Danish wealth gap one of the smallest in the world

Wealthy Danes make up a lower proportion of the population than in many other countries

Denmark’s wealth gap — the disparity between the richest citizens and everyone else — is the second-smallest among the world’s 34 most developed economies, according to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and surpassed only by Slovenia.

While the gap between the wealthy and everyone else is widening in much of the industrialised world, 42 percent of Denmark's working population of 4.6 million have annual incomes of between 200,000 and 400,000 kroner, while just 2.6 percent earn more than 500,000 kroner a year.

According to the OECD, the top 20 percent of Danes earn on average four times as much as the bottom 20 percent. By comparison, the top 20 percent of workers earn about eight times as much as the bottom 20 percent. Wealthy Danes also make up a lower proportion of the population than in many other countries.

READ MORE: Copenhagen becoming a city for the wealthy

Still taxing
Even though Danes live with the highest tax burden in the EU, they still seem more content than people in most other industrialised nations.

Nearly 90 percent of Danes reported having more positive experiences in an average day than negative ones, according to the OECD — the highest figure among the organisation’s 34 countries.

Despite the heavy tax burden, public support for the social security system remains high. A poll taken last year showed that 66 percent opposed cuts to the welfare system.




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.