statesGreenland

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, located in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Covering approximately 2.16 million square kilometers, it is the world's largest island that is not a continent. Despite its vast area, Greenland has a small population of around 56,000 residents, primarily Inuit, with Danish and Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) as the official languages.

The territory's geography is characterized by a vast ice sheet that covers about 80% of its landmass, making it a critical area for climate research and understanding global warming. The landscape includes fjords, mountains, and tundra, with limited arable land. Greenland's climate is Arctic to sub-Arctic, with cold temperatures, especially inland and during winter months.

Economically, Greenland relies heavily on fishing, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP. Other industries include hunting, tourism, and natural resource extraction, such as minerals and potential oil reserves. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploiting Greenland’s natural resources, though concerns over environmental impacts persist.

Greenland has a degree of self-governance, with its own parliament, the Inatsisartut, which handles most domestic affairs. However, Denmark oversees defense, foreign policy, and monetary issues. The territory has been a part of the Danish realm since 1721, with Greenland transitioning to greater autonomy with the Self-Government Act of 2009.

Greenland's indigenous culture is rich and closely tied to its environment. Traditional practices, such as hunting and fishing, remain vital aspects of Greenlandic life, alongside modern developments. The territory continues to balance preservation of its cultural heritage with economic development and environmental sustainability.