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C O P E N H A G E N

Copenhagen is thc Capital o f thc kingdom of Denmark, it is the greatest city o f the country and the residence o f the king, seat o f the govcrnment and the greatest and most important coininercial and industrial center, focus o f the economic and cultural life o f the country with a university, sevcral institutions for advanced learning, many hospitals, modern schools and social institutions, etc.; Copenhagen, wcllknown for its important artistic and scientific collections, is situated on the Sound (Øresund) on the eastern coast o f Zealand (Sjælland) and the northern part o f thc island o f Amager. The narrow strait between Zealand and Amager constitutes a natural harbour, which in 1894 was extended by a free harbour. Greater Copenhagen, including suburbs, has 1.164.400 inhabitants, or about one quarter o f the total population of Denmark. The metro- politan area, including suburbs, covers 9587 acres. The city consists o f the old town behind the inoats, which now arc transforined into boulevards and pleasing parks, and the districts o f Nørrebro, Østerbro, Vesterbro, Frederiksberg and Sundby, forming a chain around the inner town. Among other suburbs wc mention: Vanlose, Valby, Hvidovre, Brønshøj, Gentofte, etc. The ministries, thc castle o f Christiansborg (parliament), the Thorvaldsen Museum and the Stock Exchange are situated on the Slotsholmen (Castle Island), surrounded by canals and linked with the adjacent parts o f the city by 8 bridges. The Government Parliament (Rigsdagen) consists of two chambers, an upper chamber, (Landsting) and a lower chamber, (Folketing); The Folketing has 152 members, and the legislative period is four years. In order to be member o f the Folketing one must be 25 years old and a Danish citizen. The Landsting has 78 members, elected for 8 years at a time. In order to be member one must be above 35 years o f age, and be a resident in one’s constituency. The Rigsdag occupies the eastern wing o f the castle of Christiansborg. History Copenhagen is mentioned for the first time in the year 1043 as a fishing hamlet and trading place, named “ Havn” (meaning: harbour, latinized Hafnia). In order to protect the place against pirates bishop Absalon in 1167 built a stone tower on Castle Island. The rums o f this