Copenhagen (IPA-en?ko?p?nhe???n); lang-daK�benhavn (IPA-dak?�b??n?ha???npronDa-K�benhavn.ogg) is the capital and largest city of Denmark, with an urban (urban area) population of 1,181,239 (2010) and a metropolitan (metropolitan area) population of 1,894,521 (2010). Copenhagen is situated on the islands of Zealand (Zealand (Denmark)) and Amager.

First documented in the 11th century, Copenhagen became the capital of Denmark in the beginning of the 15th century and during the 17th century under the reign of Christian IV (Christian IV of Denmark) it became an important regional centre. With the completion of the transnational Oresund Bridge in 2000, Copenhagen has become the centre of the increasingly integrating Oresund Region. Within this region, Copenhagen and the Swedish (Sweden) city of Malm� are in the process of growing into one common metropolitan area. With around 2.7 million inhabitants within a 50 km (Kilometre) radius, Copenhagen is one of the most densely populated areas in Northern Europe. Copenhagen is the most visited city of the Nordic countries with 1.3 million international tourists in 2007.

Copenhagen is a major regional centre of culture, business, media (Mass media), and science, as indicated by several international surveys and rankings (see International rankings (#International rankings) below). Life science (Biology), information technology and shipping are important sectors and research & development (research and development) plays a major role in the citys economy. Its strategic location and excellent infrastructure with the largest airport in Scandinavia located 14 minutes by train from the city centre, has made it a regional hub and a popular location for regional headquarters as well as conventions.

Copenhagen has repeatedly been recognized as one of the cities with the best quality of life. It is also considered one of the worlds most environmentally friendly cities. The water in the inner harbour is so clean that it can be swum in, and 36% of all citizens commute to work by bicycle, every day cycling a total of 1.1 million km. Since the turn of the millennium, Copenhagen has seen a strong urban and cultural development and has been described as a boom town. This is partly due to massive investments in cultural facilities as well as infrastructure and a new wave of successful designers, chefs and architects.