Denmark Population

Denmark has below-replacement fertility, supported by extensive family policy, and relies on immigration to keep its population growing. Like its Nordic neighbours it ages relatively slowly but still faces the long-term pressures of an older society. Debates over the scale and nature of immigration are a recurring theme.

With roughly 6.0 million people as of 2026, Denmark ranks 114th in the world by population. Set in Northern Europe, its demographic path this century turns on the balance of births, deaths and migration. Population density stands at about 142 people for every square kilometre of land.

Growth continues for Denmark until around 2043, the year its population is set to crest at about 6.1 million. From there a slow fall takes it to roughly 5.9 million by century's end.

Fertility sits at about 1.52 births per woman, below the replacement level of roughly 2.1, so without migration the population would eventually shrink. Net inward migration adds to the population each year and partly offsets the low birth rate.

Half of Denmark is currently younger than about 41, but by 2100 the median age is projected to reach around 48, while life expectancy, near 82 years, keeps rising. A rising median age means fewer working-age people supporting each retiree over time.

The trajectory above is the UN's medium scenario. Wars, policy shifts, economic change and migration can all move the numbers, but the broad shape, growth followed by an eventual peak, is robust across the main variants.