Is Greenland part of Europe? Greenland Island - Green Country

The island of Greenland is the largest island on the planet. Greenland - " Green land“Why is this island called that? After all, almost the entire island is covered with a layer of ice, in some places it reaches one kilometer. A huge ice desert, at the edges of which, in the coastal areas of the island, there is lush green vegetation. That’s why it is called “Green Land” ".

Who owns the island of Greenland

Unlike Antarctica, whose land is neutral, Greenland is an autonomous region of Denmark. Until 1536 the island belonged to Norway. In 1979, the Danish parliament granted it wide autonomy. Today the island with its capital Nuuk is an autonomous region within Denmark. Not a bad addition to Denmark, autonomy the size of half of Europe.

The population of the island is 58 thousand people. Of which about 90% live in south- west coast. Here are the largest cities in Greenland: Nuuk - the capital, Qaqortoq, Sisimiut and Maniitsok. The city of Upernavik is the northernmost city in Greenland; the air temperature here in summer does not exceed 5 degrees.

official languages Greenlandic is Greenlandic and Danish. Greenlandic is a language belonging to the Eskimo-Aleut group of languages. Many people here also speak English.

The depths of the island of Greenland contain many minerals. These are oil, nickel, gold and so on, but the main mineral resource of the island is considered fresh water, which is stored in the ice of Greenland.

The nature of Greenland attracts the attention of thousands of tourists. This perfect place for lovers of active and extreme recreation. The harsh climate of the island requires physically prepared people; frostbites have no place here, because the temperature in the central and northeastern regions drops to 47 - 65 degrees below zero. The impressions can be very vivid after walking through the icy desert on dog sledding. They harness the huskies, of course.

The northern part is considered a very popular place on the island; here you can see icebergs of various shapes and sizes.

The northern part is also famous for the fact that it has National Park Greenland, but it is very difficult to get here due to the geographical location and the ban on staying here. The park is home to animals such as musk ox, polar wolves, and polar bears. Arctic plants are also very diverse. The special beauty of northern Greenland is northern lights. This is uniquely beautiful a natural phenomenon will bring a lot of positive impressions.

Greenlandic cuisine is very unique. For many Europeans it will even seem unsuitable. Traditional food Greenlanders consider fresh meat marine mammals, that is, not even cooked over a fire, in a stove or oven, but taken from a literally live whale, walrus or seal. If you suddenly decide to go to Greenland, then you need to stock up on products that are familiar to us.

Greenland is the largest island on Earth. This is amazing, and in its own way unique place requires special attention from connoisseurs of pristine nature.

If you have anything to add to what has been said, please leave your comments below.

It is closer to North America, but belongs to Europe, as it is located between Europe and America. It is separated from the North Pole by only 740 km.

Greenland is famous for its magical landscapes, so it is visited by many tourists who are not afraid of the cold.

Most of the attractions in Greenland are related to ice. Here, for example, you can find igloo hotels, huge glaciers and, of course, the northern lights.

Also here you can see Whale Bathing, visit the national museum of the capital Nuuk and look at its amazing collections, and on this island there is a unique opportunity to try the unique local cuisine.

Greenland on the map

Size of Greenland on the map

Real size of Greenland

Who owns Greenland

Denmark. However, this island is a self-governing territory. The island is technically ruled by the Queen of Denmark, but Greenlanders choose their own prime minister.

Greenland belongs to the northeast of America. His northern part washes the Lincoln Sea (waters of the North Arctic Ocean), in the northeast the island meets the waters of the Greenland Sea, and in the southeast it is washed by the Denmark Strait, directly beyond which is Iceland. In the south of the island is the Atlantic Ocean.

Greenland Island

Travelers from Iceland and Denmark settled in Greenland as early as 986, and one of them was the famous Viking, navigator and discoverer Erik the Red, who was also called Eirik Rauda and Eirik the Red (due to the color of his beard and hair). He founded the first settlement in Greenland.

Population

Today the island's population is 57,728, making it the area with the lowest population density on Earth.

12% of the population is European, mostly Danish, and the remaining 88% are Greenlandic Eskimos who call themselves Inuit.

Climate of Greenland

The climate of the island is divided depending on the region into:

Coastal sea

Subarctic

Arctic

Continental Arctic.

Greenland is often crossed by cyclones, which bring with them strong winds, precipitation and sudden temperature changes.

January

Temperatures vary from −7 °C to south coast to −36 °C in the north.

July

Temperatures range from +10 °C in the south to +3 °C in the northwest.

