Denmark royal family The world's oldest monarchy
The Danish monarchy is the oldest in the world. For more than 1,000 years there have been kings, queens, princes and princesses in Denmark. The royal family wields no political power but takes part in public life in various ways and represents Denmark abroad.
Legislative power
Folketinget, the Danish National Parliament, debates and enacts Danish legislation. Folketinget has 179 members who hail from different political parties. Members of Parliament are elected to serve for four years at a time. The Prime Minister, however, can dissolve parliament and call for a general election before the end of this four-year period.
Two of Folketinget's members are elected in Greenland and two in the Faroe Islands.
Open to the public
All parliamentary debates are open to the public and anyone is free to contact the politicians. Political debates are followed closely and discussed in the media.
Executive power
