Greenland

Introduction to Greenland

Greenland (Greenlandic: Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning "Land of the Greenlanders"; Danish: Grønland, meaning "Greenland") is a self-governed Danish territory. An Arctic island nation located in the continent of North America, both geographically and ethnically; politically and historically, however, Greenland is closely associated with Europe. The Atlantic Ocean and Iceland lie to Greenland's Southeast; the Greenland Sea to the East; the Arctic Ocean to the North; Baffin Bay and Canada to the West. Greenland is the world's largest island, and is the largest dependent territory by area in the world. It also contains the world's largest national park. About 81 percent of its surface is covered by ice, known as the Greenlandic ice cap. Nearly all Greenlanders live along the fjords in the south-west of the island, which has a milder climate. Most Greenlanders have both Kalaallit (Inuit) and Scandinavian ancestry, and speak Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) as their first language. Greenlandic is spoken by about 50,000 people, which is more than all the other Eskimo-Aleut languages combined. A minority of Danish migrants with no Inuit ancestry speak Danish as their first language. Both languages are official, with the West Greenlandic dialect forming the basis of the official form of Greenlandic.

There is an on-going diplomatic sovereignty dispute between Canada and Greenland (represented internationally by Denmark) over the tiny Hans Island.

Greenland's Head of State is the Danish Monarch, currently Margrethe II. The Queen's government in Denmark appoints a Rigsombudsmand (High commissioner) representing the Danish government and monarchy.

Greenland has a 31 member elected parliament. The head of government is the Prime Minister, who is usually the leader of the majority party in Parliament.

Cultural notes about Greenland

The culture of Greenland began with its settling by Inuit and Viking explorers. Inuits still go ice-fishing. There are annual dog-sled races in which everyone with a team participates.

However, Greenland has now become somewhat of a tourist attraction. It holds contests to attract tourists such as dog racing, ice fishing, hiking, and cross country racing.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Greenland

The crime rate is low. There are no serious security or safety concerns. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings and passports are secure.