In the center of the island, the average temperature in February is −47 °C, and in July −12 °C.

The most snow falls in the autumn-winter period, but it is worth noting that snow can fall at any time of the year.

If you want to visit Greenland, it is better to do it during the polar “white nights” period, which falls between May and July. For those who love winter, the suitable period is April.

Time Zones

The island's territory is divided into 4 time zones. In the capital Nuuk and most big cities time in southern Greenland lags behind Moscow by 6 hours during summer time and by 7 hours during winter time.

The time difference with Scoresby Land in eastern Greenland is 4 hours during summer time and 5 hours during winter time

Time in Danmarkshavn (northeast Greenland) is 4 hours behind Moscow all year round.

The difference with Tule and the Pituffik area is 8 hours all year round.

The area between Cape Brewster and Trail Island is 5 hours behind Moscow in time.

Time in the area between Daneborg and Shannon Island is in the Greenwich time zone.

The westernmost part of the island is 7 hours behind Moscow time.

Briefly about Greenland

Total area: 2,166,086 sq. km. 81% of the territory is covered with permanent ice.

Ice-free area: 410,449 sq. km.

Official language: Greenlandic, but the Home Rule Act obliges everyone to learn Danish.

Head of State: Queen of Denmark.

Head of Administration: executive minister.

Currency unit: Danish krone.

Interesting Facts

Why is Greenland called that?

1. Greenland is translated as "Green Land". The first Eskimos arrived on the island in 985 from Norway and Iceland and decided to name the island that way in order to attract more people here.

Why is it wrong to call local residents Eskimos?

2. Despite the fact that many people call the inhabitants of Greenland Eskimos, this is not entirely correct. The word "Eskimo" means "raw food eater", and it appeared in the Indian tribes of North America, after which it began to be called the Inuit tribes living in the continental United States and Canada. However, the inhabitants of Greenland are not one of them.

Capital of Greenland

3. The largest city in Greenland is its capital, Nuuk. From a bird's eye view, it looks like it was created from Lego blocks. It combines: the old European school of construction, the Greenlandic school, as well as old quarters in the historical district.

4. Every year, due to global warming, the island loses 217 cubic kilometers of ice.

5. Greenland is the world's largest glacier after the glacier that covers Antarctica.

6. From a geographical point of view, Greenland is part of North America, but politically it is a province of Denmark (although it is 50 times larger than Denmark).

7. Most residents live on the southwestern coast, or more precisely on a narrow coastal strip that is located between the ice sheet and the sea. It is here that the climate is milder.

8. The colors of the island's flag symbolize its connection with Denmark. One version says that the circle on the flag is a symbol of the sun that rises over Greenland. According to another version, the red part of the circle is the fjords of the island, and the white part is icebergs, and the red and white background symbolizes the ocean and the ice cap.

9. The inhabitants of the island are mainly engaged in hunting and fishing.

10. The speed of some winds on the island reaches 70 meters per second.

11. The ice shell that covers the island has an average thickness of 1,500 meters.

12. If all the ice in Greenland melts, the level of the world's oceans will rise by 7 meters.

13. The symbol of the island is the polar bear, so its image can be seen on the coat of arms of Greenland.

14. Almost all residents of the island receive money on a card and can be found in all settlements a large number of ATMs that accept many different cards.

15. Prices on the island are quite high, since everything except fish and meat has to be imported. At the same time, the stores have a very wide range of goods.

16. Greenland has very high-quality high-speed Internet. Moreover, the island is one of the leaders in network services per capita.

17. On the west coast of the island is the city of Upernavik, which is one of the northernmost cities on Earth. It is also the northernmost ferry crossing on our planet. They even say here that a person will not experience real cold until he visits Upernavik.

GREENLAND

Greenland

island off north-east shores of the North. America. B 981 G. Icelandic resident Eirik Turvaldson, nicknamed Rowdy ("ginger") , went in search of the big one already known to Icelanders zap. land. Soon he approached her and south tip I found several areas relatively well protected from the wind and covered with green vegetation. In contrast to the surrounding area, Eirik gave this place the name Greenland (Greenland) - "green country". After more than a hundred years, a recording appeared (1100) that Eirik deliberately gave a name that embellished reality in order to attract immigrants. However, it is indisputable that Eirik attributed the name Greenland only to a small area on YU. islands, and only in the 15th V. it was extended to the entire island. Cm. also Scoresby, Thule, Spitsbergen.

Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001.

