30 Fascinating Facts About Greenland, the World’s Largest Island


 

Greenland is the World’s largest island, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, between North America and Europe. Despite its proximity to North America, Greenland is politically and culturally aligned with Europe.

It is also a vast and sparsely populated island that is covered by extensive ice sheets which are recognized as the second-largest ice sheet in the world.

Due to its strategic location and natural resources, Greenland has been a point of political interest for centuries most involving the USA.

Greenland is a land of contrasts. It is a place of immense natural beauty, with towering glaciers, pristine fjords, and abundant wildlife. But it is also a place of extreme isolation and harsh conditions.

This article will highlight some amazing and fascinating facts about the largest island on the planet.

1. Greenland Is the Largest Land Mass, Excluding Continents

Greenland, Wikimedia Commons

Recognized as the world’s largest island, Greenland has a total area of 836,330 square miles (2,166,086 square kilometers). Greenland is over three times the size of Texas.

It is also larger than some countries including the likes of Mexico, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia among others. This makes it the largest landmass that is not a continent.

The next largest island in the world is New Guinea, a tropical island located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, just north of Australia. It has an area of 785,753 square kilometers (303,419 square miles).

2. Greenland Has the Second Largest Ice Sheet in The World

NASA GSFC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Greenland has the second largest ice sheet in the world, after the Antarctic ice sheet. The Greenland ice sheet covers about 80% of the island and is up to 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) thick.

The ice sheet is so large and heavy that it has caused the island to sink by several hundred meters. It is formed from snow that has accumulated over thousands of years. The snow is compacted by its own weight and over time turns into ice.

The largest ice sheet in the world is the Antarctic ice sheet, which covers about 98% of the Antarctic continent. The Antarctic ice sheet is up to 4,800 meters (15,748 feet) thick and contains about 90% of the world’s fresh water.

Climate change is having a significant impact on the Greenland ice sheet. The ice sheet is melting at an accelerating rate due to rising temperatures.

3. Greenland Was Named by An Exiled Icelandic Viking

Rüdiger Wenzel, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons

Considering the vast ice sheets, you might be wondering why the island is called Greenland when very little of it is actually green. Well, that is an interesting story involving an infamous Viking murderer called Erik the Red.

After being accused and found guilty of manslaughter, Erik the Red was exiled from Iceland. In 982 AD, Erik the Red set sail with a group of followers in search of a new land.

They eventually landed on a large island that was covered in ice and snow. Despite the harsh conditions, Erik the Red was determined to settle the island.

He named it “Greenland” in an attempt to attract other settlers. Erik the Red and his followers established a settlement on the southwestern coast of Greenland.

The settlement grew and prospered, and eventually became a thriving Viking colony. Greenland remained under Viking rule for over 400 years, until the colony was abandoned in the 15th century.

4. The Island Was Home to The First Humans

According to historians, Greenland was once home to the first humans. The Saqqaq culture, which arrived in Greenland around 2500 BC, is considered to be the earliest known human culture on the island and in the world.

The Saqqaq people were physically similar to modern Inuit, with short stature, broad faces, and dark hair. They were also skilled hunters and fishermen, and they adapted to the harsh Arctic environment by building igloos and using kayaks.

Evidence of the Saqqaq culture has been found in archaeological sites all over Greenland, including stone tools, bone harpoons, and animal remains. The Saqqaq people also left behind a number of rock carvings and paintings, which depict their way of life and their beliefs.

The Saqqaq culture lasted for over a thousand years, but it eventually disappeared around 900 BC. The reasons for their disappearance are unknown.

5. Greenland Is an Autonomous Country

Greenland is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark. This means that Greenland has its own government and makes its own laws, but it is still part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Greenland’s relationship with Denmark is complex and has evolved over time. In the past, Greenland was a Danish colony, but in 1979, Denmark granted Greenland Home Rule.

This gave Greenland more control over its own affairs. In 2009, Greenland’s autonomy was further expanded with the introduction of Self-Government.

This means that Greenland is now responsible for almost all areas of domestic policy, including healthcare, education, and social welfare.

