The Øresund Region - two countries, one region

The Øresund Region comprises southern Sweden and the eastern part of Denmark and has a population of 3.5 million people. It is one of Europe's leading educational and scientific centres, ranking as one of the top five sources of scientific output in Europe, rivalling areas such as London and Paris. The Øresund Region is a new dynamic region and the research centre of northern Europe. The biggest city in the Øresund Region is Copenhagen. Last year the city was ranked by the global consulting firm William M. Mercer, as the second best EU capital to live in when it comes to overall quality of life.

The Øresund Region is characterized by a large international presence. Many different traditions and cultures have permeated the region, making the Øresund experience both distinctly Scandinavian, but also international. A significant reason behind the region's ability to attract international attention is its reputation as a knowledge centre. The many universities in the region have come together to form the Øresund University Consortium, and the universities embrace approximately 140,000 students and employ 10,000 researchers. This not only makes the region an attractive target for investment from industry, but also creates a thriving atmosphere for student life.

The Danish and the Swedish sides of the Øresund Region share a common history and culture, but have their own characteristic profiles. The region is tied together by many cross-border political, economical, as well as socially oriented relations. Politically there is great enthusiasm for furthering the region's growth, while at the same time paying special attention to the environment.