Founded in the 10th century, Denmark's monarchy is Europe's oldest. It was the dominant Baltic power until the 17th century, when it was eclipsed by Sweden.

• 1815 Denmark forced to cede Norway to Swedish rule.
• 1849 Creation of first democratic constitution.
• 1864 Denmark forced to cede provinces of Schleswig and Holstein after losing war with Prussia.
• 1914–1918 Denmark neutral in World War I.
• 1915 Universal adult suffrage introduced. Rise of SD.
• 1920 Northern Schleswig votes to return to Danish rule.
• 1929 First full SD government, Thorvald Stauning prime minister.
• 1930s Implementation of advanced social welfare legislation and other liberal reforms under SD.
• 1939 Outbreak of World War II; Denmark reaffirms neutrality.
• 1940 Nazi occupation. National coalition government formed.
• 1943 Danish Resistance successes lead Nazis to take full control.
• 1944 Iceland declares independence from Denmark.
• 1945 Denmark recognizes Icelandic independence. After defeat of Nazi Germany, SD leads postwar coalition governments.
• 1948 Faeroes granted home rule.
• 1952 Founder member of Nordic Council.
• 1953 Constitution reformed; single-chamber, proportionally elected parliament created.
• 1959 Denmark joins EFTA.
• 1972 Margrethe becomes queen.
• 1973 Denmark joins European Communities.
• 1979 Greenland granted home rule.
• 1975–1982 SD's Anker Jorgensen heads series of coalitions; elections in 1977, 1979, and 1981. Final coalition collapses over economic policy differences.
• 1982 Poul Schlüter first Conservative prime minister since 1894.
• 1992 Referendum rejects Maastricht Treaty on European Union.
• 1993 Schlüter resigns over "Tamilgate" scandal. Center-left government led by Poul Nyrup Rasmussen. Danish voters ratify revised Maastricht Treaty.
• 1994, 1998 Elections: Rasmussen heads SD-led minority coalition.
• 2000 Referendum rejects joining eurozone.
• 2001 Elections: Liberals regain power. Anders Fogh Rasmussen appointed prime minister.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004