6. The Island Is One of The Least Densely Populated Places Globally

amanderson2, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Greenland Island is one of the least densely populated places globally, with a population density of just 0.14 people per square kilometer. This means that there is, on average, less than one person for every square kilometer of land in Greenland.

There are several reasons why Greenland is so sparsely populated. The first reason is the harsh climate. Greenland is located in the Arctic Circle, and its winters are long and cold.

The average temperature in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, is -10°C (14°F) in January. The second reason why Greenland is so sparsely populated is the terrain.

About 80% of Greenland is covered by the Greenland Ice Sheet, which makes it difficult to build and maintain settlements.

7. The USA Wanted To Buy Greenland From Denmark

In 1946, the United States attempted to purchase Greenland from Denmark. The offer was made by Secretary of State James Byrnes to Danish Foreign Minister Gustav Rasmussen in New York City on December 14, 1946.

Byrnes offered $100 million in gold bullion for the island, which would be equivalent to over $1 billion in today’s dollars. The Danish government was initially receptive to the US offer, but public opinion in Denmark was strongly opposed to selling Greenland.

The Danes were concerned that selling Greenland would be a violation of their sovereignty and that it would lead to the island being militarized by the US.

In the end, the Danish government decided to reject the US offer. The decision was announced on September 23, 1947.

8. The Average Temperature in Greenland Goes Above Zero in July Only

Greenland is located in the Arctic Circle, which means that it experiences long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The Greenland ice sheet, which covers most of the island, plays a major role in regulating Greenland’s temperature.

The ice sheet reflects sunlight back into space, which helps to keep Greenland cool. It is very cold in Greenland that only in July, does the average temperature rise above zero.

The warmest month in Greenland is July, with an average temperature of 6.4 °C (43.5 °F). The coldest month in Greenland is February, with an average temperature of -25.1 °C (-13.2 °F).

The lowest recorded temperature in Greenland is -69.6 °C (-93.3 °F), recorded on January 22, 1954, at the North GRIP ice core on the Greenland ice sheet.

9. The Summer Solstice is A National Holiday in Greenland

The summer solstice is a national holiday in Greenland, and it is celebrated on June 21st. This holiday is known as Ullortuneq, which means “the longest day” in Greenlandic.

It is celebrated because it is the day with the most daylight hours in Greenland, and it is a time for people to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage. July 21st is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and Greenland experiences over 21 hours of daylight.

The average length of daylight in Greenland varies depending on the time of year. In the summer, Greenland experiences long days, with up to 21 hours of daylight. In the winter, Greenland experiences short days, with as little as 3 hours of daylight.

10. There Are Very Few Roads Connecting the Cities

James E. Petts, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A rather intriguing feature in Greenland is the lack of roads. While there are roads within the cities, there are virtually none connecting its cities.

This is due to a number of factors, including the country’s rugged terrain, extreme climate, and small population. The thick ice sheets make it difficult and expensive to build and maintain roads.

Instead of roads, Greenland relies on air travel and sea travel to connect its cities. The country has a number of airports, and there are regular flights between the major cities.

Greenland also has a number of harbors, and ferries and other boats are used to connect coastal communities.

11. The Hvalsey Church Was The First Christian Church on The Island

jtstewart, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Christianity arrived in Greenland in the 10th century, when Erik the Red, a Norse chieftain, led an expedition to the island. Erik was a pagan, but his wife, Thjodhild, was a Christian.

She convinced Erik to convert to Christianity, and he had a church built at Brattahlid, his settlement. The Hvalsey Church was built in the 12th century by the Norse bishop of Greenland, Jon Arniason.

It is a large, imposing structure, made of local stone and turf. The church has a central nave with two side aisles and a tower at the west end.

The interior of the church is decorated with murals, which are some of the best-preserved examples of medieval art in Greenland.

The Norse settlers abandoned Greenland in the 15th century, but the Hvalsey Church remained standing. It was used by Inuit people for a time but eventually fell into disrepair. In the 19th century, the church was restored by Danish missionaries.

