Danish Gold Coast: Map & History
The Danish Gold Coast comprised the colonies that Denmark–Norway controlled in Africa as a part of the Gold Coast, which is on the Gulf of Guinea.
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The Danish Gold Coast comprised the colonies that Denmark–Norway controlled in Africa as a part of the Gold Coast, which is on the Gulf of Guinea. It was colonized by the Dano-Norwegian fleet, first under indirect rule by the Danish West India Company, later as a crown colony of the kingdom of Denmark-Norway. The area under Danish influence was over 10,000 square kilometres, with an estimated population of approximately 40,000 in 1837.
Danish Gold Coast in Depth
History
Scandinavian participation in trade and settlement along the Gold Coast began relatively late compared to other Western European powers. Denmark–Norway and Sweden were geographically distant from West Africa and only entered the region after Portuguese, Dutch, and English interests were already established. Once they did, their presence contributed to growing rivalry between the two Scandinavian kingdoms.
It is likely that individual Scandinavian sailors had taken part in earlier Portuguese or Dutch expeditions along the West African coast, and some may even have engaged in piracy or private trading. However, such activities were typically undocumented, particularly when secrecy was required to avoid detection by rival European powers.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia: Danish Gold Coast (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Danish Gold Coast: Key Facts
| Capital | Osu |
|---|---|
| Official language | Danish |
| Currency | Danish rigsdaler |
| Founded | 1658 |
| Dissolved | 1850 |
Facts from Wikidata Q770833 (CC0).
Danish Gold Coast Map Over Time
Dated world maps on which Danish Gold Coast appears, with the other states of the time.
Danish Gold Coast Timeline
Key historical inflections from foundation to peak territorial expansion
Expansion to peak recorded area of 1,349 km² in 1738 CE.
Danish Gold Coast: Frequently Asked Questions
When did Danish Gold Coast exist?
Danish Gold Coast is dated to 1659 CE – 1852 CE, in the Early Modern & Age of Discovery era.
What was the capital of Danish Gold Coast?
The capital of Danish Gold Coast was Fort Christiansborg (1658-1850).
How large was Danish Gold Coast at its peak?
At its peak in 1738 Danish Gold Coast covered about 1,349 km².
How did the map of Danish Gold Coast change over time?
Danish Gold Coast appears on 3 dated world maps in the atlas, from 1700 CE to 1850 CE. Each shows its borders in that year next to the other states of the time.
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