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GREENLAND

The number of islands in the world is a fascinating subject, as it encompasses a wide variety of landforms, from the tropical paradises that dot the oceans to the remote and rugged outcrops in the high seas. As of 2024, it is estimated that there are approximately 900,000 islands on Earth. This figure includes all types of islands, from those that are permanently inhabited to those that are only transiently above water due to tidal changes. The definition of an island can vary, but it is generally accepted to be a landmass smaller than a continent and completely surrounded by water. Norway is reported to have the most islands of any country, with an estimated 239,057, followed closely by Sweden with 221,831, and Finland with around 40,000. Canada, with its vast coastlines and archipelagos, reports 52,455 islands and could potentially have many more if islets and cays were included in its count. These numbers reflect not only the geographical diversity of our planet but also the different criteria countries use to classify their islands. Some countries may count even the smallest islets, while others may only consider landmasses that can support independent vegetation or are large enough for a tree to take root. The Scandinavian countries, with their rocky coasts, have formed thousands of tiny rock islands, most of which are uninhabitable. In contrast, Canada is home to some of the world's largest islands by square mileage, such as Baffin Island, Victoria Island, and Ellesmere Island, which have a combined population of just over 15,000 people. Additionally, Canada boasts the largest uninhabited island, Devon Island, which is nearly the size of Croatia. These statistics not only tell us about the number of islands but also hint at the complexity of human settlement and the adaptability of life in diverse environments. Islands have been central to human history, serving as homes, havens, and hubs of biodiversity. They continue to capture our imagination and play a crucial role in the ecological and cultural tapestry of our world.

The Giant

The title of the world's largest island is held by Greenland. This massive landmass spans an area of approximately 2,130,800 square kilometers. Greenland is North American island and autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland stands out not only for its size but also for its distinctive geographical features. The island is predominantly covered by ice, with its vast ice sheet being second only to Antarctica's in terms of size. Despite its icy landscape, Greenland is home to a population of around 57,000 people, most of whom are Inuit. This autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark is known for its sparse population and dramatic natural scenery, including immense glaciers and expansive tundra.

Greenland's position in the North Atlantic Ocean, lying between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, contributes to its unique climate and ecosystem. The island's ice sheet has a significant impact on global sea levels and is a critical area of study for climate scientists monitoring the effects of climate change.

The concept of what constitutes an island can sometimes lead to confusion, as continental landmasses like Australia are often referred to as islands due to their surrounding water bodies. However, for the purposes of classification, Australia is considered a continent rather than an island, leaving Greenland with the clear distinction of being the world's largest island.

Exploring Greenland offers a glimpse into a part of the world where nature's forces are both beautiful and formidable. Its status as the largest island is a reminder of the planet's diverse landscapes and the many wonders yet to be fully understood by humankind.

More About The Giant: The Climate

Greenland’s northernmost point is just 708 km away from the North Pole and forms part of the Arctic Circle. While the noun Arctic refers to that geographical area, “arctic” is also widely recognized as an adjective to describe something as “extremely cold”. With that in mind, Greenland’s climate can definitely be described as arctic.

While Greenland may look all white on a map due its Ice Sheet, it may come as surprise that the land’s weather depends heavily on whether you live north or south of the country, or in the end of one valley or the next. One thing you should know wherever you are: the weather is unpredictable and can shift with no notice.

Greenland's climate is primarily a tundra climate on the coasts, characterized by short, cool summers and long, moderately cold winters. The inland areas experience an ice cap climate, with temperatures remaining below freezing throughout the year. Influenced by the Gulf Stream, Greenland's coastal winter temperatures are relatively mild for its latitude, with the capital, Nuuk, averaging −9°C (16°F) in winter. Summer temperatures are low, averaging around 10°C (50°F), which is too cold to support forest growth, resulting in treeless tundra landscapes. The only exception is the Qinngua Valley in the south, which hosts Greenland's only natural forest, protected from harsh winds by surrounding mountains. In the southern part of the country and the innermost parts of the long fjords, the temperature can, however, rise to more than 20°C (68°F) in June, July and August. While these temperatures may sound low, you should be aware that the weather feels wormer than the number suggests. If it is 15°C in Greenland and there is no wind, it feels as t-shirt weather due to the low humidity. Do always dress in layers!

