4000 BC Neolithic settlers begin developing a farming economy.

500 BC to AD 500 Iron Age people set up trading centers in Jutland and Funen.

AD 793 Danish Vikings raid England's east coast, plundering the monastery of Lindisfarne, and penetrate deep into mainland Europe along the northern rivers.

circa 925 Gorm the Old becomes first king of a united Denmark.

1167 Founding of Copenhagen by Absalon, Bishop of Roskilde.

1588 Christian IV becomes king of Denmark and promotes the construction of great Renaissance buildings, particularly in the city of Copenhagen.

1611-60 Periodic wars with Sweden.

1814 Union with Norway ends after 278 years.

1849 New constitution abolishes absolute monarchy, establishing a two-chamber parliament.

1914-18 Denmark is neutral during World War I.

1940 Denmark is invaded by the German army in spite of its declared neutrality; the Danish Resistance carries out a vigorous campaign against Germany.

1945 Denmark is liberated. A postwar reconstruction program begins.

1949 Denmark joins NATO.

1973 Danish people vote to join the European Economic Community.

1998 Opening of the fixed link rail and road bridge across the Storebælt (Great Belt).

2000 Inauguration of the rail and road fixed link bridge across the Øresund.