Greenland, the world’s largest island that is not a continent, holds a unique and fascinating position both geographically and politically.

With a population of approximately 56,000, Greenland enjoys a high degree of self-governance, yet remains an integral part of the Realm of Denmark.

Despite the vast distance of about 3,532 kilometers between Greenland and Denmark’s capitals, the two have been politically and culturally intertwined for over a millennium. Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, at which point it was redefined as a district of Denmark. In addition to its autonomous local government, Greenland is represented by two members in Denmark's national parliament, the Folketing!

12 Facts about Greenland That You Might Not Know

Video by Learning Canteen

The People of Greenland

The people of Greenland are descendants of the Thule culture, who migrated to the island in the 1200s AD. This migration followed earlier waves of Inuit groups, who arrived approximately 4,000-5,000 years ago from North America, crossing the frozen strait of Thule in northern Greenland. Alongside these Inuit settlers, the Norwegian Viking Erik the Red established Norse settlements in the southern part of Greenland, which eventually disappeared around 1500 AD, the reasons for which remain a topic of scholarly debate.

Greenland’s current population is predominantly Inuit, with a cultural heritage deeply linked to the Thule culture. The harsh Arctic environment has shaped the way of life in Greenland, with most inhabitants residing along the coast in settlements and cities. Historically, hunting, particularly of seals and whales, and fishing have been the cornerstone of survival. Due to the limited length of the summer and the extreme climate, agriculture is virtually impossible except in the far south, where sheep farming is practiced.

Nature and Environment

Greenland’s natural beauty is one of its most captivating features. Its vast landscapes include majestic glaciers, rugged fjords, towering mountains, and a diverse array of wildlife. The icebergs, which float along the coastline, are one of the island’s most iconic natural phenomena.

These enormous ice masses, some rising several stories above sea level, are a result of the continuous movement of the Greenlandic ice cap, which covers the majority of the island. Interestingly, only about 10% of an iceberg is visible above the surface of the ocean, with the majority of its mass hidden beneath the water.

However, in recent years, the health of Greenland’s ice cap has been a cause for concern. Climate change, primarily driven by human activity, has led to accelerated melting. According to studies published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Letters, the Greenlandic ice cap is losing approximately 110 million Olympic-size swimming pools' worth of water every year. This significant loss of ice has far-reaching implications, contributing to rising global sea levels.

The Self-Government Act and Politics

Greenland's political landscape has undergone significant changes over the past few decades. While Greenland was governed by Denmark from the early 18th century, home rule was introduced in 1979, giving the island more autonomy. This was further expanded in 2009 with the passing of the Self-Government Act, which allowed Greenland to take on additional responsibilities in governance. However, certain areas such as foreign policy, defense, and security remain under Denmark's control.

Greenlandic is the official language of the island, reflecting the country’s deep cultural roots. The Self-Government Act also affirmed Greenland’s right to make decisions regarding natural resources and other domestic matters, although the island’s dependence on Denmark remains strong, particularly in terms of financial support.

Greenland Today

Today, Greenland is a blend of modern infrastructure and traditional lifestyles. In urban areas, contemporary amenities such as educational institutions, shopping centers, and healthcare services are widely accessible. Greenland's public services, including healthcare, education, and pensions, are fully funded by the government, with significant financial contributions from Denmark.

At the same time, many of Greenland’s small towns continue to preserve traditional practices, such as seal hunting, which remains a primary source of income for some communities. Fishing is still the most important economic activity on the island, with the seafood industry being a key driver of Greenland’s economy. However, the fishing sector alone no longer provides the same level of employment it once did, prompting the Greenlandic government to explore alternative industries, particularly mining.

Greenland is rich in mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, lead, zinc, and natural gas, and the government is actively seeking foreign investment to help develop this sector.

Tourism and Economic Prospects

Tourism has been a growing sector in Greenland’s economy. Since 2000, the number of foreign overnight visitors has increased by over 50%, while the number of cruise line passengers visiting the island has surged by approximately 150%. Tourists are drawn to Greenland’s stunning natural beauty, including the sight of drifting icebergs, the chance to observe wildlife such as humpback whales, polar bears, musk oxen, walruses, reindeer, and sea eagles, and the opportunity to experience the magical Northern Lights.

Greenland's economy, while historically reliant on fishing, is evolving with new prospects in mineral extraction and tourism. However, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability remains a critical challenge, especially as climate change continues to impact the island’s fragile ecosystems.

Greenland's unique blend of modernity and tradition, combined with its stunning natural environment, makes it a fascinating destination. Despite the challenges posed by its Arctic climate, the people of Greenland have thrived through resilience and adaptability. As the island looks to the future, it will likely continue to evolve as it navigates the complexities of self-governance, economic development, and environmental conservation.

The changes in Greenland's political and economic landscape, alongside its incredible natural beauty, ensure that the island will remain a subject of both scholarly interest and tourist fascination for years to come!