How did Denmark's territory change over time?

During the Viking Age, Danish rulers controlled parts of Scandinavia and even England, but they lost their influence over time. In 1397, Queen Margaret I united Denmark, Norway, and Sweden in the Kalmar Union, creating a state that stretched across much of Scandinavia.

After Sweden left the union, Norway remained under Danish rule for centuries. Denmark later lost territory to Sweden and, after siding with Napoleon during the Napoleonic Wars, was forced to give Norway to Sweden in 1814. Despite this, Iceland and Greenland remained with Denmark.

In 1864, Denmark lost Schleswig to Prussia, but a part of the region was returned after World War I. During World War II, Germany occupied Denmark, and Iceland declared full independence. Today, the Kingdom of Denmark still includes Greenland and the Faroe Islands.