Greenland’s climate on land is very much affected by the sea and the sun. The coastal stretches near the open sea are cooler and more humid due to the cold water or drifting ice, and the more inland you go towards the ice sheet, the warmer and dryer it gets.

80% of the surface is covered by ice which makes Greenland’s ice sheet the second one by size after that of Antarctica. The ice sheet reaches thickness of 3800 m at certain places but the glaciers are melting. Rains are also more often and severe which hastens the melting. Climate change poses a significant threat to the sheet, which, if melted, could contribute to a global sea level rise of up to 6.40 meters (21.0 ft). The sheet is the key to climate change. Its central position in the country means that it dramatically impacts the climate and the weather in Greenland. It also affects the world. In August 2021, history was made as rain fell on the high central region of the sheet. Much coverage was given to this event, although it was later identified that it wasn’t the rain that was the most important factor, but the heat leading up to the event and the darkening of meltwater.

Recent research of the ice nuclei points out that the temperatures are constantly rising since 1995. An ice nucleus is a cylindrical ice sample, derived by a deep probing of a glacier or a thick ice layer. The sharp worming in Greenland since 1995 shows that today the giant north island is 1.5 °C wormer than the average temperature for the XX century. The scientists are positive that the drastic climate change was caused by humankind.

More About The Giant: Geography

Exploring Greenland's geography is not just about understanding a place on the map; it's about discovering a unique and enduring way of life that has persisted through the ages.

The population of Greenland is just as unique as its geography. In 2022 the population of Greenland was 56,466. With a population density of 0.028 people per square kilometer, most of the inhabitants live in small settlements along the coast. Nuuk, the largest settlement and capital, is home to around 17,984 people as of 2019. It's one of the world's smallest capital cities. All of Greenland's cities are built along the 27,394-mile coastline because it is the only area in the country that is ice-free. Most of these cities are also along Greenland's west coast because the northeastern side is comprised of the Northeast Greenland National Park. The ethnic composition is predominantly Inuit, with a mix of Inuit-Danish and Inuit-European, and a smaller percentage of Europeans, mostly Danish.

Greenland's natural resources are varied and include zinc, lead, iron ore, coal, molybdenum, gold, platinum, uranium, hydropower, coal, iron ore, molybdenum, diamonds, niobium, tantalite, uranium, seals, whales, possible oil and gasand fish. These resources play a crucial role in the economy and the way of life for Greenlanders.

Greenland vegetation is distributed only in areas free of ice cover. In the extreme south, dwarf birch and spots of rowan, alder, willow and juniper, as well as aspen and other subarctic grasses are found. Along the coast up to 80° N, the tundra predominates, which in the south is shrub (dwarf birch and blueberry), and in the north – moss-lichen. The northern coast is occupied by extremely sparse vegetation, characteristic of the Arctic deserts.

The shores of the island are inhabited by reindeer, musk ox (to the north), polar bear, polar fox, polar wolf, lemming, and the coastal waters - bowhead whale, harp seal, walrus, etc., a total of 30 species of mammals. Of the birds, eiders, gulls and white partridges are especially widespread. Fish of industrial importance are tail fish, sole, ray-finned fish, Atlantic salmon, shark, shrimp.

Because of the low temperatures, its citizens can practice very little agriculture and most of its products are forage crops, greenhouse vegetables, sheep, reindeer, and fish. Greenland mostly relies on imports from other countries.

Greenland's topography is mainly flat but there is a narrow mountainous coast, with the highest point on the island's tallest mountain, Bunnbjørn Fjeld, which towers over the island nation at 12,139 feet.

Despite its remote location and extreme environment, Greenland has a rich history of exploration and a vibrant culture that is deeply connected to the land. The Greenlandic people, with their resilience and adaptability, have thrived in this land of ice and rock, where the geography shapes every aspect of life.

More About The Giant: The Towns

Nuuk

Nuuk, the capital, was founded in 1728 by the Dano-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede. The new colony was placed at the Inuit settlement of Nûk and was named Godthaab ("Good Hope"). "Nuuk" is the Greenlandic word for “cape” and is commonly found in Greenlandic place names. It is so named because of its position at the end of the Nuup Kangerlua fjord on the eastern shore of the Labrador Sea. When home rule was established in 1979, the authorization of place names was transferred to Greenlandic authorities, who subsequently preferred Greenlandic names over Danish ones. The name Godthåb mostly went out of use over the next two decades.

