Greenland

Greenland is the world’s largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Although geographically part of North America, it is politically and historically associated with Europe, particularly Denmark. Known for its vast icy landscapes, indigenous Inuit culture, and growing significance in global environmental studies, Greenland represents a unique intersection of geography, culture, and climate science.

Geographical Overview

Greenland covers an area of approximately 2.16 million square kilometres, making it the largest island on Earth that is not a continent. Around 80% of its surface is permanently covered by the Greenland Ice Sheet, the second-largest body of ice in the world after Antarctica. This massive ice sheet contains about 8% of the planet’s fresh water, and its melting significantly contributes to global sea level rise.
The island is surrounded by several bodies of water: the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Greenland Sea to the east, the Labrador Sea to the south, and Baffin Bay to the west. Its topography features coastal mountains, fjords, and ice-free zones primarily along the southwest coast, where most of the population resides. The capital, Nuuk, lies on the island’s southwest coast and serves as its administrative and cultural hub.

Historical Background

Greenland’s history is marked by the coexistence and interaction of indigenous and European influences. The island was first inhabited by Paleo-Inuit peoples around 2500 BCE, followed by successive cultures such as the Dorset and Thule. The Thule people are considered the direct ancestors of modern Greenlandic Inuit.
Norse exploration led by Erik the Red established settlements in southwestern Greenland around 985 CE. These Norse colonies survived for several centuries but eventually disappeared by the 15th century, possibly due to climatic changes and isolation during the Little Ice Age. Denmark-Norway claimed sovereignty over Greenland in the early modern period, and after the dissolution of the union in 1814, Greenland remained under Danish rule.
Following World War II, Greenland’s strategic location made it significant for the United States and NATO. In 1953, Greenland ceased to be a colony and became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. The Home Rule Act of 1979 and Self-Government Act of 2009 expanded local autonomy, granting the island control over most internal affairs, while Denmark retained authority over foreign policy, defence, and monetary matters.

Population and Society

Greenland’s population is approximately 57,000, making it one of the least densely populated regions in the world. The majority are Inuit or of mixed Inuit and Danish descent. Greenlandic (Kalaallisut), a dialect of the Inuit language, is the official language, while Danish is widely used in education and administration. English is increasingly common, particularly in tourism and research sectors.
The society maintains a blend of traditional Inuit customs and modern Scandinavian influences. Hunting, fishing, and dog sledding remain culturally significant, even as modern urban life continues to expand in towns like Sisimiut, Ilulissat, and Qaqortoq. Education and healthcare are publicly funded and based on the Danish welfare model.

Climate and Environment

Greenland’s climate is predominantly Arctic, characterised by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The coastal areas experience milder conditions due to the influence of ocean currents, while the interior ice sheet remains extremely cold year-round. The island’s unique ecosystems include polar bears, musk oxen, arctic foxes, and seabird colonies.
Environmental change has had a profound impact on Greenland. The ice sheet is melting at an accelerating rate due to global warming, contributing to global sea-level rise. The melting ice also exposes new land and mineral resources, attracting international interest in potential mining and shipping routes as Arctic ice diminishes. Scientists consider Greenland a critical region for studying climate change and its global repercussions.

Economy

Greenland’s economy is small and largely dependent on natural resources. Fishing, particularly shrimp and halibut, forms the backbone of economic activity and exports. Subsistence hunting and fishing continue to support local communities, especially in remote settlements.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in mining for rare earth minerals, uranium, and iron ore, as well as potential oil and gas exploration offshore. However, environmental concerns and political debates have slowed the pace of large-scale industrial development. Tourism, particularly eco-tourism and adventure travel, has emerged as a rapidly growing sector, with visitors attracted by the island’s dramatic fjords, glaciers, and Northern Lights.
Greenland relies on substantial financial subsidies from Denmark, which account for a large portion of public spending. The government of Greenland is actively seeking to diversify the economy to reduce dependency and move towards greater self-sufficiency.

Governance and International Relations

Greenland operates under a parliamentary democracy within the Kingdom of Denmark. The Inatsisartut, or Parliament of Greenland, enacts local laws, and the Naalakkersuisut, or Government of Greenland, is led by a Premier. The Danish monarch remains the formal head of state, represented locally by a High Commissioner.
Though not a sovereign state, Greenland conducts its own foreign relations in specific areas such as trade, environmental policy, and cultural exchange. It is a member of the Arctic Council and has close ties with other Arctic nations. Greenland withdrew from the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1985 following a referendum, due to disputes over fishing rights, although it retains association as an Overseas Country and Territory of the EU.

Culture and Identity

Greenlandic culture reflects a rich blend of Inuit heritage and Nordic traditions. Traditional music, drum dancing, and art coexist with contemporary creative expressions, including modern literature and visual arts. The Greenland National Museum in Nuuk preserves artefacts from the island’s prehistoric and colonial past.
Greenland celebrates its National Day on 21 June, coinciding with the summer solstice, symbolising national pride and the enduring connection between the people and the natural environment. Traditional foods such as seal, whale, and fish remain integral to Greenlandic cuisine, while Danish influences are evident in urban areas.

Scientific and Strategic Importance

Greenland plays a vital role in international scientific research, especially in the study of glaciology, climatology, and geology. Ice cores extracted from the ice sheet provide valuable data on historical climate patterns, helping scientists understand global climate dynamics. The island’s geographic position also makes it strategically important for monitoring Arctic shipping routes and military activities.
The Thule Air Base, operated by the United States since the 1950s, underscores Greenland’s strategic military relevance during both the Cold War and the contemporary era of renewed Arctic competition.