About 45,000 people live on Bornholm's 587 km². They are fortunate to live in an compact area encompassing all forms of Scandinavian nature, from cliff formations, relatively large forested regions to mile-long sandy beaches with sanddunes.

In addition the island is covered with a moraine layer, which has ever since initial inhabitation provided excellent conditions for agriculture, one of the island's main industries even today.

Generally the island's geographic situation provides natural opportunities for widespread fishing of e.g. cod (most important), salmon and herring.

Tourism provides an important extra contribution to the two mentioned major industries.

Despite Bornholm's limited size, the island's administration consists of all levels characteristic of Danish regions: The island is a county with an elected county council and county mayor as well as five primary municipalities.

Developmental Trends

As applies in all EU countries, even Bornholm must pay constant attention to developments in the basic industries, agriculture, fishing and tourism. During the last few years especially fishing, in particular, has had to adjust to problems with vacillating stocks of fish and changed rules for the exploitation of the Baltic Sea's fish resources (EU quotas and
territorial water boundaries). Agricultural development parallels that of Europe at large with environmental and market supply limitations.

Tourism becomes of greater importance for Bornholm, but at the same time it must be recognised that it cannot compensate for the problems in the fishing industry.

Two Great Challenges

Public efforts have been concentrated to two areas: The slightly declining population trends and the relatively high unemployment (11.7% of the workforce, Nov. 1995).

The declining population figures are presently caused by migration of people in an active working age, especially the younger generation (caused by the problems in the fishing
industry, amongst others). That 18-20-year olds also are leaving the island is nothing new, but the combination of both trends elicits a need for consideration.

Meeting the Challenges

With support from the Danish government and EU, Bornholm is working conscientiously to change the negative trends. While utilising present available subsidies, we are conscious
that in the long run it is up to us to manage the situation within the national framework. What we intend especially not to do is to leave the solutions to chance.

Data Sheet