GREENLAND

the largest island on Earth, between the Atlantic and North. Arctic oceans. More than 80% of the territory is covered with ice (the thickness of the shield is up to 4300 m), and there are icebergs in the coastal waters. The shores are indented by fjords. The climate is arctic and subarctic, on the coast - marine, in the center - continental. One of the cold poles is north. hemispheres (-70 °C). On the coast there are tundras. Fishing, sheep breeding. Part of Danish territory, self-governing since 1979.

Concise geographical dictionary. EdwART. 2008.

Greenland

(Grønland), the largest island on Earth, between the North. Arctic and Atlantic oceans, near the north-east. shores of the North America. Length 2600 km, width up to 1200 km, area. 2176 thousand km². Almost 79% pl. occupies the Greenland Ice Sheet (1,726.4 thousand km²), the edges of which in many places fall into the sea. Ice-free sections of the coast up to 250 km wide (mainly in the southwest and north) are composed of crystalline rocks and represent plateaus up to 400–600 m high and mountain ranges up to 2000 m high. The highest point of the island is Gunbjorn (3700 m ) in hr. Watkins to the east. coast. The shores are heavily indented by fjords. Avg. ice sheet thickness 1790 m, max. to the center. h. 3416 m, ice volume approx. 2365 thousand km³ (12% of total ground ice). If the Georgian ice sheet were to melt, the level of the World Ocean would rise by 7.5 m. The relief of the ice sheet shows two domes: the center. height 3231 m and south. 2850 m high. They slide down narrow valleys large glaciers, at their end points they sometimes move at a speed of 5–7 km/year ( Jakobshavn , Rinka, Karayak). Many ice streams reach the sea and form icebergs (13-15 thousand annually). Individual ice domes lie outside the ice sheet. The climate is subarctic and arctic. Avg. January temperatures range from –7 °C in the south to –47 °C in the north and in the center. hours of the ice sheet (minimum approx. –70 °C), July respectively from 10 to –12 °C. Precipitation in the south is 800–1000 mm per year, in the north 150–250 mm, on the ice cover 300–400 mm. On the coast there is tundra, in the extreme south there is crooked forest in places, and in the north there is arctic desert. In G. live northern. deer, musk ox, polar bear, arctic fox, polar wolf, etc., many birds. The island is open approx. 875 by the Icelander Gunbjorn, and in 981 another Icelander Eirik Turvaldson, nicknamed Red, went in search of this land a second time and, having discovered several areas here covered with green vegetation, gave this place the name Greenland, i.e. "green country", which in the 15th century. was extended to the entire island. In 1721, the colonization of Germany by Denmark began; Since 1953, the island has belonged to Denmark, and has enjoyed self-government since 1979. Greenlanders are engaged in fish farming and fish processing, sheep and reindeer herding. Basic us. points are located in the southwest. coast: Gotthob (administrative center), Julianehob, Holsteinsborg. Population approx. 60 thousand people (1998). On the NE. islands – Greenlandic national a park .

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of academician. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

Greenland

the largest island on Earth, between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, off the northeastern coast of North America. Part ter. Denmark (since 1953); has enjoyed self-government since May 1979. Pl. 2176 thousand km², pop. OK. 60 thousand people Adm. center – Gothob. Dl. islands 2600 km, latitude. up to 1200 km. Almost 79% of Greenland's area is occupied by the Greenland Ice Sheet. In many areas, the edge of the ice sheet breaks into the sea, but in some places the coast is free of ice. Such areas are wide. up to 250 km stretch along the coast (especially in the southwest and north), are composed of crystalline rocks and represent high plateaus. up to 400–600 m and high mountain ranges. up to 2000 m. The highest point of the island is Gunbjorn (3700 m) in the ridge. Watkins to the east. coast. The shores are heavily indented by fjords.
Greenland ice sheet pl. 1726.4 thousand km² occupies the entire interior of the island. Wed. shield thickness 1790 m, max. to the center. parts – 3416 m. Ice volume approx. 3 million km³ is 12% of the total volume of land ice. If the ice sheet in Greenland were to melt, the level of the World Ocean would rise by 7.5 m. The relief of the ice sheet shows two domes: the center. (altitude 3231 m) and south. (altitude 2850 m). Large glaciers slide down narrow valleys; in their terminal parts they sometimes move at a speed of 5–7 km per year (glaciers Jakobshavn, Rinka, Karajak). Many ice streams reach the sea and form icebergs(13–15 thousand annually). Individual ice domes with a total area of ​​. 76 thousand km² lie outside the ice sheet.
The climate is subarctic and arctic, on the sea coast, in the center. parts of the shield are glacial. Wed. January temperatures on the coast are from –7 °C in the south to –36 °C in the north, July temperatures are from 10 °C in the north to 3 °C in the north-west. To the center. parts of the ice sheet cf. January temperature –47 °C, July temperature –12 °C. In winter it happens approx. –70 °C. Precipitation in the south is 800–1000 mm per year, in the north – 150–250 mm, on the ice cover 300–400 mm. On the coast there is tundra, in the extreme south there is crooked forest in places, and in the north there is arctic desert. In Greenland they live: northern. deer, musk ox, polar bear, arctic fox, polar wolf, etc.; a lot of birds. On the north-east islands – Greenland national. a park. Greenlanders are engaged in fishing and fish processing, sheep breeding and reindeer herding. Basic us. points are located in the southwest. coast: Gotthob, Julianehob, Holsteinsborg. The island is open approx. 875 by the Icelander Gunbjorn, and in 981 by a resident of Iceland Eirik Rowdy, nicknamed Red, went in search of this land a second time and, having discovered several areas covered with green vegetation, gave this place the name Greenland, i.e. green country. In the 15th century this name was extended to the entire island.

Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M.: Rosman. Edited by prof. A. P. Gorkina. 2006 .

Greenland

the largest island on Earth, located northeast of mainland North America, between 59°45" and 83°39" N latitude. Formerly a colony, and since 1979 a self-governing territory within Denmark. The length of the island from north to south is 2690 km, the greatest width is 1300 km. The total area is 2175.6 thousand square meters. km. The Canadian island of Ellesmere is separated from the northwestern coast of Greenland by a 19 km wide strait. The 320 km wide Denmark Strait separates Iceland and southeast coast Greenland. The distance from Greenland to Spitsbergen is 440 km, with the Greenland Sea stretching between them. In the west, Greenland is separated from Baffin Island by the Baffin Sea and Davis Strait. Main city– Nuuk (Gothob).
Geographical features. Approximately 83% of Greenland's area is covered by ice sheets. Only coastal areas are suitable for settlements. The total area of ​​ice-free land is estimated at 410.4 thousand square meters. km. An intermittent strip of such lands borders the island; its average width is 80 km, and its greatest width is in the southwest and north of Greenland (up to 200–259 km). In many places it is cut by fjords. The highest surface of the ice sheet is 3230 m above sea level. (at 73° N), and its maximum thickness is 3400 m (at 72° N). The ice cover gradually decreases towards the coasts, where icebergs calve at the ends of outlet glaciers. A collision with one of these giant icebergs in 1912 resulted in tragic death steamship Titanic. The shore of Melville Bay in western Greenland is an almost continuous high ice cliff.
The mountains stretch along the eastern and western coasts of the island and act as a barrier to the ice sheet. The highest mountains are located on the eastern coast. Trout Mountain north of Angmagssalik in southeastern Greenland reaches 3360 m. The highest point, Mount Gunnbjorn (3700 m), is located slightly to the north. The eastern coast, like the western one, is highly dissected; areas of lowlands stretch along the coast and are confined mainly to the tops of the fjords. Ice-free land in northern Greenland is low and has rugged terrain. In some places, ice shelves that are connected to the ice sheet approach the shores of the Arctic Ocean.
The climate of the coastal regions of Greenland is variable. It is mildest on the southwest coast. The average July temperatures in Qaqortoq are 9.6° C, in Nuuk 8.3° C, and in January, respectively –7.8° C and –10.7° C. In summer, sometimes the temperature is slightly above 21° C, but often even in midsummer temperatures hover around 0° C. The most low temperatures on the east coast. In Pituffik, the average January temperature is –27° C. Here, strong katabatic winds often blow from the surface of the ice sheet at speeds of up to 70 m/h. In winter, the bays and fjords even on the west coast north of Disko Island freeze. The southwest coast of Greenland receives quite a lot of rainfall. The average annual precipitation in Qaqortoq is 1080 mm, in Nuuk - 660 mm, on far north– only 100–200 mm. In summer there is often fog on the coast.
In the extreme south of Greenland there is birch forest (forest-tundra). In these areas it is possible to grow some vegetable crops and graze sheep. On the west coast, tundra vegetation is widespread, with thickets of shrubby willow found in places. Most of the coastline of northern and eastern Greenland is polar desert.
The fauna of Greenland itself is not rich. Reindeer, polar bear, arctic fox, ermine, hare and lemming live here. Sometimes there are wolves. The musk ox population is now greatly reduced. There are bird colonies on the coastal cliffs.
Black halibut, striped catfish, cod, sea bass, flounder and other types of fish are common in the waters of Greenland. Prawns are plentiful. In addition, there are several species of seals, beluga whales, narwhals and walruses.
Population. In 1998, 59.3 thousand people lived in Greenland. Most of the population is concentrated on the west coast. Only 8% of the population are Europeans, mainly Danes, the rest are Greenlandic Eskimos (self-name Inuit). 38.2% of Greenlanders are Lutherans.
The official languages ​​are Greenlandic and Danish. The Greenlandic language has three distinctly different dialects: West, East and North Greenlandic. The literary norm is based on the West Greenlandic dialect.