Although only a small town, Nuuk has developed trade, business, shipping and other industries. It began as a small fishing settlement with a harbor, but as the economy developed rapidly during the 1970s and 1980s, the fishing industry in the capital declined. The port is nevertheless still home to almost half of Greenland's fishing fleet. Seafood, including seal, is also sold in abundance in Nuuk's fish markets, the largest being Kalaaliaraq Market. The city, like much of Greenland, is heavily dependent upon Danish investment and relies on Denmark for block funding.

Nuuk has several educational institutions of higher learning. The University of Greenland, the only university in Greenland, is in Nuuk. The university was founded in 1987 and expanded in 2007 with a new building. It houses departments of journalism, management and economics, language, literature and media, cultural and social history, theology and religion and social work. Nuuk is also home to the Department of Learning, the oldest educational facility in Greenland. Other notable educational institutions include the Department of Nursing and Health Science, Nuuk Technical College and the Iron & Metal School.

In Nuuk you can visit Hans Edege’s House. It was built in 1721 by the Norwegian missionary Hans Egede and is the oldest building in Greenland. Standing close to the harbor among other old houses, it is now used for government receptions.

You can also visit Nuuk Cathedral. It was built in 1849, and the tower was added in 1884. The red building with a clock tower and steeple is a prominent site on the landscape. The church received the status of Nuuk Cathedral in 1994.

You can also visit the National Museum. It was one of the first museums established in Greenland, inaugurated in the mid-1960s. The museum has many artifacts and exhibits related to Greenland's archaeology, history, art, and handicrafts, and contains the Qilakitsoq mummies.

Sismiut

Sismiut is the second largest city. It is located in central-western Greenland, on the coast of Davis Strait, approximately 320 km north of Nuuk. literally means "the residents at the foxholes". The population of modern Greenlanders in Sisimiut is a mix of the Inuit and Danish peoples, who first settled in the area in the 1720s, under the leadership of Hans Egede.

Today, Sisimiut is the largest business centre north of the national capital of Nuuk and is one of the fastest growing cities in Greenland. Fishing is the principal industry in Sisimiut, although the town has a growing industrial base. Architecturally, Sisimiut is a mix of traditional, single-family houses, and communal housing, with apartment blocks raised in the 1960s during a period of the town expansion. Sisimiut is still expanding, with the area north of the port, on the shore of the small Kangerluarsunnguaq Bay reserved for a modern suburb-style housing slated for construction in the 2010s. Several professional and general schools are based in Sisimiut, providing education to the inhabitants of the city and to those from smaller settlements in the region.

The city is the northernmost year-round ice-free port in the country, a shipping base for western and northwestern Greenland. Supply ships head from the commercial port towards smaller settlements in more remote regions of the country.

Immediately to the north of the town, a small inlet of Davis Strait, the Kangerluarsunnguaq Bay, separates it from the Palasp Qaqqaa massif in the north, at the southern foot of which the town airport is located. The 544 m high twin summit reveals a wide view in all directions.

The bay is navigable in its entirety, protected from the open sea by a series of skerries in the west. Both the local port and the local sailing harbor are located on the southern shore of the bay. The road to the airport passes through the bridge over the Kangerluarsunnguaq Bay. Halfway between the town and the airport there is a small beach of dark sand. The beach, as well as the skerries off the coast, are very popular in the summer.

To the east, a wide valley extends into the interior of the peninsula, bounded from the north by the conjoint massif of Palasip Qaqqaa and Majoriaq.

In the middle of the valley towers the Alanngorsuaq mountain (411 m), surrounded by several lakes, one of which serves Sisimiut town as a water reservoir. The valley is a popular picnic destination.

With 5,582 inhabitants in 2020, Sisimiut is one of the fastest-growing towns in Greenland, with migrants from the smaller settlements reinforcing the trend. Apart from Kangerlussuaq, it is the only settlement in the Qeqqata municipality exhibiting stable growth patterns over the last two decades.

Fishing is the principal industry in Sisimiut, with harvested stocks ofshrimps, salmon, halibut and cod. The Royal Greenland fish processing plant at the port is the largest within Greenland and is amongst the most modern shrimp-shelling factories in the world.

