City Profile: Roskilde
General Overview
Education & Innovation
Governance & Transparency
Mobility & Transport
Environment & Sustainability
Economy & Business
General Overview
- Country: Denmark
- Population of the city: 52974
- Area of the city measured in square kilometres (km²): 21.2
- Budget of the city in 2024 (GBP): 879 082 GBP
- Percentage of population of the country living in the city: 0.90%
- GDP PER PERSON: 66919
- REAL GDB - GROWTH: 3.6
- Percentage of all employed individuals in public administration: 29.90%
Education & Innovation
- Percentage of citizens taking part in formal education - lifelong learning: 11.00%
- The percentage of income that should be allocated to cover the cost of studies: 0.00%
- Percentage of population of the city with a master's degree: 20.00%
- Percentage of the population who knew at least one foreign language: 86.00%
- Percentage of population with digital skills: 98.00%
- Patent granted per 10,000 residents: 6.34
Governance & Transparency
- City have its own open data website, or does it regularly report and publish its data on the national open data platform managed by a government agency: yes
- Possibility to make payments for municipal services, such as local taxes or fees for issuing documents, using electronic payments: yes
- Existence of up-to-date and officially adopted development strategy: yes
- Percentage of population with medical insurance: 100.00%
- Number of doctors per 1,000 residents: 4.4
- Life Expectancy Rate (at birth): 81.05
- Obesity rate: 22.00%
- Average number of working hours: 37
- Percentage of the adult population receiving support and coordinated mental health care: 17.80%
- The number of suicide attempts per 1,000 residents: 1.22
Mobility & Transport
- Existence of electronic payment system for transportation services, such as payments by card at terminals or via a mobile app: yes
- Payment via the city's mobile application: yes
- Payment via a special payment card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
- Payment via a debit or credit card at a terminal in the public transport vehicle: yes
- Existence of intelligent traffic management system (ITS): yes
Environment & Sustainability
- Efficient use of electricity (per GDP): 0.08
- Average PM10 value in the city: 17
- Amount of waste produced per resident (tons): 0.01
- Percentage of the population that is served by sewage treatment facilities: 95.00%
- Recycling rate: 52.00%
- Existence of any documents or municipal legal solutions promoting the use of renewable energy: yes
Economy & Business
- Number of foreign affiliates per 10,000 residents: 25.1
- Percentage deviation in earnings relative to the national average: -32.00%
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Rank:
GOLD
Points:
855
Roskilde, a city steeped in history and cultural richness, is a Danish gem that balances tradition with modernity. Home to just over 52,000 residents and covering a compact 21.2 square kilometres, Roskilde plays a vital role in Denmark’s economy and heritage. Despite its modest size, the city boasts an impressive GDP per capita of 66,919 GBP and a strong real GDP growth rate of 3.6%, reflecting its economic dynamism. With a 2024 budget of 879,082 GBP, Roskilde remains committed to enhancing public services and infrastructure while maintaining its charm and livability.
Education and innovation are deeply embedded in Roskilde’s identity. Lifelong learning is a priority, with 11% of citizens engaged in formal education beyond their initial studies. The city prides itself on accessibility to higher education, with no income required to cover study costs. A well-educated population supports Roskilde’s knowledge economy, with 20% holding a master’s degree. With 86% of residents speaking at least one foreign language and 98% possessing digital skills, Roskilde is well-equipped for the demands of a globalized world. The city fosters innovation, granting 6.34 patents per 10,000 residents, reinforcing its reputation as a centre for research and development.
Governance and transparency are key priorities for Roskilde’s administration. The city maintains a strong commitment to open data, regularly updating its digital platforms with accessible information for residents. Electronic payments for municipal services streamline governance, while an officially adopted development strategy ensures Roskilde’s growth is well-planned and sustainable. Citizens benefit from digital services that facilitate interactions with local authorities, reinforcing the city’s efficient and responsive governance model.