In eastern Greenland the population is small and concentrated in the areas of the Angmagssalik and Itokortormiit (Skorsbysund) trading posts. Along the southwestern coast, settlements are found from the southern tip of Greenland (Cape Farwell) to Upernavik on the eastern coast of Baffin Bay. The administrative center of Greenland, the city of Nuuk, has a population of 13.3 thousand people (1996). In northwestern Greenland live the Arctic Eskimos, who have experienced less influence from civilization than other aborigines. In this area there are small trading posts Kanak (Tule) and Eta.
Economic and social conditions. Greenland has limited natural resources, and Denmark annually allocates large subsidies to it ($427.2 million in 1995). Most residents are engaged in seal fishing, shrimp and cod fishing. Sheep farming, organized on the initiative of the Danish government in 1913, developed in areas of milder climate in the south and southwest of Greenland. In small settlements, Aboriginal people live in huts lined with turf or stone, while in larger towns and cities standard frame houses are built.
Under laws passed in 1950–1951, Greenland became open to foreigners with permission from the Danish government, and Greenlanders acquired the right to emigrate. Fish canning factories, refrigerators, shipbuilding workshops and other industrial enterprises have been created in Greenland. Schools are well established technical training Aboriginals. The state monopoly was eliminated, although at the same time new restrictions were introduced for Danish citizens on business and trade. According to Danish law, all persons living in Greenland enjoy free medical care. Doctors' work is paid by the state. Education is compulsory for children aged 7 to 16 years. Training is conducted mainly in Greenlandic. The island publishes several weekly and monthly periodicals in Danish and Greenlandic.
The economic basis of the population's life is marine fishing. Large whales were once abundant in coastal waters, but their numbers were on the verge of extinction as a result of the predatory activities of Dutch, English, American and Scandinavian whalers. Currently, fishing for marine mammals is the main source of income for only 2.5 thousand residents of Greenland. The most important is the seal fishery, whose skins, after processing, are supplied to the domestic market and exported. In northern and eastern Greenland, the importance of sea fishing and land hunting remains important as the basis for the nutrition of the aborigines.
In some areas in the far south, sheep and vegetable farming are developed.
Shrimp and fish (including salt cod) account for 85% of Greenland's exports (by value), with the former dominating the export mix. In addition, wool is exported. Main markets – countries European Union and Japan.
Greenland has considerable mineral reserves. In the past, graphite, coal, lead, zinc, cryolite and marble were mined, but currently mining has been curtailed, mainly due to unprofitability. In the mountains of Greenland there are precious stones: garnets, rubies, Moonstone, and also the very rare tuttupit.
International tourism is of great importance in Greenland. However, so far the number of tourists does not exceed 5,000 people per year.
Story. Greenland was discovered by Scandinavian explorers in the 10th century. The Norwegian navigator Erik the Red spent three years there exploring the southwestern coast, and in 984 he gave the island the name Greenland (translated as “green country”) to show its attractiveness for settlement. In 986, Eric founded two colonies near the modern city of Qaqortoq (Julianekhob). They thrived for a while, but probably ok. 1,500 disappeared for unknown reasons. The last written reports of Old Norse colonies in Greenland date back to 1408. Scandinavian explorers landed on the island's deserted east coast in 1472, and Dutch sailors sighted it in 1539. English navigator Martin Frobisher, who was searching for the Northwest Passage, saw Cape Farwell in 1576, and in 1578 landed on the southwestern coast of Greenland. English sailor John Davis mapped much of the east coast during voyages in 1585 and 1587. Davis Strait, which borders the island to the west, is named after him.
In the 17th century Dutch traders made numerous attempts to establish trade with the Greenland natives. The Danes only became involved in this trading activity in 1721, when the missionary Hans Egede established a permanent settlement on the west bank. In 1729 Greenland was declared a Danish colony, its administration was located in Copenhagen. Since 1776, trade with Greenland was declared a Danish monopoly. In 1825, the Commission for Greenland Affairs was created. On May 10, 1921, Greenland was declared Danish territory and the mooring of foreign ships on its coast was prohibited. Norway put forward territorial claims to part of eastern Greenland between 71°30" and 75°40" N, but in 1933 this issue was resolved in favor of Denmark.
