Greenland world. Greenland is the largest island in the world and a storehouse of amazing emotions! New period of development

Greenland is the largest island in the world. Its area is 2130800 km2 and 3/4 of this area is covered by an ice sheet. The island is located in the northeast of the mainland North America. Belongs to the island of Denmark. It is washed by two oceans at once - the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean.

Climate of Greenland

On the coasts, the climate is maritime, subarctic, with cyclones that bring heavy precipitation. In areas of glaciers, the climate is arctic, frosts can reach -60 °. Snow falls at any time of the year. The best time for excursions starts in May and ends in July. During this period the climate is most favorable, with long white nights.

The most favorable climate in the south west coast. The average temperature in July fluctuates around +10 degrees Celsius, and in January -10 degrees Celsius. the weather is quite changeable. In summer, the temperature in these areas can rise to +21 degrees Celsius, and in the midst of summer, the air temperature can remain close to 0 degrees Celsius.

Population of Greenland

The population of the island is about 60,000 thousand people, of which 90% are Greenlandic Eskimos - indigenous people. The rest are Danes or immigrants from other countries. The majority of the population is Christian, but still not most of worships pagan gods. The main language is Greenlandic, but Danish is also widely spoken. The main occupation of the people of Greenland is hunting and fishing.

The structure of the state

The capital of Greenland is the city of Nuuk, it is home to about 17,000 people. It is the capital with the smallest number of inhabitants in the world.

Greenland is an autonomy of Denmark. The head of the island is the Danish Queen, who is represented by the High Commissioner.

Fauna and flora of Greenland

Due to the cold climate, the vegetation on the island is not as diverse. If on the southern coasts you can still find dwarf birches, willows, mountain ash, then on northern coasts only occasionally lichens are found.

Of the animals on the island, polar bears, walruses, arctic foxes, hares, polar wolves live, swans, gulls, geese, owls nest.

Landmarks of Greenland

In Nuuk, there is the National Museum with exhibits that tell about the life of the aborigines. Some of the most fascinating are the Inuit mummies, which are over 500 years old. Also there you can see handicrafts, weapons and tools, dog teams.

An interesting attraction is a large mailbox. Children can drop letters to Santa Claus into it, and Uummannake has his castle, which can also be visited.

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Greenland on the world map

Map of Greenland with regions

An example of a tour to Greenland from Russia on the map

Greenland map

Greenland is an island located northeast of the North American mainland. Arctic and Atlantic Oceans wash its shores. This is the most big Island on land with an area of 2,130,800 km². The island is northeast Canada and northwest of Iceland. A map of Greenland will help you get to know this extraordinary country better.

Greenland has maritime borders with Canada, is an administrative unit of Denmark.

Greenland is a place that has an extensive ice sheet on its surface, occupying 84% of its surface, the rest is permafrost, which is clearly demonstrated by the map of Greenland.

The island has a long coastline, for the most part, it is here that the population lives and cities are located. The terrain is mostly flat.

With the Greenland Landmarks Map service, you can explore the area in more detail and plan your trip. A map of Greenland in Russian will give a more complete picture of the location of the main settlements.

According to one saying
"If you have seen the whole world,
there's always Greenland."

1. Greenland is the largest island in the world. It is located between Europe and America, 740 km from the North Pole. Greenland has an area of 2,130,800 km², of which 410,400 km² are ice-free to some extent. The length of the island from north to south is 2690 km, the maximum width is 1300 km.

2. Geographically, this country belongs to North America, but politically it is considered a self-governing province of Denmark. Although Greenland is 50 times larger than Denmark in area, the number of inhabitants of the island does not exceed the population small town. The reason for this is the cold - most of the island is covered with a layer of ice almost 2 miles (3 km) thick.

3. The population of Greenland is 56,890, which gives a population density of 0.027/km².

4. Almost all residents live on southwest coast, on a narrow coastal strip between the ice sheet and the sea, because it has a milder climate. The main peoples on the territory of Greenland are the Greenlandic Eskimos (on local language- Inuit) constituting about 90% of the total population. The remaining 10% are mostly Danes and other Europeans.

