The study is a comparative effectiveness study with comparision of two cohorts of patients with stroke in North of Norway and in Denmark. At baseline information is collected from the stroke registries in both countries. Time points for follow up are at 3 and 12 months post-stroke. Data are collected from medical charts and with use of telephone interview in addition to self-report questionnaires. The study will provide information about mortality, functional status and quality of life. Information about rehabilitation services in both countries are collected and compared, and analysed in relation to patients outcome.