The church is located in the southernmost part of Greenland. Besides being the first Christian church in Greenland, it is also the oldest surviving building in the Arctic.

12. Coffee in Greenland Typically Includes Whiskey

Coffee in Greenland is a unique and delicious experience. In addition to the usual coffee and cream, many Greenlandic people enjoy adding whiskey to their coffee.

This is known as “Greenlandic Coffee” or “Kaffe Mix.” Why? Well, it helps to warm the body in the cold Arctic climate.

To make Greenlandic Coffee, simply add a shot of whiskey to a cup of hot coffee. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Greenlandic Coffee is typically served in a glass mug or a Bordeaux glass.

13. Greenland Experiences A Midnight Sun

As a result of its location above the Arctic Circle, Greenland experiences a midnight sun. During the summer months, the Earth’s axis tilts so that the North Pole points directly at the sun.

This means that the sun does not set in Greenland for a period of time, ranging from a few days to several months, depending on how far north you are.

In Greenland, this is usually from May 25th to July 25th.

14. Greenland’s National Dish Is a Soup

Greenland’s national dish is a soup called suaasat. It is a hearty, thick soup made with seal meat, onions, potatoes, and rice. The soup is often seasoned with salt, pepper, and bay leaves.

Suaasat is a traditional Inuit food, and it is still a popular dish in Greenland today.

15. The Island Hosts An Annual Golf Championship

Graphicos, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Greenland is home to one of the most unique and challenging golf championships in the world: the World Ice Golf Championship.

Every year, in the small town of Uummannaq, golfers from all over the world gather to compete on a frozen golf course carved out of the sea ice. The course is constantly changing, as the icebergs shift and the ice melts, making it a difficult course to master.

The World Ice Golf Championship was first held in 1999, and it has quickly become one of the most popular golf tournaments in the world. The tournament is open to golfers of all skill levels.

16. A Settler from Greenland Is Alleged to Have Discovered North America

Hans Dahl (1849-1937), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

No, not Christopher Colombus, Leif Erikson. According to two Icelandic sagas, the Saga of Erik the Red and the Saga of the Greenlanders a man called Leif Erikson sailed west from Greenland and landed in a land referred to as Vinland.

Vinland is described as a land of abundant grapes, forests, and salmon. Erikson and his crew spent the winter in Vinland before returning to Greenland.

While historians do not agree on whether or not this voyage actually happened, there is archaeological evidence to support its occurrence.

In 1960, the remains of a Norse settlement were discovered at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada. This settlement is dated to around the year 1000 AD, which is the same time that Erikson is said to have sailed to Vinland.

If Erikson’s voyage to Vinland did happen, it would make him the first European to discover North America.

17. Gunnbjørn Is Greenland’s Highest Point

Paolo Gardino, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

With an elevation of 3,694 meters (12,119 feet), Gunnbjørn Fjeld, also known as Gunnbjørn, is the highest point in Greenland. It is located in the Watkins Range, a mountain range on the east coast of Greenland.

Gunnbjørn is a relatively unknown mountain outside of climbing circles, but it is a challenging and rewarding climb. The mountain is typically climbed in the summer when the weather is more favorable.

The climb usually takes about four days, and climbers must be prepared for extreme weather conditions.

18. Greenland Has 3 Time Zones

Greenland is a large island that spans a wide range of longitude, from 11°39′ W to 73°09′ W. This means that there is a significant time difference between the eastern and western parts of the country.

To account for this, Greenland is divided into three time zones:

  1. Most of the country uses what is referred to as Greenland’s standard timezone which is three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.
  2. The town of Ittoqqortoormiit which is found on the eastern coast, is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
  3. Thule Air Base, at Pituffik, in the extreme north-west, is an hour behind Greenwich Mean Time.

19. There is An Impact Crater in Greenland

NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In 2018, an international team of scientists discovered a massive impact crater buried beneath the Hiawatha Glacier in northwest Greenland. The crater is 31 kilometers (19 miles) wide and is estimated to have formed about 58 million years ago.

The impactor that caused the crater is thought to have been an asteroid about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) in diameter.