The Americans showed interest in Greenland at the beginning of the 18th century. American whaling ships entered Davis Strait in 1732, hunting for the bowhead whale. In 1737, twelve ships were specially equipped in Provincetown (Massachusetts) for whaling in this strait. However, in 1741, whaling expeditions were forced to curtail their activities due to opposition from French and Spanish privateers.
Rear Admiral Robert Peary began Arctic exploration with a voyage to inland Greenland in 1886. He crossed northern Greenland in 1891–1892 and subsequently used the island as a base for expeditions to the North Pole. Since then, Greenland has been visited by many travelers and scientists. Among them was University of Michigan professor William Herbert Hobbs, who conducted aerological research there in 1926–1931, which greatly contributed to the development of polar meteorology. In 1939, two expeditions - German and English - penetrated into the inaccessible interior areas of the island with altitudes of 2400–3050 m to conduct meteorological and glaciological research. In the second half of the 1950s, an international glaciological expedition led by P.-E. Victor worked in Greenland, making a great contribution to the study of the ice sheet.
Currently, Greenland is used as a base for submarines, aircraft, radar installations and weather stations USA. home air force base The USA is located in Kanaka (Thule) on the northwestern coast of Greenland.
Immediately after the German invasion of Denmark during World War II, the United States and Denmark entered into an agreement granting the United States rights to establish bases in Greenland. Subsequent negotiations within NATO in 1951 culminated in the conclusion of an agreement on the joint use of these bases by both countries. At the same time, the sovereignty of Denmark was invariably recognized, and special rules for the presence of American troops in Greenland were developed. In 1986, the area of ​​two American radar bases was halved, and the vacated land was returned to local residents.
Control Greenland until 1953 was carried out by a national commissioner and a Greenland Affairs Council, elected by the inhabitants of the island, and coordinated by the Greenland Affairs Administration in Copenhagen. In 1953, the colonial regime in Greenland was abolished, and under the new Danish constitution, Greenland became part of Denmark and received two seats in the Danish parliament. In 1979, following a referendum, local control was transferred to Greenland. The Greenland Affairs Council was abolished and a parliament was created in its place, which elects the executive body of local government - the Landsting. Remained under Danish jurisdiction foreign policy, defence, justice and finance. The people of Greenland elect two representatives to the Danish parliament, the Folketing. All Greenlanders, upon reaching 18 years of age, have the right to elect a legislative body - the Landsting, which controls internal affairs. The leader of the majority party becomes the prime minister, heading the cabinet of ministers - Landsture, who is elected from the Landsting. In Greenland, after the introduction of self-government in 1979, two political parties were formed - Siumut (Forward) and Atassut (Unity). The first of them advocates the expansion of autonomy, especially in the field of economics and use natural resources, the second – defends the preservation of the state community with Denmark. Representatives of Siumut served as prime minister in the Greenland government: Lutheran pastor Jonathan Motsfeldt (1979–1991 and 1997 to present) and Lars Emil Johansen (1991–1997). There is also a left-wing socialist party, Inuit Atagatigiit (Inuit Brotherhood), which demands complete separation from Denmark. In the elections to the Landsting in 1995, Siumut received 12 seats, Atassut - 10, Inuit Atagatigiit - 6, other groups - 3.
Greenland's national holiday is celebrated on June 21 as the day of granting autonomy. His official name– Ullortunek (longest day).
LITERATURE
Greenland. Digest of articles. M., 1953
Ignatiev G.M. Greenland. M., 1956
Vozgrin V.E. Greenland and Greenlanders. M., 1984