5. The Eskimos were the first people to settle in Greenland. Around 985 CE. e. Vikings from Norway and Iceland arrived here and named this ice-covered island Greenland ("green land") in order to attract more settlers to it. Since 1380, Greenland has been under Danish rule almost all the time, but in 1979 it was granted the right to internal self-government.

6. Europeans call local residents Eskimos, which is not entirely true - the term "Eskimo" ("raw eater") was born in the languages of the Indian tribes of North America and gradually began to be used to refer to the Inuit tribes of the continental United States and Canada, to which the inhabitants of Greenland do not belong.

7. Administratively, the country is divided into 3 districts (landsdele) - Avanna (Nordgrönland), Tunu (Ostgrönland) and Kita (Westgrönland), subdivided, in turn, into 18 municipalities.

8. The capital of Greenland - Nuuk (Gothob), is the largest settlement of the island. The city is a very unusual "fusion" of old European architecture, a few examples of the original Greenlandic school of urban planning and huge (and rather faceless) residential areas built on a block basis. From a bird's eye view, the city looks like it was built from a children's Lego constructor, and the only pleasant exception in its appearance are the old quarters of Kolonyhavnen - the historical core of Nuuk.

9. The flag of Greenland was adopted in 1985 and has a red and white flag, which symbolizes the political connection of the island with Denmark. The figures depicted on the flag of Greenland, according to one version, personify the setting and rising Greenland sun, according to the other, the red half of the circle is the fjords of Greenland, the white one is icebergs, the red and white background illustrates the ocean and the ice cover.

10. The coat of arms of Greenland is an image of a polar bear on a blue shield. The blue color represents geographical position Greenland (between two oceans), and polar bear, being one of the symbols of the island, characterizes the fauna of Greenland.

11. The territory of Greenland is divided into four time zones. Time in the capital Nuuk and most major cities the southern coast is 6 hours behind the Moscow one.

12. The climate of the coasts is maritime, subarctic and arctic; in the area of the ice sheet - continental arctic. The island is often crossed by cyclones, accompanied by strong winds, sudden changes in temperature and precipitation. From open spaces ice sheet strong katabatic winds blow almost all year round, the speed of which sometimes reaches 60-70 meters per second.

13. The average January temperature on the coast is from -7 ° C in the south to -36 ° C in the north, in July - from +10 ° C in the south to +3 ° C in the northwest. In the center of Greenland average temperature February -47 °C (absolute minimum -70 °C), July -12 °C. In summer, the daytime temperature sometimes rises to +21°C, but often even during this period in central regions islands, it barely exceeds 0 ° C (on the coasts, especially on the western coast, the air warms up much better).

14. The average annual rainfall in the south is about 1080 mm, in the capital - up to 600 mm, in far north- 100-200 mm. Maximum amount precipitation occurs in the autumn-winter period, however, at any time of the year, due to the instability of the local weather, it can snow.

15. If the ice of Greenland completely melted, then the world sea level would rise by 7 meters.

16. Greenland could accommodate England, Scotland and Wales, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium and Norway.

17. The thickness of the ice shell covering Greenland is an average of one and a half thousand meters.

18. Most high peak Greenland and the entire Arctic - Gunbjorn, 3,700 m.

19. Occupations of the population - hunting, fishing.

20. Official language: Greenlandic. The Home Rule Act prescribes the general study of the Danish language

21. Political system- parliamentary democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy

22. The head of state is the Queen of Denmark (from January 14, 1972 - Margrethe II), represented by the High Commissioner (from January 31, 2011 - Mikaela Engel, Mikaela Engell)

23. Parliament - unicameral Landstinget (31 deputies are elected by secret ballot on a proportional basis, the term of office is 4 years). Parliament is responsible for all matters of domestic policy and legislation (Denmark remained in charge foreign policy, defense, justice and finance). The people of Greenland elect two representatives to the Danish Parliament, the Folketing.