20. Greenland’s Currency Is The Danish Kroner

Before 1875, Greenland had its own currency, the Greenlandic rigsdaler. The Greenlandic rigsdaler was pegged to the Danish krone at a rate of 2 kroner = 1 rigsdaler.

In 1875, the Danish government decided to unify the currencies of Denmark and Greenland. This meant that the Greenlandic rigsdaler was replaced by the Danish krone.

Greenland continued to issue its own coins and banknotes, which were equivalent in value to the Danish krone, until 1964.

In 1964, the Danish government decided to stop issuing Greenlandic coins and banknotes. This meant that the Danish krone became the sole currency of Greenland.

Today, the Danish krone is the only legal tender in Greenland. Greenlandic coins and banknotes are no longer accepted.

21. There Are Laws Protecting The Greenland Sled Dog

Kim Hansen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Greenland dog is the most common dog breed in the country, accounting for over 90% of the dog population. This is because it is perfectly adapted to the harsh Arctic climate.

It has a thick double coat that protects them from the cold, and they are also very strong and agile. The Greenland dog, scientifically known as Canis Lupus Familiaris, is used for sledding, hunting, and herding.

Act no. 18 of 30 October 1998 is a law that was passed by the Greenland Parliament to protect the Greenland dog breed. According to the law, there are territories, known as the sled dog district, where only this breed is allowed.

The territory is defined as:

  1. North of Greenland on the West Coast from north of 66th northern degree of latitude,
  2. The entire East Coast down to Kap Farvel, east of the 44th western degree of longitude.

Within this district, only Greenlandic Sled Dogs may be kept and it is strictly prohibited to bring other dogs into these areas. It is also prohibited to reintroduce a sled dog that has previously left the district.

22. There Are Three Main Greenlandic Dialects

Greenlandic, also known as Kalaallisut, is the official language of Greenland. It is a member of the Eskimo-Aleut language family, which also includes Inuktitut and Yupik.

Greenlandic has three main dialects: West Greenlandic, East Greenlandic, and Thule Greenlandic. West Greenlandic is the most widely spoken dialect of Greenlandic, with over 44,000 speakers.

It is the dialect that is used in education, government, and the media. West Greenlandic is divided into four subdialects: Northern, Central, Southern, and Upernavik.

East Greenlandic is spoken by about 3,000 people in the easternmost part of Greenland. It is the most divergent of the three Greenlandic dialects, and it is not mutually intelligible with West Greenlandic.

East Greenlandic is also known as Tunumiit oraasiat, which means “the language of the people of the east.”

Thule Greenlandic is spoken by the Thule area of northern Greenland. It is the most closely related dialect of Greenlandic to Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit people of Canada and Alaska.

23. Northern Lights Are Visible In Greenland

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural light display that can be seen in the night sky in high-latitude regions.

They are caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. The particles excite the atoms, causing them to emit light.

The northern lights are typically visible in a belt around the Arctic Circle, and Greenland is located right in the middle of this belt. This makes Greenland one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights.

The northern lights can be seen in Greenland from September to April, the winter months. However, the best time to see them is from November to March. This is because the nights are longer and darker during these months, making the northern lights more visible.

24. Traditional Inuit Religion Focuses on A Sea Goddess

Ansgar Walk, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Traditional Inuit religion focuses on a sea goddess named Sedna. Sedna is believed to live in the depths of the ocean and to control all sea life.

She is also believed to be responsible for the success or failure of hunting and fishing expeditions. The Inuit believe that Sedna is a powerful goddess who must be respected and appeased.

Before a hunting or fishing expedition, the Inuit would often perform rituals to ask Sedna for her blessing. They would also make offerings to her, such as food, tobacco, and other valuables.

The Inuit also believe that Sedna can be vindictive if she is not treated with respect. They believe that she can send storms, sea monsters, and other dangers to punish those who have wronged her.

25. Rare Ruby Gems Were Found in Greenland

In 2016, a team of geologists made an astonishing discovery in Greenland: a deposit of rare ruby gems. The rubies are believed to be the oldest on Earth, dating back nearly 3 billion years.

