Greenland, recognized as the largest island on Earth, is a vast land that combines breathtaking landscapes and a unique cultural identity. Nestled between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, this island is known for its rugged terrain and sparse population. This article seeks to demystify Greenland by answering common questions about its geography, people, and historical significance.
What Is Greenland, and Who Owns It?
Greenland operates as an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Although it governs most of its domestic affairs, Denmark is still responsible for its military defense and foreign diplomacy. This arrangement means Greenland enjoys a substantial degree of self-governance while remaining under the Danish crown.
Located in the northeastern part of North America, Greenland primarily lies within the Arctic Circle. Despite being geographically part of North America, its political and historical ties with Europe, through Denmark, are strong.
The Origins of Greenland’s Name
Why is it called Greenland? The story goes back to the Norse explorers, specifically Erik the Red. He named it ‘Greenland,’ despite its extensive ice cover, hoping to attract settlers with the promise of lush, fertile land. While this might have been a bit of marketing flair, the name has stuck through the centuries.
How big is Greenland?
Greenland’s size is often a point of astonishment. It spans roughly 2.16 million square kilometers, making it the largest island if Australia is considered a continent. However, its ice cap, which covers 81% of the island, means that its habitable area is much smaller than the total land mass suggests.
To put Greenland’s size into perspective, it is about one-third the size of the United States. This comparison helps illustrate the vastness of Greenland’s icy expanse, which is a defining feature of the island.
Greenland’s Population and Language
Despite its large area, Greenland has a small population. Only about 56,000 people live here, making it one of the least densely populated regions in the world. The majority reside in small towns and villages along the coast, with about one-third of the population living in the capital city, Nuuk.
The primary language is Greenlandic, which belongs to the Eskimo-Aleut language family. This language is an important part of the local culture and identity, reflecting the heritage of the Inuit, who are the indigenous people of Greenland. Danish is also widely spoken and is used in administrative and educational contexts.
Historical Milestones of Greenland
Greenland’s discovery is attributed to the Norse explorer Erik the Red, who arrived on its shores around 982. The island came under Norwegian influence in the early centuries following its discovery and later became a part of the Danish realm in the early 18th century. Its strategic geographical location gained special importance during historical events such as World War II and the Cold War.
Throughout its history, Greenland has evolved from a distant outpost of Viking explorers to a territory with a distinct identity, striving for more self-determination while balancing its historical ties with Denmark.