Health and well-being are at the forefront of Roskilde’s priorities. The city provides universal medical insurance and has 4.4 doctors per 1,000 residents, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access. Life expectancy stands at 81.05 years, while 22% of the population faces obesity-related health challenges. Mental health services are well-developed, with 17.8% of adults receiving coordinated care. However, Roskilde faces challenges in mental health, with a suicide attempt rate of 1.22 per 1,000 residents, highlighting the need for continued social support initiatives.
Roskilde’s mobility and transport infrastructure is built for efficiency. The city embraces digital payment solutions, offering electronic payments via mobile apps, transport cards, and bank cards for seamless access to public transportation. An intelligent traffic management system enhances urban mobility, ensuring minimal congestion and optimal transport efficiency. As Roskilde continues to develop, further improvements in connectivity will strengthen its appeal as a commuter-friendly city.
Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of Roskilde’s urban policies. The city actively promotes renewable energy and efficient electricity use, with an impressive efficiency rate of 0.08 per GDP. With an average PM10 pollution level of 17, Roskilde enjoys excellent air quality. Waste management is highly effective, with each resident generating just 0.01 tons of waste annually and a recycling rate of 52%. Sewage treatment services cover 95% of the population, ensuring high environmental standards and a commitment to ecological responsibility.
Roskilde’s economy is both globally connected and locally resilient. However, earnings in Roskilde deviate by -32% relative to the national average, presenting an economic challenge in terms of wage growth and employment opportunities. Despite this, Roskilde remains a dynamic business hub with a growing economy, leveraging its strong governance, education, and sustainability policies.
Education and innovation are deeply embedded in Roskilde’s identity. Lifelong learning is a priority, with 11% of citizens engaged in formal education beyond their initial studies. The city prides itself on accessibility to higher education, with no income required to cover study costs. A well-educated population supports Roskilde’s knowledge economy, with 20% holding a master’s degree. With 86% of residents speaking at least one foreign language and 98% possessing digital skills, Roskilde is well-equipped for the demands of a globalized world. The city fosters innovation, granting 6.34 patents per 10,000 residents, reinforcing its reputation as a centre for research and development.
Governance and transparency are key priorities for Roskilde’s administration. The city maintains a strong commitment to open data, regularly updating its digital platforms with accessible information for residents. Electronic payments for municipal services streamline governance, while an officially adopted development strategy ensures Roskilde’s growth is well-planned and sustainable. Citizens benefit from digital services that facilitate interactions with local authorities, reinforcing the city’s efficient and responsive governance model.
Health and well-being are at the forefront of Roskilde’s priorities. The city provides universal medical insurance and has 4.4 doctors per 1,000 residents, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access. Life expectancy stands at 81.05 years, while 22% of the population faces obesity-related health challenges. Mental health services are well-developed, with 17.8% of adults receiving coordinated care. However, Roskilde faces challenges in mental health, with a suicide attempt rate of 1.22 per 1,000 residents, highlighting the need for continued social support initiatives.
Roskilde’s mobility and transport infrastructure is built for efficiency. The city embraces digital payment solutions, offering electronic payments via mobile apps, transport cards, and bank cards for seamless access to public transportation. An intelligent traffic management system enhances urban mobility, ensuring minimal congestion and optimal transport efficiency. As Roskilde continues to develop, further improvements in connectivity will strengthen its appeal as a commuter-friendly city.
Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of Roskilde’s urban policies. The city actively promotes renewable energy and efficient electricity use, with an impressive efficiency rate of 0.08 per GDP. With an average PM10 pollution level of 17, Roskilde enjoys excellent air quality. Waste management is highly effective, with each resident generating just 0.01 tons of waste annually and a recycling rate of 52%. Sewage treatment services cover 95% of the population, ensuring high environmental standards and a commitment to ecological responsibility.
Roskilde’s economy is both globally connected and locally resilient. However, earnings in Roskilde deviate by -32% relative to the national average, presenting an economic challenge in terms of wage growth and employment opportunities. Despite this, Roskilde remains a dynamic business hub with a growing economy, leveraging its strong governance, education, and sustainability policies.