The discovery was made in the Aappaluttoq region of southwest Greenland. The rubies are found in a type of rock called phlogopite, which is formed under high pressure and temperature.

The Aappaluttoq rubies are also very pure, with very few inclusions. The discovery of the Aappaluttoq rubies has been hailed as a major breakthrough in the world of gemology.

The rubies are highly valuable, due to their rarity, age, and purity. A single Aappaluttoq ruby can sell for thousands of dollars, and some have even sold for millions.

26. Greenland Has a Vast Collection of Bird Species

Greenland is home to a vast collection of bird species, with over 230 different species recorded. This is a remarkable number of birds for a country that is 80% covered in ice and water.

Some of the most common birds in Greenland include:

  1. Northern fulmar
  2. Black-legged kittiwake
  3. Atlantic puffin
  4. Common eider
  5. Snow goose
  6. Red-throated loon
  7. Common raven
  8. Rock ptarmigan
  9. Gyrfalcon
  10. White-tailed eagle
  11. Short-eared owls

There are several reasons why there are many birds in Greenland. These include abundant food sources such as fish, insects, and other small animals as well as the fact that Greenland is situated in the migration route of some of these species.

27. The Thule Airbase Was Constructed In The Early 1950s

NASA / Jim Yungel, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Thule Airbase was approved in 1951, construction began in 1952, and it was finished in 1953. It is located on the northwest coast of Greenland, about 695 miles north of the Arctic Circle.

The base was built in secret and was originally known as Operation Blue Jay. It was built by the US government during the Cold War as a strategic military base to defend North America from a possible Soviet attack.

The base is home to a Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS) site, which can detect and track incoming ballistic missiles.

28. The Ice Sheets in Greenland Are Declining Rapidly

Greenland’s ice sheets are melting at an alarming rate. In the past decade alone, Greenland has lost over 280 gigatons of ice per year, which is equivalent to about 0.7 millimeters of sea level rise.

This is a significant increase from the 1990s when Greenland was losing an average of 100 gigatons of ice per year.

There are a number of factors that are contributing to the rapid decline of Greenland’s ice sheets. The most significant of them all being climate change.

As the planet warms, Greenland’s ice sheets are melting from above and below. Warmer air temperatures cause more surface melting, while warmer ocean temperatures cause subglacial melting.

29. Greenland Is Home to Some Fascinating Museums

C.rosing.nuuk, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Greenland is home to a number of fascinating museums that offer visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich history, culture, and natural environment. A few of them include:

  • Katuaq Cultural House, Qaqortoq

Katuaq Cultural House is a cultural center and museum located in the town of Qaqortoq in southern Greenland. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and artworks that tell the story of Greenland’s Inuit culture, from ancient times to the present day.

The Nuuk Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located in the capital city of Nuuk. The museum houses a collection of artworks by Greenlandic and international artists.

The National Museum of Greenland is the largest museum in Greenland and houses a comprehensive collection of artifacts and artworks that tell the story of Greenland’s history and culture.

The museum’s collection includes archaeological finds from the Saqqaq culture as well as artifacts from the Inuit culture and the Norse period.

30. Fishing and Whaling Is Regulated in The Country

Fishing and whaling are two important industries in Greenland, but they are also heavily regulated to ensure the sustainable management of these resources.

Regarding fishing, the government has set in place several measures including Total allowable catches (TACs), fishing gear restrictions, licensing requirements, and vessel tracking.

As for whaling, Greenland is one of the few countries in the world where whaling is still permitted. However, it is only allowed for subsistence purposes.

This means that the whale meat must be consumed by the community and cannot be sold.

Today, Greenland is facing a number of challenges, including climate change, economic development, and social inequality. However, the island also offers a wealth of opportunities for tourism, research, and renewable energy development.

Despite the harsh conditions, Greenland has been inhabited for thousands of years. It is also a welcoming host for tourists. So, if you don’t mind being covered up in heavy clothing on your holiday, Greenland is definitely the place to be.

Whatever it lacks in sunny and sandy beaches, it surely makes up for in other areas!

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