CONSUMPTION AND SPENDING

Denmark forms one of the world's most egalitarian societies. Most Danes are comfortably off. Income distribution is the most even among Western countries and social mobility is high. Free higher education means that access to the professions is more a question of ability than wealth or connections. The generous social security system means that Danes suffer little from social deprivation. The SD government of 1994–2001 created more kindergarten places and increased time off for those with young children. Refugees and recent immigrants tend to be the most disadvantaged members of Danish society.

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