What is the population of Copenhagen?
Copenhagen's metropolitan area has about 1,366,000 people, making it the 130th largest metro area in our dataset of 140 major cities.
In Denmark · Also known as City of Spires, Wonderful Copenhagen
Metro population
1,366,000
0.016% of world population
Archive estimateAnnual growth
+0.75%
About 28 people a day
Archive estimateDensity
2,597/km²
526 km² metro area
City proper
1,153,615
Within the administrative boundary
GeoNamesAbout Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, with 800,000 residents and 2 million in the metro area. Consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities, Copenhagen is famous for cycling culture, New Nordic cuisine, design, sustainability leadership, and 'hygge' (cozy contentment). The city exemplifies Scandinavian values of equality, sustainability, and quality of life.
Key Facts
Airports
Scheduled-service airports within 100 km, nearest first.
- Copenhagen Kastrup AirportCPH
9 km from the city centre
- Copenhagen Roskilde AirportRKE
29 km from the city centre
Source: OurAirports, matched by distance.
History
Copenhagen originated as a Viking fishing village and became Denmark's capital in the 15th century. It prospered as a trade hub in the Baltic. Wars with Sweden and British bombardments in the 19th century caused destruction. The city industrialized and modernized. Post-WWII development created the welfare state. Copenhagen became a model for sustainable urban development.
Economy
Copenhagen is Scandinavia's largest city economy, centered on services, pharma (Novo Nordisk, Lundbeck), shipping (Maersk), and clean tech. The city is a leader in green economy. High wages and costs balance with quality of life. The Øresund Bridge connects to Malmö, Sweden, creating a cross-border region. Startups and innovation thrive.
Culture
Copenhagen's culture blends design excellence (Danish Modern), culinary innovation (Noma, multiple Michelin stars), and hygge lifestyle. Tivoli Gardens (1843) is one of the world's oldest amusement parks. Cycling is a way of life. The colorful Nyhavn harbor and Little Mermaid statue are iconic. Danes consistently rank among the world's happiest people.
Transportation
Copenhagen Metro is driverless and modern. Extensive S-train and bus networks complement it. Cycling infrastructure is world-leading—more than half of residents bike daily. Copenhagen Airport is Scandinavia's largest hub. Trains connect to Sweden via the Øresund Bridge. The city actively discourages car use.
Current Challenges
Copenhagen faces extremely high cost of living, housing shortages despite dense construction, integration of immigrants, and aging population. Climate change threatens this coastal, low-lying city. Maintaining welfare state quality amid demographic shifts is challenging. Competition with other Nordic capitals exists.
Highlights
Landmarks & Attractions
- Tivoli Gardens
- Nyhavn harbor
- Little Mermaid statue
- Rosenborg Castle
- Christiansborg Palace
- Amalienborg Palace (royal residence)
- Strøget pedestrian street
- Freetown Christiania
- Copenhagen Opera House
What Copenhagen Is Known For
- Cycling
- Design
- Happiness
- New Nordic cuisine
- Sustainability
- Hygge
Universities
- University of Copenhagen
- Technical University of Denmark
- Copenhagen Business School
Sports Teams
- FC Copenhagen
- Brøndby IF (football)
Interesting Facts
- Copenhagen aims to be carbon-neutral by 2025
- More bicycles than cars are in Copenhagen—over 600,000 bikes
- Noma has been named the world's best restaurant multiple times
- Tivoli Gardens inspired Walt Disney
- Lego was invented in Denmark
- Copenhagen has a dedicated cycling 'highway' system
Compared with the World's Largest Cities
Metropolitan population against the fifteen largest metro areas.
| Name | Metro population |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | 37.4M |
| Delhi | 32.9M |
| Shanghai | 29.2M |
| São Paulo | 22.6M |
| Dhaka | 22.5M |
| Mexico City | 22.3M |
| Cairo | 22.2M |
| Mumbai | 21.7M |
| Beijing | 21.5M |
| Osaka | 19M |
| New York | 18.9M |
| Karachi | 17.1M |
| Kinshasa | 17.1M |
| Chongqing | 16.9M |
| Lagos | 15.9M |
| Copenhagen | 1.37M |
Population Trend in Denmark
No free source publishes metropolitan population back to 1950, so the parent country's series is shown instead.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 4,268,404 |
| 1960 | 4,579,342 |
| 1970 | 4,928,668 |
| 1980 | 5,123,081 |
| 1990 | 5,141,025 |
| 2000 | 5,339,658 |
| 2010 | 5,547,863 |
| 2020 | 5,831,530 |
| 2030 | 6,081,995 |
| 2040 | 6,134,659 |
| 2050 | 6,124,838 |
| 2060 | 6,078,224 |
| 2070 | 6,036,603 |
| 2080 | 6,008,790 |
| 2090 | 5,940,877 |
| 2100 | 5,863,216 |
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities in our dataset by great-circle distance.
Copenhagen Population FAQ
What is the difference between Copenhagen's city and metro population?
About 1,153,615 people live within the city proper, while the wider metropolitan area holds roughly 1,366,000. Metro figures include surrounding commuter areas that fall outside the city's administrative boundary.
Is Copenhagen growing or shrinking?
Copenhagen is growing at +0.75% a year.
What share of Denmark's population lives in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen's metro area holds about 22.7% of Denmark's total population.
How densely populated is Copenhagen?
Copenhagen has roughly 2,597 people per km² across a metro area of about 526 km².
Which airports serve Copenhagen?
The nearest major airports are Copenhagen Kastrup Airport (CPH), Copenhagen Roskilde Airport (RKE).
Which country is Copenhagen in?
Copenhagen is in Denmark, in Europe.
Explore More Cities
- #1 TokyoJapan · 37.4M · −0.14%
- #2 DelhiIndia · 32.9M · +2.78%
- #3 ShanghaiChina · 29.2M · +0.86%
- #4 São PauloBrazil · 22.6M · +0.75%
- #5 DhakaBangladesh · 22.5M · +2.89%
- #6 Mexico CityMexico · 22.3M · +0.80%