Greenland

Greenland is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. It is the world's largest island. Greenland is located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. It is east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and shares a small border with Canada on Hans Island. The capital and largest city is Nuuk.

Historically, Greenland has been home to people for over 4,500 years. These people came from Canada. Norsemen from Norway also lived in southern Greenland long ago. In 1814, Greenland became part of Denmark. Today, Greenland has its own local government called the Naalakkersuisut. Denmark still helps with some important matters.

Most people in Greenland are Inuit. The population is small, with only about 56,583 people. Most live on the southwest coast. Greenland offers free education and healthcare. It also supports LGBTQ rights in Greenland. About 67% of its electricity comes from renewable energy, mainly from hydropower.

Etymology

The early Norse settlers named the island Greenland. A man named Erik the Red chose this name when he settled there, hoping it would sound friendly and attract more people. In the Greenlandic language, the country is called Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning "land of the Kalaallit." This refers to the main group of Greenlandic Inuit who live in western Greenland. The word Nunaat means only the land, not the waters or ice around it.

History

Main article: History of Greenland

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Greenland.

Early Palaeo-Inuit cultures

Long ago, Greenland was home to several early groups known as the Palaeo-Inuit. The first of these groups arrived around 2500 BC. From 2500 BC to 800 BC, southern and western Greenland had a group called the Saqqaq culture. Most discoveries from this time are near Disko Bay.

From 2400 BC to 1300 BC, another group called the Independence I culture lived in northern Greenland. They were part of the Arctic small-tool tradition. Towns like Deltaterrasserne were built. Around 800 BC, the Saqqaq culture ended, and new groups like the Early Dorset culture and the Independence II culture appeared. The Dorset people mainly hunted seals and reindeer.

Norse settlement

Main article: Norse settlements in Greenland

In 986, people from Iceland and Norway led by Erik the Red settled the west coast. They created three areas to live called the Eastern Settlement, the Western Settlement, and the Middle Settlement. They lived near the southwestern part of the island. The Norse shared the land with the Dorset culture in the north and west, and later with the Thule culture from the north. In 1261, Norse Greenlanders became part of Norway. Norway later joined Denmark in 1380 and became part of the Kalmar Union in 1397.

These Norse settlements disappeared during the 14th and early 15th centuries. The cold weather likely made it hard for them to stay.

Thule culture

The Thule people are the ancestors of today's Greenlandic people. The Thule culture moved eastward from Alaska around 1000 AD and reached Greenland around 1300. They brought new ideas like dog sleds and toggling harpoons to Greenland.

European interest

In 1500, King Manuel I of Portugal sent Gaspar Corte-Real to Greenland to find a way to Asia called the Northwest Passage. In 1605–1607, King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway sent trips to Greenland to find the lost Norse settlement and claim Danish-Norwegian control.

Treaty of Kiel to World War II (1814–1945)

See also: Greenland in World War II

In 1814, when Denmark and Norway separated, Greenland became part of Denmark under the Treaty of Kiel. In 1940, when Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany, Greenland's link to Denmark ended. The United States occupied Greenland in 1941 to protect it.

United States and the Cold War

In 1946, the United States offered to buy Greenland from Denmark, but Denmark said no. In 1951, Denmark and the United States agreed that the U.S. could keep its military bases in Greenland.

Home rule and self-rule (1945–present)

In 1953, Greenland became part of Denmark, not a colony anymore. In 1979, Greenland got more control over its own matters, like some laws and policies. In 2009, Greenland gained even more self-rule, taking charge of its own courts and resources. Denmark still handles foreign affairs and defence. Greenland has free education and healthcare, and LGBTQ rights in Greenland are strong. The University of Greenland opened in 1987.

Geography

Main articles: Geography of Greenland and Climate of Greenland

See also: Climate of the Arctic § Greenland, Administrative divisions of Greenland, and Territorial claims in the Arctic

Greenland is the world's largest non-continental island. It lies between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. The Arctic Ocean is to the north, the Greenland Sea is to the east, and the North Atlantic Ocean is to the southeast. The closest countries are Canada to the west and Iceland to the southeast.

The Greenland ice sheet covers most of the island. The highest point is Gunnbjørn Fjeld, which is 3,700 m (12,100 ft) tall. Towns and villages are along the coast where there is no ice, mostly on the west coast. The northeastern part of Greenland has Northeast Greenland National Park, the world's largest national park.

Government and politics

Main article: Politics of Greenland

See also: 2025 Greenlandic general election, Greenland and the European Union, and Politics of Denmark

The government of Greenland, called Naalakkersuisut, takes care of local matters. The leader of this government is called the Premier. Greenland has its own parliament, called Inatsisartut, with 31 members.

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and King Frederik X is the head of state. The king’s job is mostly symbolic now, but Denmark still has some say in Greenland’s affairs. Greenland has become more independent over time, especially after laws in 2009 let it manage more of its own areas.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Greenland

Greenland's economy relies on money from Denmark, which helps pay for about a third of the government's spending. Fishing is the most important job, making up over 90% of what Greenland sells to other countries. Shrimp and fish are the main things caught, and fishing rules protect the environment.

Greenland has many minerals, but mining has not been very successful. Most electricity comes from hydropower, and there are plans for more to help industries like making aluminium. The government, supported by Denmark, is a big part of the economy. Even with problems like the pandemic, Greenland's economy has done well recently because of strong fishing and good investments.

Transport

Main articles: Transport in Greenland and List of airports in Greenland

The best way to travel in Greenland is by air, both inside the country and to other places. There are also boats, but they take a long time because Greenland is very big and has many fjords. There are very few roads between towns, with only a short gravel road connecting two small places. Most airports have short runways and can only handle small planes. Nuuk Airport is the main place for flights, and Air Greenland is the country's airline.

Tourism

Tourism in Greenland grew a lot between 2015 and 2019, but it slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Greenland wants to grow tourism in a way that is good for the environment and lasts a long time.

Mining

Greenland has many minerals, but it is hard to mine them because of the weather and the need to protect the environment. Only a few mines are active, and experts think mining will not become a big part of the economy for many years. Some mining of ruby and gold has happened, but it is still small.

Demographics

For statistics on demographics, see Demographics of Greenland.

See also: List of Greenlanders, Greenlandic Inuit, and Danish people in Greenland

Population

In 2025, Greenland had a population of 56,542. Most people live along the fjords in the south-west of the main island, where the climate is milder. The people are mostly Greenlandic Inuit, with many also having Danish or other European ancestry.

Languages

Greenlandic became the official language in 2009, and most people speak it along with Danish. Danish is still used in schools and jobs. English is also taught in schools.

Religion

Most people in Greenland follow Protestantism, mainly through the Church of Denmark. There are also small groups of other Christian denominations, followers of Inuit religion, and people with no religious beliefs.

Education

Education in Greenland is similar to Denmark’s. Children go to school for ten years, and there are options for further training or university. The main university is in Nuuk. Many students also go to universities in Denmark.

Culture

See also: Human rights in Denmark § Indigenous rights

Greenlandic culture mixes old Inuit traditions with Scandinavian influences. The Inuit, or Kalaallit, have a rich artistic history. They create special carvings called tupilak from materials like sperm whale ivory. Their art includes sculptures that tell stories of spirits and myths.

Music in Greenland blends old and new styles. Traditional Inuit drum dances and songs, known as qilaatersorneq, are important. Today, Greenland has many modern musicians and bands, such as Sumé and Nanook, who perform in Greenlandic and celebrate their heritage. Sport is also important in Greenland. Popular activities include association football, handball, and skiing. Handball is often called the national sport.