24. Currency unit: Danish krone (ISO symbol DKK, domestically kr.), in 1 krone 100 øre. 1 DKK = 5.28 RUB, 10 DKK = 1.66 USD.

25. Most locals get paid directly to credit card, so their use is not difficult. ATM machines are found in abundance in all settlements, and most of them freely accept cards from the world's leading payment systems (Diners Club, VISA, Eurocheque Card, Eurocard / Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, Dankort, etc.), issuing crowns on them.

26. The price level on the island is quite high. Greenland independently provides itself only with fish and seafood, as well as some meat products - everything else has to be imported, which naturally affects prices. Even compared to far from cheap Scandinavian countries prices are about 10% higher here, and alcoholic products, tobacco products, dairy products, vegetable oil, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables are 14-20% more expensive. At the same time, the assortment of goods in stores is no less than in any of the European countries.

27. You can easily eat in a cafe for 25 DKK (~$4.1) - 60 DKK (~$9.8), lunch in a restaurant will cost 60 DKK (~$9.8) - 120 DKK (~$19.7) and more , and in a high-level establishment - 120 DKK (~ $ 19.7) - 250 DKK (~ $ 41.0). It is quite possible to find budget hotel for 120 DKK (~$19.7) - 350 DKK (~$57.4) per night, mid-range hotels will cost 350 DKK (~$57.4) - 900 DKK (~$147.6), but upscale hotels ask for their services already up to 900 DKK (~ $ 147.6) - 1500 DKK (~ $ 246.0) per day (quite modern hotels are available in almost all major cities). Very expensive transport services and fuel, electricity, all local goods and souvenirs, as well as many luxuries.
The cost of service is usually included in the bill, additional tips are rare.

28. Internet domain zone.gl

29. Internet services on the island are excellent - Greenland is one of the world's leading users of network services in terms of per capita. High-speed network access terminals and Wi-Fi hotspots are installed in all hotels, post offices and office complexes. Internet cafes are found in abundance in all localities, in tourist offices and some public libraries.

30. System cellular communication covers almost all cities coastal areas islands and adjacent island groups (unstable reception is observed only in the central regions). Roaming with the local operator TELE Greenland A/S is available to subscribers of the largest Russian operators through foreign partners of this company.

31. Most of the historical collections of the capital are concentrated in the National Museum of Greenland. Here is a unique collection of objects and documents covering the past of the island over the past four and a half thousand years, including a unique mummy from Kilakitsoka (approximately XIV-XV centuries), extensive exhibitions of folk costume, vehicles (including various dog teams , kayaks and umiaks of all ages), traditional tools, arts and crafts items and a large geological exposition.

32. In the capital of Greenland, Nuuk, south of the city tourist office, on the very shores of the Baffin Sea, located famous House Santa Claus with his post office and office.

33. In the city of Qaqortoq there is a square city fountain, the only one in Greenland, decorated at the base with copper tablets with the names of the city burghers (although many of the tablets "fell victims" of souvenir hunters).

34. Just a few hours by boat or boat to the northeast of Qaqortoq is the best preserved and most extensive medieval Norwegian settlement on the island - Hvalsey (Hvalsi). Hvalsey is even mentioned in the ancient Icelandic chronicle Flateyarbik as a place where witches were burned in the early 15th century, and also as the only place where marriages took place between Inuit and colonists. However, only the ruins of several dozen houses and the most picturesque Hvalsei church have survived to this day.

35. The city of Upernavik, located in the fjords of the Baffin Sea on the west coast of Greenland, 800 km north of the Arctic Circle, is one of the northernmost cities on the planet and the northernmost ferry crossing in the world. It's very beautiful, but harsh place- the locals even have a saying: "You won't even guess what real cold is until you visit Upernavik."

