Greenland

Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Though physiographically a part of the continent of North America, Greenland has been politically and culturally associated with Europe (specifically Norway and Denmark, the colonial powers, as well as the nearby island of Iceland) for more than a millennium.

Geography

Greenland is the world's largest non-continental island and the third largest country in North America. It lies between latitudes 59° and 83°N, and longitudes 11° and 74°W. The Atlantic Ocean borders Greenland's southeast; the Greenland Sea is to the east; the Arctic Ocean is to the north; and Baffin Bay is to the west. The nearest countries are Canada, to the west across Baffin Bay, and Iceland, east of Greenland in the Atlantic Ocean.

Climate

Greenland has an Arctic climate with average temperatures that do not exceed 10° C (50° F) in the warmest summer months. The air quality in Greenland is among the best in the world due to the country's geographical position to the high north.

Demographics

Greenland has a population of 56,081 (January 2020 estimate), of whom 88% are Greenlandic Inuit (including mixed persons). The remaining 12% are of European descent, mainly Danes.

Economy

Greenland suffers from a high rate of unemployment, but also has a high cost of living, with the cost of goods and services being much higher than in most other countries. The economy of Greenland is highly dependent on exports of fish and on 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.

Culture

Greenland's culture began with the arrival of the Inuit and Norse cultures. Today, Greenland is a blend of traditional and modern, with a heavy emphasis on family and community.

See also

• History of Greenland
• Politics of Greenland
• Economy of Greenland
• Demographics of Greenland

Greenland Resources
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