7. FYI, Porn is Legal and Widely Available Here
Maybe this is why they’re so damn happy? The Danes are a little more relaxed when it comes to sexually explicit images than some other countries. In 1969, Denmark became the world’s first country to legalize pornography. You can purchase it in just about every neighborhood convenience store or gas station, and there’s a TV station that freely broadcasts hardcore material with no barriers to access it. They do have some basic guidelines, however. Pornographic magazines must be displayed out of eyesight of children, and may not be sold to those under 15 years of age.
8. Family Trumps Food
If you want to throw a party in Denmark, expect to spend a pretty penny. Hosts can spend up to six months’ salary on one formal celebration and that covers rent, drinks, food, and entertainment (especially for “round” birthdays like 30, 40 or 50). They love to eat and drink socially and tend to prefer traditional meals like smørrebrød when they do. The interesting thing is that is that spending time with friends and family outshines what’s being consumed. That being said, New Nordic Cuisine has become a globally respected culinary trend, and the Copenhagen restaurant Noma was voted Best Restaurant in the World in four different years.
9. Hiding In Plain Sight
Flashy cars, diamonds that can be seen from outer space, and other gaudy shows of affluence have no place in Danish culture. High social position and wealth, while recognized by individuals of a similar economic position, are usually understated otherwise. This is because of the “Jante Law”—a code of morality formulated by author Aksel Sandemose in his 1933 novel A Refugee Crosses His Tracks. It emphasizes that an individual shouldn’t display material or other portrayals of superiority, and boasting in public should be avoided. So that guy in the black jeans, scuffed boots, and grey sweatshirt could be a multi-millionaire and you’d never know, unless you know.
