Greenland
Official Country Name
Greenland
Greenland Overview
Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 81% ice-capped. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland; Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and Greenland was made an integral part of Denmark in 1953. It joined the European Community (now the EU) with Denmark in 1973, but withdrew in 1985 over a dispute centered on stringent fishing quotas. Greenland was granted self-government in 1979 by the Danish parliament; the law went into effect the following year. Denmark continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs in consultation with Greenland's Home Rule Government.
Greenland Economy
The economy remains critically dependent on exports of fish and substantial support from the Danish Government, which supplies about half of government revenues. The public sector, including publicly-owned enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in the economy. Several interesting hydrocarbon and mineral exploration activities are ongoing. Press reports in early 2007 indicated that two international aluminum companies were considering building smelters in Greenland to take advantage of local hydropower potential. Tourism is the only sector offering any near-term potential, and even this is limited due to a short season and high costs. Air Greenland announced plans to begin summer-season direct flights to the U.S. east coast in May 2007 potentially opening a major new tourism market.
Greenland Location
Greenland is located in Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada
Region
Greenland is located in North America
Greenland Population
Greenland has population of 56,361 (July 2006 est.)
Greenland Climate
Greenland has arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters
Greenland Terrain
flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous, barren, rocky coast
Greenland Natural Resources
coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, molybdenum, gold, platinum, uranium, fish, seals, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas
Ethnic Groups in Greenland
Greenland has the following ethnic groups - Greenlander 88% (Inuit and Greenland-born whites), Danish and others 12% (2000)
Greenland Religions
Evangelical Lutheran
Greenland Languages
Greenlandic (East Inuit), Danish, English
Greenland Capital
Greenland capital is Nuuk (Godthab)
Greenland Currency
Greenland currency is Danish krone
Map of Greenland