Encyclopedia Around the World. 2008 .

GREENLAND

An island that is part of Denmark with the right of self-government. Most of Greenland lies beyond the Arctic Circle. From Canadian arctic archipelago it is separated by the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay, and from Iceland by the Denmark Strait. Greenland is the largest island in the world: from north to south it stretches for 2655 km, and from west to east it stretches for 1290 km. The area of ​​Greenland is about 2,175,600 km2, of which about 1,834,000 km2 is glacier.
Greenland's population (1998 estimate) is 59,300, giving a population density of less than 1 person per km2. Ethnic groups: Greenlanders (Eskimos and descendants of the first settlers) - 86%, Danes - 14%. Language: Danish (state), Eskimo dialects. Religion: most of the population are Lutherans. The capital is Nuuk (formerly Gothob). Largest cities: Nuuk (12,600 people), Sisimut (Holsteinsborg) (4,839 people). In a referendum in January 1979, Greenlanders voted for self-government, and a local parliament was created in April of the same year. However, the overall leadership of the country is exercised by Denmark. The head of state is Queen Margrethe II. The Danish leadership on the island is represented by the governor (Rigsombudsman). The head of government is Lare Emil Johansen. The monetary unit is the Danish krone. Average life expectancy (as of 1995): 61 years. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 15.8. The mortality rate (per 1000 people) is 6.9.
Greenland is almost completely covered with ice, except for a narrow strip along the coast. The thickness of the ice in the center of the island reaches 3000 m. The climate is very cold, although in the summer in the south the average temperature rises to 9 ° C. The fauna of Greenland is more American than European: musk ox, wolf, lemming and reindeer. Polar bear, polar fox, polar hare and ermine are also found. Rare tourists are attracted picturesque mountains near Nuuk.

Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .

Greenland

Greenland is the largest island in the world, washed by the waters of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, and is the possession of Denmark. (cm. Denmark), has enjoyed internal self-government since May 1979. Territory with a total area of ​​2176 thousand square meters. km, administratively divided into three inspectorates. The population of Greenland is over 56.9 thousand people. A significant part of the Greenlanders are descendants of mixed marriages between Eskimos and European settlers, primarily Danes. Ethnically pure groups of Eskimos remained only in remote areas northern regions Greenland. 90% of the population lives on the southwest coast of the island. The official languages ​​in Greenland are Greenlandic and Danish. The Greenlandic literary language was created in the mid-19th century based on the Inuit dialect. The dominant religion in Greenland is the Danish Lutheran Church. Administrative center- Gotkhob (Nuuk) with a population of 14.8 thousand people.
More than two-thirds of the island is located north of the Arctic Circle, its dimensions are 2650 km long and 1200 km wide. Over 80% of the territory is occupied by a cover glacier with a thickness of up to 3400 m. The volume of the ice mass is 2.6 million cubic km. This is the largest glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Under the weight of its own mass, the ice moves towards the shore and slides in separate blocks into the ocean. 13-15 thousand icebergs are formed annually off the coast of Greenland. The Jakobshavn Glacier moves 30 meters a day and is one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world. The highest point in Greenland is Mount Gunbjorn (3700 m). The climate in Greenland differs significantly in its coastal and continental parts. The climate of the coast is marine subarctic and arctic, on the glacier it is continental.
On the southern coast of the island, the average temperature in January is -8 °C, in July - 10 °C, on the northern shore, respectively -22 °C and 8 °C. In the interior of Greenland in February the average temperature is -47 °C, in July -12 °C. Tundra vegetation is common only on the southern coast. Greenland is home to many birds, reindeer, musk ox, polar bear, arctic fox; Walruses and seals live in coastal waters. Greenland National Park is located in the northeast of the island.

Story
Greenland was inhabited by the ancestors of the Eskimos from North America starting in the 4th millennium BC. Around 875, the island was discovered by the Scandinavians, who called it the “green country” - Greenland. Between 980 and 985, the Norwegians, led by Eric the Red, founded the first European settlement in the New World. It was called Brattahlid or Tunigdliarfik. The Scandinavian colony in Greenland existed until the end of the fourteenth century, but due to the general deterioration of the climate in the North Atlantic, European settlers were forced to leave the island.
In the 16th century, Greenland was rediscovered by Europeans. In 1721, the Norwegian missionary Hans Egged declared Greenland to belong to the Danish king (Denmark and Norway were in a dynastic union at that time). In 1729, the island officially became a colony of Denmark, which tried to protect its polar acquisition from contacts with other states. In 1774, a state monopoly on trade with Greenland was established, which remained until 1951. During the Second World War, when Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany (cm. Germany), Greenland was taken under the protection of the US Army (cm. USA). In 1946, the United States offered to sell the island to the Danes, but was refused. The United States received permission to maintain the military base in Thule in northern Greenland, an important radar and meteorological station.
According to the 1953 constitution, Greenland received the status of an overseas county of Denmark. On May 1, 1979, the island received internal self-government, a legislative body, the Landsting, was elected, and a Greenlandic government, the Landsstyre, was formed. The population of Greenland is divided into 18 communes, which have their own municipal governments, elected for a term of four years. The Danish government on the island is represented by the governor (Rigsombudsman). Greenland has two seats in the Danish Parliament (Falketing). In relation to Greenland, the competence of the Danish government is increasingly limited to purely foreign policy functions. Since 1979, the use of the Greenlandic language has increased, especially the use of Inuit forms of place names (Greenland in Inuit is Kalaallit Nunaat). Since 1984, Greenland has left the EEC, maintaining its “associate member” status.