36. The name of the city of Upernavik is translated in a rather funny manner as "Spring Place". Considering that the average summer temperature here is no more than +5°C, this is rather strange. However, scientists argue that when the first settlers chose this place, the climate was much milder, and therefore the city then justified its name (like the whole of Greenland). With the onset of the general cooling of the climate, which occurred in the 16th-18th centuries, it turned into one of the coldest inhabited places on the planet. Here, hunting for a polar bear and a sea animal, which is prohibited almost everywhere in the world and, as an exception, allowed to local residents, is one of the few ways to feed a family here.

37. Popular three-hour tour from the very high peak Upernavika - Inusussak, to the northern tip of the island - Nayarsuit, passes through an absolutely magical landscape. Stones interspersed with colored minerals of all colors and shades, veins of natural graphite, unique acoustics of the valleys, allowing the whisper to spread for many kilometers - all this can be seen and felt only here.

38. West of the city Ilulissat, 300 km north of the Arctic Circle and 600 km north of the capital, splashing the waters of Disko Bay, which is perhaps the most famous bay in Greenland. This is a real "land of icebergs" - up to a thousand ice mountains of all sizes as coastal glaciers slide into the sea at up to 30 meters per day, producing up to 7 million tons of ice every day! This enchanting picture, only intensifying in summer time the sun that does not set in these parts makes Disko Bay and the five towns located on its shores one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

39. In Greenland there is Mount Umanak - a natural formation of stunning beauty and the most unusual colors. The mountain is an ancient gneiss base of the continental shield, rising up in alternating black, white and red layers. rocks that change shades of color depending on the lighting. Although the mountain looks completely inaccessible, several expeditions have nevertheless climbed to the top, but for most visitors it is enough just to see this unique natural formation, the only analogue of which is Mount Uluru in Australia.

40. South part islands are like norwegian fjords- the same alternation of countless bays, islands, stone ridges and tiny coastal lowlands, the same severe and majestic nature, the same lead-gray sea.

41. The southernmost city of Greenland - Nanortalik is literally surrounded by a wall of rocks rising into the sky (they are called "skyscrapers" here), steep peaks and mountain walls framing magnificent fjords. This is a real mecca for fans active rest and extreme sports, climbers will find a lot of interesting things here - Ketil and Ulmaretorsuak mountains are suitable even for experienced athletes.

42. In Greenland is the fastest moving glacier in the world (Jakobshavn), moving at a speed of about 30 meters per day.

43. In the summer, the country has quite strong solar radiation - the sun stays in the sky almost around the clock, and its rays are reflected both from the surface of glaciers and from the sea. It is worth having sunscreen, cream and good glasses, hats, as well as light scarves or scarves covering the neck.

44. A few things are forbidden in the country: taking pictures in churches during services, as well as local residents without consent, fishing without a license (from 75 DKK for 1 day, up to 500 DKK for a month) and littering.

45. Best time to visit the country - during the polar "white nights" from May to July or for lovers of winter fun - in April.

46. There are no roads and railways between cities in Greenland. Therefore, you can get from one end of the island to the other either by water or by air. Closely located cities and towns are connected with each other by means of snowmobiles and dog sledding if the weather permits.

47. National airline Air Greenland organizes many plane and helicopter flights throughout the island. Dash-7 type aircraft can carry 50 passengers at a time and fly at an altitude of 4-5 km above sea level, which guarantees fantastic views of glaciers and snowdrifts. Helicopters mostly fly between cities located in the south of the country.

48. Another popular way to travel around Greenland is by ship. The Sarfaq Ittuk passenger ship of the Arctic Umiaq Line carries out regular transportation from April to December between the city of Narsarsuaq (Narsarsuaq) in the south of the country and Ilulissat (Ilulissat) in the north. During summer season better to book in advance.

49. Souvenirs from Greenland are unique works of art: they are not made in China, they are not created according to one pattern, but are made by hand craftsmen which is why they are quite expensive. The most popular souvenir is a figurine of tupilak (tupilak), which, according to local belief, means “spirit”. Today they are made from completely different materials: teeth, bones, stones or wood, and they can be found everywhere in shops and tourist offices in large cities. However, it should be borne in mind that tupilaks made from whale teeth cannot be exported.

