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Would it surprise you that Greenland looks white on the map due to glaciers and ice, while the country of Iceland appears green? However, Greenland is at the forefront of climate change research because of its rapidly melting ice sheet which is because of the dearth of environmental conservation action by most of the nations. Read on to learn more Facts about Greenland.
Facts about Greenland
Table of Contents
In addition, here are some facts about Greenland!
- Greenland covers an area of 21,66,086 km and is the largest island that is not a continent on our globe!
- The forests in Greenland cover only 0.00054% of its entire land and are one of the least forested regions in the world.
- Even though only 20% of Greenland is green, the name has been said to come about by to trick settlers into coming and living there.
- Even though pop-culture calls the native people Eskimos, they prefer being called Kalaallit.
- Interestingly, there are no roads in Greenland that connect its towns! People mostly use boats, sledge dogs or planes. Additionally, there are more boats than cars in this country!
- Greenland has only 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, Kujataa subarctic farming landscape and Aasivissuit which is a Nipisat hunting ground.
- This part of the world, in the summer, has the midnight sun as the sun never sets. On the other hand, during the winter there are polar nights with no sunlight at all.
- The towns of Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat are the best places to see the Northern Lights.
- Being where the location of Greenland is, growing plants is not that easy. Therefore, for ages, hunting reindeer, seals and others, has always been the main option.
- In 1985, Thue Christiansen a Greenlander, designed their flag which is white and red with no green.
- At 3,694 meters or 12,119 feet, Mount Gunnbjorn is the highest mountain in the country of Greenland.
- Greenland is the 2nd country in the world with the least arable land, being just 0.57%.
- The oldest house in Greenland was built in 1728 and is Hans Egede’s house.
- Greenland has around 2,200 polar bears on its west coast.
- Interestingly, football is their national sport, however, because of the climatic conditions, it is played on artificial turf!
- Shockingly, Greenland lost 3,902 gigatons of ice between 1992 and 2018 which contributed to global sea-level rise.
- There is no military force in Greenland.
- The top exports are non-fillet frozen fish and crustaceans, while the main imports are refined petroleum and aircraft parts.
- In 2024, the population of Greenland is 56,789 people with Nuuk being both the capital and the largest city.
- Although part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland has an active independence movement and was granted home rule in 1979.
- The Danish krone is the official currency of Greenland.
- The literacy rate in Greenland is 100%!
- Nuuk is one of the world’s smallest capitals by population!
- The Northern Lights can be seen from September to April!
- Nuuk is the oldest city in Greenland and was founded in 1728.
- Even with the icy environment, Greenland has different wildlife such as reindeer, arctic foxes, and various bird species!
- Greenland’s ice sheet is the second largest in the world and covers about 80% of the country.
- Kalaallisut is the official language of Greenland!
- Fishing is the main industry and contributes mostly to Greenland’s economy.
- Due to the harsh climate, agriculture is limited but they do have sheep farming and some vegetable cultivation.
- Even though you might believe that because of the cold penguins live in Greenland, it is untrue! There are no native penguins there.
- Inuit culture is greatly rooted in Greenlandic society, continuing with traditional practices like kayaking which originated here.
- Greenland has an Arctic to sub-Arctic climate and temperatures differ a lot between the coast and the interior of the country.
- The 21st of June is Greenland’s National Day and celebrates their autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark.
- Greenland is one of the world’s largest producers of icebergs!
- The average life expectancy in Greenland is 72.85% in 2024.
- Sled dogs who are also known as Greenland Huskies are an important part of Greenlandic life!
- Suaasat is a traditional soup made from seal, whale, or reindeer meat and is the national dish!
- Greenland is not a member of the European Union and left the EEC in 1985.
- Greenland has one of the lowest population densities in the world!
- Christianity and in particular the Evangelical Lutheran Church is the prevalent religion.
- Most of Greenland’s terrain has fjords, glaciers, and rugged mountains!
- Across Greenland, there are educational programmes which are proof of the high literacy rate!
- A substantial portion of Greenland is within the Arctic Circle, hence affecting its climate as well as daylight hours!
- Greenland has no railway system because of its challenging geography.
- Norse explorer Erik the Red is credited with naming and settling in Greenland around the year 985!
- The Arctic Circle Trail is one of the most famous hiking trails and has a captivating natural scenery!
- Like penguins, Greenland has no native trees! There are just a few imported species surviving in the harsh climate.
- Many Greenlandic settlements are remote with limited infrastructure and services.
- The Northeast Greenland National Park is the largest national park in the world and covers 9,72,000 square kilometers!
FAQs
What is Greenland best known for?
Greenland is best known for their geography and climate. Even though the country is known as Greenland, it is mostly covered in glaciers, snow and ice!
Who owns Greenland?
Officially, Greenland is owned or comes under the Kingdom of Denmark. Although, it is entirely run by the native people of Greenland itself.
What is the main food of Greenland?
Suaasat is the main food of Greenland.
Relevant Blogs
I hope you had fun reading these 50 Facts about Greenland. If you want to know more about topics like this, then visit our Interesting Facts and General Knowledge page!