Located in a historical building near the harbor, the town museum specializes in Greenlandic trade, industry and shipping, with artifacts based on ten years of archaeological research and excavations of the ancient Saqqaq culture settlements nearby and offers an insight into the culture of the region of 4,000 years ago.

The museum also hosts a collection of tools and domestic items collected during 1902–22, an inventory from the Old Church with the original altarpiece dated to approximately 1650, and paintings from the 1790s. The peat house reconstruction of an early 20th-century Greenlandic residence with domestic furniture is part of an outdoor exhibition. The exhibition includes the remains of a kayak from the 18th century and the Poul Madsen collection of handcraft, art, house items and ethnographic objects compiled over fifty years.

The modern Taseralic Culture Centre is located in the eastern part of Sisimiut, on the shore of the Nalunnguarfik lake. The centre often hosts traveling theatre troupes as well as concerts, from classical to folk music. The Sisimiut Culture Day on 21 November is also celebrated there. Greenlandic handicrafts, created in a workshop located in an old warehouse on the old harbor, are sold in the Greenland Travel Incoming's Arts n' Craft, and in several small shops along the main street.

Interesting fact: The town has a heated open-air swimming pool, which is supported on stilts so that the heat does not melt the permafrost.

ILULISSAT

Ilulissat is the third largest city in Greenland. Its population was 4670 in 2020. The city is home to almost as many sled-dogs as people. In direct translation, Ilulissat is the Kalaalissut word for “Icebergs”. The nearby Ilulissat icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has made Ilulissat the most popular tourist destination in Greenland. Tourism is now the town's principal industry. The city neighbours the Ilulissat Icefjord, where there are enormous icebergs from the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere.

The town was established in 1741. The Zion Church was built in the late 18th century, and was the largest man-made structure in Greenland at the time.

Ilulissat has a tundra climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Ilulissat is one of the driest settlements in Greenland, receiving only 271 millimetres or 10.67 inches of precipitation. Ilulissat is also one of the sunniest settlements in Greenland, especially during summer. Interestingly, March is the coldest month in Ilulissat despite similar locations experiencing February as the coldest month of the year.

Ilulissat Airport is located 2.8 km (1.7 mi) to the northeast of the town center and was built in 1983. It serves Ilulissat with connections to towns in northwestern and midwestern Greenland.

The Arctic Umiaq ferry links Ilulissat with Sisimiut, Nuuk, and other towns and settlements on the western and southwestern coast of Greenland.

THE CULTURE

Discover the Greenlandic culture which is is a vibrant blend of traditional Inuit practices and modern influences. While the Inuit heritage remains deeply ingrained in the fabric of society, contemporary Greenlandic culture has evolved and adapted to the changing world.

The culture of Greenland has much in common with Greenlandic Inuit tradition, as the majority of people are descended from Inuit. Many people still go ice fishing and there are annual dog-sled races in which everyone with a team participates.

Inuit account for 81% (2005) of the population of Greenland. Hunting is iconic to their culture and most Greenlanders still hunt at least part-time to supplement their diet and provide skins for clothing and kayaks.

The northwest corner of Greenland is known as the Thule region. It is roughly the size of Germany, but inhabited by less than 1,000 people. Currently, though most families in the Thule region need at least one member in salaried employment in order to pay for electricity and other modern amenities, hunting remains a revered profession. Hunters still wear hand-made polar bear, skin garments, caribou anoraks and skin boots for warmth on winter hunting trips. Many of the men maintain world-class kayaking and harpoon-throwing skills.

Hunting is also very important from a cultural perspective. In a society such as Greenland, which for centuries was based on subsistence hunting (until about 50 years ago), hunting is still of great cultural importance. Irrespective of the fact that most live like wage-earners in a modern industrial society, many Greenlanders' identity is still deeply rooted in the hunting.

Reindeer hunting has a special status in the hearts of the populace. Shooting a musk ox provides four times as much meat as a reindeer, but Greenlanders would much rather have caribou or reindeer meat than musk or ox meat. But the experience is just as important as the meat for them. The trips in for the caribou hunt in the beautiful autumn weather have a great social and physical meaning for people's wellbeing.

The long history of mutual dependence between humans and reindeer necessitates continuing efforts to safeguard their relationship and the welfare of both parties. Reindeer hunting – which is also commonplace in many other parts of the world – is considered so vital to the cultural heritage of certain groups that there is an attempt being made to get it placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

As valued as it is, traditional hunting in Greenland is under tremendous stress. Pressure from environmental and conservation groups has led Greenland's Home Rule Government to set hunting limits for most species. In January 2006, a 150 animal limit was set for the most prized of all Greenlandic animals, the polar bear.