Economy
Greenland's climate is unfavorable not only for agriculture, but also for economic life in general. Only 15% of the island's area is free from continental ice (342 thousand sq. km). The basis of Greenland's economy is fishing, where 25% of the working population is employed. Greenlanders have a significant fishing fleet (440 vessels). Sea animals are hunted (50 thousand skins annually), mainly seals. Sheep and reindeer herding are developed in the south of the island. In the life of the Eskimos vital importance occupy traditional forms of farming.
Deposits of many minerals have been discovered on the island, including zinc, lead, copper, nickel, iron, uranium, molybdenum, thorium, chromium, gold, silver, and coal. Oil reserves have been discovered in the sea. In 1989, a very rich deposit of gold ore was discovered. But the development of mining is hampered by the too high cost of ore extraction. However, cryolite, zinc, lead and silver are being mined. 83% of Greenland's exports are fish products, primarily processed shrimp. Greenland is the world leader in shrimp production. Another 11% of export volumes are zinc and lead ores. The main exporters of Greenlandic products: Denmark (30%), Japan, France, Great Britain, Sweden. 65% of imports come from Denmark.
A fifth of the Greenlandic budget is intended for the development of fisheries (construction of trawlers, re-equipment of the fish processing complex, expansion of shipyard capacities). There remains a gap in living standards between natives and people from Denmark on the island. At the same time, the system is being improved social protection, it is gradually approaching the standards adopted in Denmark. As monetary unit in Greenland the Danish krone is used.

Encyclopedia of tourism Cyril and Methodius. 2008 .

This article is about the island, for the autonomous territory of Denmark see Greenland (administrative unit). Greenland greenl. Kalaallit Nunaat dat. Grønland Coordinates: ... Wikipedia

The largest island on Earth, located northeast from mainland North America, between 59°45 and 83°39 N latitude. Formerly a colony, and since 1979 a self-governing territory within Denmark. The length of the island from north to south is 2690 km,... ... Collier's Encyclopedia

- (Grønland, literally green country) an island in the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, northeast of North America. G. the largest island in the world, part of the territory of Denmark. Area 2176 thousand km2. Population 47 thousand people. (1970). … … Big Soviet encyclopedia

- (Gronland, lit. green country) island in the North. Ledovit and Atlantic. approx., to the S.N. from the North. America. Area 2,176 t. km2 (most of 1834 t. km2 is covered continental ice), us. 30.6 vol. (1960), tu. hours approx. 23 thousand Eskimos, the rest... ... Soviet historical encyclopedia

- (Grønland), an island in the Arctic Ocean, the largest in the world. Territory of Denmark (since 1953); enjoys self-government since May 1979. 2176 thousand km2. Population over 56 thousand people (1996), including Greenlanders (Eskimos) about 90%.... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Greenland- an island off the north. eastern shores of the North America. In 981, a resident of Iceland, Eirik Turvaldson, nicknamed Raudi (red), went in search of the great west already known to the Icelanders. land. Soon he approached her and her south. extremities discovered... ... Toponymic dictionary

GREENLAND- An island that is part of Denmark with the right of self-government. Most of Greenland lies above the Arctic Circle. It is separated from the Canadian Arctic archipelago by the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay, and from Iceland by the Denmark Strait. Greenland is the largest... ... Cities and countries

GREENLAND- (Gronland), pl. 2176 thousand km2. Us. 53.7 thousand people (1989). Official languages ​​Eskimo (Greenlandic dialect) and Danish. Adm. Gothob center According to the constitution of 1953, Greenland is part of the kingdom of Denmark, using internal. autonomy. Adm. power on ve... ... Russian Pedagogical Encyclopedia

With the onset of the holiday season, many are racking their brains over the question of where to spend their quality holiday. There are many in the world wonderful places, in which everything is created the necessary conditions for a comfortable pastime. Among the abundance of offers in the tourism industry, tours to Greenland stand out. Greenland is a country of eternal ice and unforgettable northern lights. Disputes about which state Greenland belongs to have been going on for quite some time. