Denmark is a happy place

If you are frightened of your mortality, you might consider a move to Denmark, after a study revealed it officially has the lowest death rate in the country.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Deaths Australia 2011 report, released last Thursday, showed the Shire of Denmark last year had the lowest rate of deaths out of any local government area in Australia.

The figures show Denmark’s death rate for 2011 was 3.1 per 1000 people, with the national average almost double that at 5.6.

Denmark’s death rate has decreased steadily over the past four years, from 6.0 in 2008, 5.4 in 2009, 4.1 in 2010 to the latest figure of 3.1.

The findings seem to cement the Shire’s reputation as one of the safest areas around, with WA Police figures released earlier this year revealing Denmark has one of the lowest crime rates in WA, and a Deakin University study revealing the town was among the “happiest” areas in the country.

But what’s the secret?

Shire chief executive Dale Stewart said Denmark was renowned as a place which reinvigorated the senses.

“Denmark has the highest median age in WA at 47 and yet we have the lowest mortality, that’s almost contradictory,” he said.

“There must be something to be said for living in a healthy environment and one that soothes the spirit and the soul.

“Plus we have probably one of the highest proportions of wellness occupations – and the best pies – in Australia.”

WA local governments recorded the lowest and highest death rates in the country, with the Shire of Wiluna recording 20.1.

The City of Albany’s rate was in line with the national average at 5.8, with Plantagenet recording a below-average 4.8.

An ABS spokeswoman cautioned against reading too much into death statistics in areas with relatively low populations.