Greenland, the world's largest island, has recently attracted international attention after Donald Trump expressed a desire to gain "control of it for reasons of national security". Beyond political events, this Arctic island hides many fascinating curiosities. Focus.it has selected ten surprising facts about Greenland that you may not have known.
1. It is the largest island in the world
With an area of approximately 2.16 million square kilometers, Greenland is the largest non-continental island on the planet. Almost 80% of its territory is covered by an ice cap.
2. The name "Greenland" has a... misleading meaning!
Despite its mostly frozen landscape, the name "Greenland" means "green land". The name was chosen by Eric the Red, an Icelandic explorer who had exiled himself to the island, hoping to attract settlers.
3. It is on the North American continent, but it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark
Despite being geographically part of the North American continent, Greenland has been linked politically and economically to Europe, especially Denmark, for about a millennium. In 1979 it gained internal autonomy, which was further extended in 2009.
4. Greenland has the lowest population density in the world
With a population of about 56,000, Greenland has one of the lowest population densities in the world. Most residents live along the southwest coast, where the climate is relatively milder.
5. It is home to the largest national park in the world
Greenland is home to Northeast Greenland National Park, the largest and most northeastern in the world, covering nearly 45% of the island's land area.
6. The island boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO heritage since 2004): is a 61 km long fjord fed by the fastest glacier in the world. It is a spectacular place with fascinating icebergs present all year round.
Aasivissuit – Nipisat (as of 2018): An ancient Inuit hunting ground, extending from the ice sheet to the sea, used for over 4,200 years, representing a unique cultural heritage.
Kujataa (since 2017): In southern Greenland, celebrates 1,000 years of Norse and Inuit agricultural influences, which have shaped the land and local culture.
7. There are no forests in Greenland...
Contrary to what you might think, Greenland does not have extensive forests. There is a small forest in the town of Nanortalik, but the rest of the territory lacks significant forest cover.
8. ...but many natural resources can be found
Despite the extreme climatic conditions, Greenland possesses natural resources such as zinc, lead, iron ore, coal, molybdenum, gold, platinum, ruby, diamonds and uranium.
Fishing, especially for seals and whales, is vital to the local economy.
9. Millennial Inuit culture
The local population is largely descended from the Thule culture, an Inuit group that migrated to the island around the 9th century AD. This cultural heritage is still visible in the traditions and way of life of the inhabitants.
10. Effects of global warming in Greenland
The Greenland ice sheet is undergoing significant melting due to global warming, contributing to sea level rise and attracting the attention of scientists around the world. (A2 Televizion)
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