The Öresund Region is an excellent example of European cross-border interdependence. The region, which in the past was part of a single country, today encompasses the Danish islands Zealand, Lolland, Bornholm, Falster and Mön, and the southern part of Sweden, Scania. The development of the Öresund Region is a result of intense co-operation between Sweden and Denmark. In 2000, both countries together built the Öresund Bridge, linking Copenhagen and Malmö. Today, the Region is a hub for economic and cultural activity, an area of fast growth and development, with Copenhagen as a natural capital. Swedes and Danes migrate or just commute over the border in order to work, study, and shop. Numerous leading international companies choose to settle down in the area.
The Öresund Bridge in fact connects two countries, Denmark and Sweden. It is a combined bridge and tunnel and one of the largest constructions in Europe with its 8 kilometre bridge, 4 kilometres artificially made island, called Pepparholmen, and a 4 kilometres long tunnel. The bridge makes Öresund Region one of the most important and dynamic areas in Europe in terms of growth and environment. Around 3.5 million people live within a radius of about 100 km. They cross the bridge by car or take the Öresund-train from Malmö Central Station, Trialgeln Station or Hyllie Station to Copenhagen International Airport and to the city center of Copenhagen in less than 20 minutes.
