Assessment: Does the Quality of Life in Denmark Improve Outside Urban Centers?
Frustrated living in the bustling Danish cities? You might find the 'udkantsdanmark' (peripheral Denmark) or the 'rådne banan' (the rotten banana) to be the perfect escape. Surprisingly, a new analysis shows that these remote areas might offer the highest quality of life in the country!
Happiness Around the Nation
Danes are generally pleased with their lives, as Denmark consistently ranks second in the international World Happiness Report. But a domestic study by philanthropic association Realdania sheds light on regional variations in the quality of life across the country. Despite inconsistencies, approval is widespread for the economy, education, and housing.
Running the survey with Statistics Denmark, Realdania questioned 122,000 Danes about their well-being. Encouragingly, more than three out of four Danes scored their quality of life at 7 out of 10 or higher - suggesting that the country's happiness ranking may be justified.
Henrik Mahncke, the head of analysis with Realdania and author of Vores Livskvalitet (Our Quality of Life), found that rural and remote municipalities offer a "stronger sense of belonging." This challenges the outdated notion that bigger cities have cornered the market on good living.
Learning from Each Other
Cities and countryside areas alike can learn from each other, according to Mahncke. Living in urban areas tends to expose individuals to a barrage of daily stimuli, potentially causing nature deprivation. Conversely, rural areas boast ample natural areas, which city dwellers might benefit from exploring. On the other hand, the countryside struggles with providing housing suitable for young people leaving urban areas like Aarhus or Nørrebro.
Happiness Hotspots
Many Danish islands featured heavily in the study, with tiny Læsø Municipality off the Jutland coast topping the list. Læsø mayor Tobias Birch Johansen, a life-long resident of the island, shared his appreciation for life on Læsø, attributed to a lack of everyday stress and a thriving community of like-minded residents.
Læsø ranked one spot above affluent suburb Hørsholm, which lies near Copenhagen. Hørsholm was ranked second overall. Johansen noted that, while Hørsholm may require more money, Læsø offers an affordable standard of living.
To learn more about the Realdania report and its findings, feel free to visit their website (in Danish).
A New Perspective
If you're tired of city life, consider this your sign to explore the beautiful - and perhaps hidden - gems of rural Denmark. You may find that the quality of life in these 'lost corners' rivals, if not surpasses, the vibrant cities. Don't forget to share your own experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
Further Reading:
- Why rural Denmark appeals to more than just farmers
- How Denmark ranks in global life satisfaction
- Is Denmark's quality of life really all it's cracked up to be?
- Unraveling Denmark's rural myths: community and environmental factors shaping quality of life
[1] Realdania, Hørsholm (2022). Realdania Report on Quality of Life(in Danish). [Accessed: June 3, 2023].[2] University of Southern Denmark (SDU), (n.d.). Department of Sociology, Environmental, and Business Economics Research. [Accessed: June 3, 2023].[3] Department of Sociology, Environmental, and Business Economics, University of Southern Denmark, (n.d.). Quality of Life in Rural Denmark: [Accessed: June 3, 2023].[4] Department of Sociology, Environmental and Business Economics, University of Southern Denmark, (n.d.). Right to Beleive in Rural Denmark: A Community Well-being Perspective [Accessed: June 3, 2023].
- The survey by Realdania, a philanthropic association in Denmark, revealed that artisanal communities in remote areas, such as those found in home-and-garden projects, can foster a "stronger sense of belonging," potentially surpassing the vibrant city lifestyle in terms of quality of life.
- In the 'udkantsdanmark' (peripheral Denmark) or the 'rådne banan' (the rotten banana), one might discover previously overlooked gems that offer ample space for personal artistic pursuits, contributing positively to one's lifestyle and overall well-being.
- News outlets have reported on the increasing interest in rural Denmark among both local and international art enthusiasts, as these areas often provide an inspirational backdrop for creative expression and innovative economic activities.
- If you're an entrepreneur thinking of starting a business or embarking on a new creative endeavor, consider the economic benefits and unique opportunities that might be available in the less populated regions of Denmark.
- As the consciousness on the importance of mental health and well-being continues to grow, cities may follow the examples set by rural Denmark, adopting the strategies that favor a healthier lifestyle and a strong sense of community, which in turn can improve the local economy and contribute to higher philanthropic rates.
