa can be challenging especially for those planning on traveling to the country from other continents.
You may be subjected to rigorous visa processing exercise that may be stressing and even frustrating. You may equally be required to state some of the reasons why you want to obtain a resident or academic visa to the country and some other uneasy questions.
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6. Boring And Loneliness: Denmark does not have a reputation for being the most fun country. Geographically, it lacks the natural wonders of neighboring countries such as Norway. Danes spend more time at home (than outdoors) because of the rain or wintry mix of rain and snow. So, there is no much time for fun. For instance, “Copenhagen” is the largest city in Denmark. It has some museums and events. But generally, the country is not known as a great place for fun, special events, or excitement.
However, even though Danes are not the friendliest people, they are not necessarily rude. People (in Denmark) who come from cultures that are very warm and open may perceive that the Danes are rude. Many say that Danes are a tough nut to crack, but once you get through the hard shell they are kind and warm.
Again, many Danes are very private and what a person from another culture might see as tight-lipped or guarded is considered by the Danes as being polite and not intruding into the business of someone. So, they are less likely to make small talk. Also, shouting and loud noises are frowned upon in Denmark. So, you have to ensure that you respect your neighbors and turn the loud music down.
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Conclusively, it’s always a good idea to, once in a while, change your environment and have a feel of a new atmosphere and scenery. It helps the system readjust to nature and health. It also opens the door of experience and tourism. I e may be fortunate to meet with peace-loving, kind and hospitable people who becomes friends and more. That being said, Denmark is a great country and it is one of the best Countries to live and study because it has a more serene environment with less crime rate.
Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.