What are some differences between Denmark and Sweden?

What are some of the differences between Denmark and Sweden? Other than language, and flags, and stuff like that, what really makes these two countries different?

I'd like to visit Copenhagen, or maybe Malmo, but I don't know what differences to expect between the two.

You're not going to find very many differences at all between Copenhagen and Southern Sweden -- for over 400 years Southern Sweden was a part of Denmark. It wasn't until Gustavus Adolphus came along that the national borders of Sweden (as we know it today) came into existence.

Even the local dialect of Swedish in Malm枚 is heavily related to Danish in pronunciation -- the rest of Sweden refers to the dialect of Swedish spoken there as "Sk氓nska" (as the province in which Malmo and Lund are located is named Sk氓ne). Even as far as architecture, food, and culture Southern Sweden is rather homogenous with Danish culture -- there are a few differences but they are negligible.

If you were, on the other hand, to travel further north in Sweden you would begin to notice greater differences between Sweden and Denmark. Stockholm is much different than Copenhagen, and Ume氓 even more so. In general Scandinavian cultures tend to be extremely related, so you're not going to find as many differences as between French and German culture (for example). That having been said some fundamental differences between traditional Swedish and traditional Danish culture are as follows.

1) Swedes eat much more fish than Danes -- if you travel past Southern Sweden you will find all kind of foods made from different kinds of fish and seafood. Danes, on the other hand, eat more sausage, bacon, and beef than Swedes ... so, this will be reflected in the food selections at hotels and restaurants in each country. 2) Swedes are more "reserved" than Danes when it comes to a great many situations. There is an inherent aspect of Swedish society that emphasizes not attracting attention to oneself in order to avoid appearing superior or domineering (both extremely negative things in Swedish culture). Danes, on the other hand, will be slightly more gregarious, but not to the same degree as Anglo-Saxon culture. 3) You won't find as much beer in Sweden as in Denmark ... part of this has to do with Systembolaget, but not entirely. In Denmark alcohol is ubiquitous whereas in Sweden is it something that is found in moderation.

A couple things you will find the same are; 1) Danes and Swedes do not talk very loud by Anglo-Saxon standards, so make sure you're not speaking louder than everyone else. 2) It is considered rude to talk to people you don't know in passing ... if you do they will either think you are drunk or mentally unstable. In either case they will ignore you. 3) In most of Scandinavia it is considered important to be careful in what one says, and they will often seem taciturn and pause when speaking to search for the right words ... do not interrupt them if they pause. It is normal to interrupt in most other European cultures, but it is not in Scandinavia ... it is quite rude. 4) In most of Scandinavia (but not as much in Copenhagen) you do not stare directly into the eyes of someone when you are talking to them. It is okay to glance occasionally, but you do not continually look them in the eye. Usually they will focus their line of sight on an object of location close to your face ... it is just considered polite to not stare at people. 5) Don't smile at people in passing ... its okay if you do it every now and then, but in Anglo-Saxon culture we tend to do it quite a bit. 6) You can never thank enough in Scandinavia ... if there's any phrases you should learn its takk, takk for det, mange takk, takk skal du have, takk for matten, tack s氓 mycket, tack f枚r senast, and tack, tack, tack, tack, tack .... it may seem overly profuse to non-Scandinavians, but giving thanks is very important in Denmark and Sweden. For instance, if you see someone who invited you over for dinner and its been over six months since you've last seen each other the first thing out of your mouth would probably be "Takk for matten ..." 7) Its always a good time for a hotdog ... and they're good too.

The name..the spelling...there all blond...just kiddin'...
check...........www.wikipedia.com

Well, Sweden is bigger and has a lot more lakes and beaches. Denmark is smaller, but that makes it a lot easier to travel to many different places (cause it doesn't take as long, lol). I live in Denmark and I've been on vacation in Sweden, and I love both. They're both gorgeous in the summer time. I suggest you go on some tourist websites and look around at the different sights you can go to in each place. That would give you a much better idea on where to go.

Denmark is much more densely populated, and much more of the countryside is cultivated. Sweden has much more woods, lakes and mountains...

pretty much the same,as between Chicago and Detroit ,or London and Liverpool...

As a general impression, I've found Danes to be friendlier. Swedes tend to be colder and more standoffish. Having said that, you'll probably enjoy both.