ATRS AND CRAFTS

The arts and crafts of Greenland are a testament to the creativity, ingenuity, and cultural heritage of the Greenlandic people. From intricate carvings to vibrant textiles, Greenlandic art showcases the deep connection between the artists and their surrounding environment.

Carving is one of the most prominent forms of artistic expression in Greenland. The Greenlandic Inuit are master carvers, known for their skill in transforming materials like soapstone, bone, and ivory into exquisite sculptures. These carvings often depict wildlife, mythological creatures, and scenes from daily life, capturing the spirit of Greenland’s natural world.

Inuit clothing, such as sealskin and fur garments, also serves as a canvas for artistic expression. Traditional sewing and embroidery techniques are used to create intricate designs on clothing items like kamiks (boots) and mittens. These designs reflect the individual style, identity, and cultural heritage of the wearer.

Greenlandic jewelry is cherished for its beauty, symbolism, and craftsmanship. Many jewelry pieces are made from unique materials found in Greenland, such as muskox horn, reindeer antler, and precious stones like rubies and tourmalines. Some jewelry designs incorporate traditional Inuit motifs and symbols, representing concepts like protection, fertility, and connection to the land.

Textile arts play a significant role in Greenlandic culture. The skillful art of weaving intricate patterns into colorful tapestries and blankets has been passed down through generations. These textiles not only serve as functional pieces but also represent the cultural identity and stories of the Greenlandic people.

Discover the unique experience of the unforgettable Greenlandic culture, visiting various museums and exhibitions where you can buy beautiful handmade items.

CUISINE AND TRADITIONAL FOOD

Greenlandic cuisine is a reflection of the unique Arctic environment and the resourcefulness of its people.

Seafood forms the backbone of Greenlandic cuisine. Fish, including Arctic char, salmon, and cod, are staples in most meals. These are often prepared using traditional methods such as smoking, drying, or fermenting, which ensure its preservation and enhance the flavor.

One iconic dish in Greenland is “kiviak.” This traditional delicacy consists of small seabirds called auks that are fermented inside a seal skin. The result is a unique and pungent flavor that is highly prized in Greenlandic culture.

Seal and whale meat are also consumed, as they have been a significant part of the Inuit diet for centuries. These meats are rich in nutrients and served in various forms, such as stews, soups, and dried strips.

Foraged ingredients play a role in Greenlandic cuisine as well. Berries like crowberries and blueberries are harvested during the short summer season and used in preserves, desserts, or as a flavorful accompaniment to savory dishes.

Potatoes and root vegetables are also part of the Greenlandic diet, offering a starchy addition to meals. Due to the short growing season and the challenging Arctic conditions, agriculture is limited, so many vegetables are imported from other regions.

Greenlandic cuisine has also incorporated modern influences from Danish and international cuisines. In urban areas like Nuuk, you can discover diverse dining options that offer a fusion of traditional Greenlandic dishes with international flavors.

When visiting Greenland, trying traditional dishes is an essential part of experiencing the local culture. From enjoying a hearty bowl of fish soup or wolf fish stew to sampling dried fish or smoked seal, the cuisine of Greenland offers a unique and authentic taste of this Arctic land.

THE FLAG

The flag of Greenland was designed by Greenlander Thue Christiansen in 1985. It was officially adopted on June 21, 1985. It is on this day that Ullortuneq - Greenland's National Day (Flag Day) is celebrated. It features two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red (bottom) with a counter-changed red-and-white disk slightly to the hoist side of centre. Its local name is translated as “our flag”. The flag of Greenland is the only national flag of a Nordic country or territory without a Nordic cross.

The colours of the flag are the same as those of the flag of Denmark, symbolizing Greenland's place in the Danish realm. It consists of two colors: red and white, which are the traditional colors of the country: The red circle symbolizes the Sun which plays a key role in Greenland’s culture. The white color symbolizes the ice and snow typical of the region. The circle symbolizes the Arctic on a two-striped background. This design reflects Greenland's geographical isolation and Arctic identity, and also emphasizes its cultural and political autonomy within Denmark.