50. Jewelry and jewelry made from local stones are also popular. For example, tugtupit, which is characterized by rich pink or purple flowers, is born in the only place on Earth - the city of Narsaq, which is in southern Greenland. Particularly beautiful are the nuummit (shine dark brown) and grønlanditten stone, which has a fresh green hue. When buying a cute bracelet or beads, ask the sellers to issue a CITES certificate, which will allow you to take the jewelry out of Greenland.

51. No matter how terrible it may sound, but the traditional Greenlandic cuisine does not provide for any heat treatment of products. If it is whale skin with a layer of fat (mattak delicacy), then they eat it fresh, just, excuse me, skinned. Adventurers, of course, can easily find restaurants offering some National dishes countries. Delicacy national cuisine is a mixture of partridge droppings with seal fat ... A rather popular dish in these places, which includes narwhal fat, water, walrus brain and fermented grass, extracted from the first stomach of a reindeer. However, more European-minded stomachs of tourists will not remain empty either: Lately traditional cooking methods are increasingly receding under the onslaught of international cuisine and fast food.

52. Fish and seafood in Greenlandic cuisine are used in almost all forms - raw, salted, pickled, dried, baked in ash. The assortment also includes delicacies - dried halibut and ammasat, cod liver, shrimp and crabs in all forms, as well as shark meat and seabird eggs.

53. Popular drinks - black tea and tea with milk (which often replaces the first course, with added fat, salt and spices), deer milk, "kaffemic" - a specific Greenlandic coffee that is made from coffee, sugar and three types of alcohol with whipped cream (often it is also set on fire when serving).

54. Greenlandic national park, located in the northeast of the island, is the largest and most inaccessible nature reserve on the planet. In addition, it has been closed to outside researchers for many years. UNESCO recently added it to the list biosphere reserves of world significance, and not without reason - the park has a vast area of relic tundra, which is home to musk oxen, polar bears, polar wolves and a wide variety of forms of arctic plants.

55. At present, Greenland remains one of the few places on the planet that has been little affected by human activities, a place of fantastic opportunities both for extreme species recreation and sports, as well as ecological tourism. Extensive tundra, picturesque coastline with its fjords and pristine coastlines, monstrous glaciers that "give birth" to icebergs right before the eyes of observers, year-round opportunities for ice-climbing, snowboarding and skiing, unique (albeit scarce) nature, a sea rich in living creatures, silent Inuit with their unique culture and fantastic adaptability to the most severe local conditions - all this constantly attracts more and more tourists here.

August 2nd, 2013

Greenland - largest island on Earth, located between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. More than 80% of the island's territory is covered with ice, icebergs drift in coastal waters, and the coast is indented by fjords. Most huge icebergs break away from the world's largest glacier Jakobshavn near the city of Ilulissat on the west coast. But other events are attracting scientists' attention - the annual melting of glaciers on the island of Greenland, where the volume of ice is equivalent to 7 meters of ocean rise.

Getty Images journalist Joe Raedle traveled north and spent two weeks documenting the latest changes in Greenland, capturing picturesque scenery and daily life on the island.

But there is another version. The famous American physicist Freeman Dyson argues that the measures proposed to combat global warming have long ceased to belong to the field of science, but are politicking and speculative business. the biggest scam in history».

According to him, "some vile and cowardly scientists for the sake of protecting environment and various political agendas are blatantly manipulating long-term weather observations to give people the illusion of global warming.”

The main idea of the second version is that there is no rapid climate change and the impact of mankind on the Earth's climate is negligible, no need to flatter yourself. It's just that warming and cooling on our planet are normal periodic processes. Our planet is not in danger. In one or two decades, the failure of the theory of global warming may be obvious to everyone. As well as the well-known theory about "ozone holes".

By the way, the ice sheet covers about 80 percent of Greenland, July 17, 2013.

30 species of mammals live in Greenland, including the polar bear (depicted on the coat of arms), musk ox, arctic fox, polar wolf, and in coastal waters - bowhead whale, harp seal, walrus. And of course reindeer. Greenland, July 12, 2013.