Greenland - World's largest island | 80% of Greenland is covered by the massive Ice Sheet

Greenland is unique part of the world, known for its vast ice sheet, rugged landscapes, and distinct culture.

Geography and Size:

World's Largest Island: Greenland holds the title of the world's largest island that is not a continent (Australia is a continent).

Ice-Covered: Approximately 80% of Greenland is covered by the massive Greenland Ice Sheet, the second-largest ice body in the world after Antarctica. In some places, the ice can be over 3,000 meters thick.

Coastal Settlements: The ice-free areas are primarily narrow coastal strips, where most of the population resides, particularly on the southwest coast.

Fjords and Coastline: Greenland has an incredibly long and intricate coastline, deeply indented with numerous fjords, islands, and skerries, shaped by extensive glacial action.

Highest Point: Gunnbjørn's Fjeld is the highest point in Greenland, reaching 3,693 meters (12,116 feet).

Climate:

 Arctic and Subarctic: Greenland has a largely Arctic to subarctic climate.

Cold Winters, Cool Summers: Winters are long, dark, and very cold, with temperatures often dropping to -50°C in inland areas. Summers are short and cool, with coastal temperatures rarely exceeding 10-15°C.

Gulf Stream Influence: The west coast experiences relatively milder winter temperatures due to the influence of the warm Gulf Stream from the Atlantic Ocean.

Dramatic Contrasts: The extreme northern latitudes lead to dramatic seasonal changes, including the phenomenon of the midnight sun in summer (when the sun never sets) and the polar night in winter (when the sun never rises).

Population and Culture:

Sparse Population: With around 57,000 inhabitants (2025 est.), Greenland has the lowest population density of any country in the world.

Indigenous Roots: The majority of the population are Inuit, descended from the Thule culture who migrated from North America. Their culture is deeply connected to the Arctic environment, with traditional activities like hunting and fishing still important.

Language: Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) is the official language. Danish is also widely spoken.

Capital: Nuuk is the capital and largest city, home to a significant portion of the population.

Government and Political Status:

Part of the Kingdom of Denmark: Greenland is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Self-Governance: It has extensive self-governance, with its own government (Naalakkersuisut) and parliament (Inatsisartut).

Danish Responsibilities: Denmark remains responsible for foreign affairs, defense, and monetary policy.

EU Status: Greenland is not a member of the European Union, having withdrawn in 1985 after a referendum, primarily due to concerns about fisheries policy.

Economy:

Fishing Dominates: The economy heavily relies on the fishing industry, particularly shrimp and fish exports, which account for over 90% of Greenland's exports.

Danish Subsidies: Greenland receives a substantial annual block grant from the Danish government, which makes up a significant portion of its government revenue and GDP. While efforts are being made to reduce this dependency, it remains crucial.

Tourism: Tourism is a growing sector, with increasing numbers of visitors drawn to Greenland's unique Arctic landscapes, wildlife (polar bears, seals, whales), and cultural experiences.

Natural Resources: Greenland is rich in natural resources, including potential oil and gas reserves, and various minerals (zinc, lead, iron ore, gold, rare earth minerals). Exploration and mining are emerging sectors with significant future potential, though they also raise environmental concerns.

Hunting: Hunting (seals, whales, reindeer, musk ox) continues to be an important source of food and income, particularly in traditional communities.

Environmental Significance:

Climate Change Impact: Greenland is on the front lines of climate change. The melting of its ice sheet is a significant contributor to global sea-level rise and is closely monitored by scientists worldwide.

Unique Ecosystems: The vast, pristine Arctic environment supports unique wildlife and ecosystems, making it a critical area for environmental research and conservation.

Greenland is a land of incredible natural beauty, cultural richness, and significant global importance, particularly in the context of climate change and Arctic geopolitics.