Greenland

Greenland is the world’s largest island, located between the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. Geographically part of North America, it is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It covers about 2,166,000 square kilometers and is largely covered by an ice sheet that stretches toward the coast in many areas. The population is roughly 56,000, concentrated mainly along the southwest coast, and Nuuk is the capital and largest city.

Greenland’s official language is Greenlandic (Kalaallisut); Danish is also widely used, and English is common in education and business. The territory operates a parliamentary constitutional system within the Danish realm. Since 2009 it has self-government, with Denmark retaining responsibility for defense, foreign policy, and monetary issues. The head of government is the prime minister; the monarch of Denmark is the head of state.

Its economy is dominated by fishing and fish processing, which account for the majority of exports. Other sectors include mining, tourism, and public services. Energy is primarily generated from hydroelectric power. The currency is the Danish krone, and economic ties are strongest with Denmark and other Nordic countries. Climate change is affecting ice cover and coastal communities.

Geographically, Greenland contains a vast ice sheet covering the interior and a rugged coastline with fjords, mountains, and tundra. The climate ranges from Arctic to subarctic, with long winter nights and brief summer days. Human settlement dates back thousands of years, with Norse and Inuit cultures contributing to a distinctive Greenlandic heritage.