Greenland, officially the Greenlandic Self-Governing Country, is an autonomous constituent country inside the Kingdom of Denmark. It comprises over 2 million square kilometers of territory spanning the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, most of which is covered in ice sheets. Greenland's population of approximately 56,000 people reside mainly in coastal enclaves, with widespread Inuit and Danish influences.
Expat destinations in Greenland
Demographics of Greenland:
Ethnic groups
Inuit, ethnic Danes
Languages
Greenlandic (an Inuit language), Danish
Religion Overview
Religion plays a small role in day-to-day Greenlandic society, with Christianity (most notably Protestantism) being the dominant faith. Around 90% of the population identify as Christian.
Major Religions
Climate
Greenland's bleak climate is defined by harsh winds, sub-zero temperatures, and near-constant ice cover. In winter, Greenland's towns and villages are in near-total darkness due to the aurora borealis shining above the ice sheets. The summer months are milder, but Greenland's coastal communities still contend with extreme weather conditions.
Economy Overview
Greenland's economy is characterized by a limited service sector and an emphasis on natural resource development. Fishing remains the most important industry, although mining and tourism are also on the rise due to the region's unique environments.
Key Industries
- Fishing - primarily Arctic shrimp, snow crab, and halibut
- Mining - primarily for rare earth metals and commercial minerals
- Tourism - adventure tours, Ice Sheet tours, Aurora Borealis tours
Major Companies
- Royal Greenland
- Maniitsoq Tuperssuatsiaat
- Greenland Minerals and Energy
Culture and Language Overview
Greenland's cultural heritage is primarily defined by its Inuit population's traditions and practices. Inuit art, cuisine, dress, and storytelling are all integral parts of their culture. The Danish influence on the country is also significant, with the Danish language and customs being widespread among the country's population.
Cultural Highlights
- Inuit handicrafts and art
- Inuit music and singing
- Inuit storytelling and mythology
- Greenlandic cuisine, including traditional seal and polar bear dishes
Geography and Landmarks Overview
Greenland's mammoth topography comprises the world's largest ice sheet, vast expanses of wilderness, and sparse habitations. The Norse settlement of Herjólfshaugi, established in the 10th century, is one of the few remaining historical sites from times when the country was nominally populated by Europeans.
Notable Landmarks
- Ice Sheet - covering about 80% of Greenlandic territory
- Greenland Ice Sheet National Park
- Tasiilaq
- Norsuk Godthåb
- Herjólfshaugi
National Holidays
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- Epiphany (January 6)
- Good Friday (March or April)
- Easter Sunday (March or April)
- Easter Monday (March or April)
- Greenlandic National Day (June 21)
- Christmas (December 25)
- Boxing Day (December 26)
Political Stability
Greenland's political climate is a mix of autonomy and Danish influence. It enjoys significant freedoms in its governance, particularly with regards to justice and culture, but remains economically and militarily dependent on Denmark.
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