Grayson West
Greenland is full of natural wonders, and its people have a unique way of life. It holds many surprises that make it one of the most intriguing places on Earth. Be it an icy environment or a rich culture, there’s so much you can learn about this Arctic gem. Here are 20 things that make Greenland special.
World’s Largest Island
Spanning over 2.16 million square kilometers, Greenland dwarfs every other island on Earth. Its huge size, which is nearly three times Texas, makes it a geographical marvel. Despite this, Greenland remains one of the least populated places on the planet, with fewer than 60,000 residents.
Most Of It Is Covered By Ice
Roughly 80% of Greenland’s surface is shrouded in an ice sheet that stretches up to three kilometers thick and has persisted for over two million years. NASA has reported that if the ice sheets melt totally, global sea levels could rise by an estimated 7 meters. This will alter coastlines and displace millions of people.
One Of The Lowest Population Densities
Greenland’s population density is just 0.03 people per square kilometer, one of the world’s lowest. This is mainly due to its harsh Arctic climate, which makes much of the interior uninhabitable. Most of the country’s population resides along the ice-free coastal areas, particularly in the southwest, where conditions are more favorable for settlement.
It’s Politically Part Of Denmark
The country enjoys autonomous status but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a relationship established in 1979 when it was granted home rule and further expanded to self-rule in 2009. This arrangement allows Greenland to govern its internal affairs. On the other hand, Denmark retains responsibility for defense and foreign policy.
Nuuk, A Small Capital City
Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, has just 18,000 residents, making it one of the least populous in the world. The capital’s houses are colorful and contrast with the dramatic arctic environments. It’s also a cultural hub featuring the Greenland National Museum, which preserves ancient Inuit artifacts and offers insights into the region’s rich history.
Greenlandic Is An Official Language
Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) and Danish are the island’s official languages. This polysynthetic language combines complex ideas into single words. Those words create terms that often reflect the environment, like specific words for different types of snow. About 50,000 people speak it, and it is also used in education, media, and daily life.
Midnight Sun And Polar Nights Define The Seasons
Northern Greenland, in particular, faces surreal extremes that shape its way of life. Summers bring 24-hour daylight, perfect for nonstop activities and for Arctic plants to thrive. Winters plunge into months of darkness, lit only by the moon and northern lights. These dramatic cycles influence daily routines and shape the region’s rich cultural traditions.
Home To Fjords
Among Greenland’s iconic features are its sprawling fjords, deep valleys carved by ancient glaciers, and now filled with seawater. These are formed when glaciers erode the land over millennia, leaving behind cliffs and narrow waterways. One of the most famous is the Ilulissat Icefjord, where giant icebergs travel from the Sermeq.
It’s A Hub For Adventure Sports
For adrenaline junkies, Greenland delivers thrilling experiences unlike anywhere else. For example, dog sledding across icy tundras and kayaking among towering icebergs. Those activities take you through the frozen seascapes in a bone-chilling way. Glacier hiking and ice climbing are other activities with breathtaking views of the Arctic wilderness.
Climate Change In Greenland
Greenland’s ice sheet is melting at unprecedented rates, which is contributing significantly to rising sea levels. The warming Arctic has also triggered ecosystem changes and impacted local wildlife like polar bears and seals. As glaciers retreat, new settings emerge, and residents face more challenges. On the bright side, it increases their accessibility to natural resources.
Inuit Culture
Inuit traditions are the heartbeat of Greenland. They blend ancient practices with modern life in fascinating ways. Traditional hunting methods, such as kayaks and harpoons, are still taught in coastal communities to catch seals. Storytelling thrives through drum dances, where performers recount myths like Sedna, the Sea Goddess.
The Presence Of Whales
The island’s icy waters host big whales, including narwhals, humpbacks, minke whales, and bowheads. This makes Greenland a haven for marine life enthusiasts. Several Whale-watching tours are also led by local guides. They offer close Whale encounters, particularly during summer, when they migrate to feed in the nutrient-rich frosty waters.
Small but Growing Tourism Scene
Because of its breathtaking natural wonders and unique cultural experiences, tourism in Greenland is on the rise. According to The Guardian, Greenland welcomed 92,637 tourists in 2022, a number that surged to 131,767 in 2023. Visitors are drawn to the dazzling Northern Lights and the chance to explore a pristine environment.
It Is A Geologist’s Paradise
Some of Earth’s oldest rocks, dating back over 3.8 billion years, can be found in this country. That again makes Greenland a geological wonder. For example, the Isua Greenstone Belt in southwestern Greenland holds some of the planet’s earliest evidence of life, with fossilized microbial structures embedded in ancient formations.
Northern Lights
Greenland’s long winters are illuminated by the aurora borealis, where vibrant green, purple, and sometimes red lights dance across the skies. Best viewed between September and April, the lights take travelers to remote areas for the clearest views. People often gather around cozy firepits, sip hot drinks, and share stories while gazing at the sky.
The Local Cuisine
The island has staples like reindeer, musk ox, fish, and seal, which have sustained communities for centuries. One iconic dish is Suaasat, a hearty soup made with seal meat, potatoes, onions, and barley. Another traditional favorite is Mattak (raw whale skin and blubber) cherished for its chewy texture and rich nutrient content, particularly omega-3 fatty acids.
Icebergs Are a Common Sight
Greenland’s glaciers produce countless icebergs, with Disko Bay being one of the most active and iconic locations for these frozen marvels. These towering icebergs, some reaching heights over 100 meters above the water, drift through polar waters and shimmer in shades of white and blue. Those icebergs hold centuries-old environmental data and are vital for scientific research.
Greenland Was Named Misleadingly
Erik the Red, a Norse explorer (exiled from Iceland for manslaughter), named Greenland around 982 AD to entice settlers to colonize the island. Despite its icy terrain, he chose the name “Greenland” to create an appealing image of a fertile land. He hoped this would attract more people to the harsh, cold environment.
There Are No Roads Between Towns
The towns have no road networks linking them—a rare feature for a landmass of its size. Travel between communities relies on air, water, and snow vehicles. For example, Air Greenland operates flights that connect larger towns, and smaller settlements often depend on helicopter services for transport and medical emergencies.
Its Flag Represents Ice And The Ocean
Greenland’s red-and-white flag, known as Erfalasorput (“our flag”), was designed by Thue Christiansen in 1985. It symbolizes the island’s identity. The Erfalasorput features a circle divided horizontally—red on the bottom and white on top—set against a background split in reverse colors. The circle represents the sun over the horizon, with red and white reflecting ice and warmth.