Denmark, 1950

[Music] On the north coast of continental Europe, like a finger pointing across the Skagarak to the Scandinavian Peninsula, is a small country that in bygone centuries ruled all of Northern Europe, Denmark. Once the homeland of the Vikings of historic fact and fanciful legend, Denmark's history can be traced in her buildings, sculpture, paintings, and traditions. Everywhere can be seen ancient castle fortresses, beautiful churches, and romantic old towns whose history and customs go back to medieval times and before. But Denmark's history is only a background for the Denmark of today. Modern Denmark lives not in its past, but in the mainstream of modern existence, enjoying a standard of living comparable to the highest in Europe. With more than 30,000 Danes manning fleets of small and large craft, fishing becomes an important part of the Danish economy. The bulk of the catch, mainly herring and cod, is barreled for export throughout the world. Whereas ancient Denmark was a seafaring nation, Denmark today is primarily devoted to agriculture with 75% of its total area under cultivation. The Danish farmer is a free man, a man of progressive ideas. He realized long ago that mutual aid on a voluntary basis was the means by which Danish agriculture could become and has become a model agriculture and the means by which Danish farm products could gain acceptance for high quality far beyond the national boundaries. Cooperative dairies handle more than 90% of all of Denmark's enormous output of milk and almost 2/3 of all Danish butter. Today, the word Danish stamped on bacon, cheese, eggs, and butter is the equal of a guarantee to the world of high quality of product. Cleanliness is a by word in Denmark, and the slaughterhouse is no exception. Practically all of Denmark's large production of bacon is exported, as are its eggs. Each one individually stamped before packing and shipping. [Music] Although not nearly as broad in scope as agriculture and dairying, Danish industry under capable and progressive leadership is a major factor in the life of the nation. with 25% of all of Denmark's exports being industrial products. [Music] The high standard of Danish industrial art has been attained through generations of development. Danish silverware is world famous and has found its place in the museums of the world as well as in the homes of those who appreciate perfect craftsmanship and beauty of design. Danish pottery, china and porcelain fashioned by artists and craftsmen of consumate taste and skill are considered among the finest. This set of Copenhagen royal porcelain is an outstanding example of Danish artistry. Copenhagen with its million inhabitants, a fourth of Denmark's entire population, is one of the really great cities of Northern Europe. Copenhagen means the merchants harbor. And that literally is what it is, a fine seap port through which is rooted a significant part of Europe's ocean traffic. Here too are great shipyards. This being the home of one of the world's great ship building industries, employing thousands of skilled workers in this modernized ancient craft. For lovers of fine architecture, Copenhagen is a feast of eyefilling beauty. The city itself is almost 800 years old, but completely up to date in its ideas and daily life. Retail trade is important here and there are more shops per number of inhabitants in Copenhagen than in any other city in Europe. Is there a boy or girl or an adult anywhere in the civilized world who does not recognize and thrill to the name Hans Christian Anderson? Translated into 22 different languages, this famous DNE fairy tales are beloved the world over. [Music] The embodiment of democracy is the king of Denmark, Frederick the 9th. This vigorous young man who is the nominal head of Denmark's parliamentary system of government stands as a symbol of freedom and justice to his beloved people and to the world. [Music] For more than a thousand years, Denmark has been a kingdom, the oldest monarchy in Europe, and yet more democratic than most democracies. This ceremony is performed several times a day in Copenhagen, the changing of the guard in front of the royal palace. [Music] Just outside of Copenhagen is Deer Park, the royal hunting grounds. However, it is a public park as far as the public being allowed to come and look at the thousands of red Hello dear. Here a group of local residents perform one of Denmark's many colorful folk dances. Each dance has particular significance and can usually be traced back many years to a particular province. [Music] Although the dance and the music might vary, the costume worn by the dancer usually identifies the birthplace of the wearer. [Music] The future of any nation is dependent upon its youth to which Denmark has given the greatest consideration. Compulsory schooling for all children. The vigorous encouragement of secondary education. Colleges and technical schools of highest standing. These are some of the factors that make Denmark one of the best educated nations in the world today. The same can be said for the health program of the nation designed to give the growing child the best possible start in life. Particular emphasis being placed on calisthenics. [Music] The key to the story of modern Denmark is democracy. the individual's respect for the community and the community's respect for the individual, the recognition of the rights of man. It is the story of an enduring struggle for an ideal which has become reality and has earned Denmark a respected place in this world of ours. [Music]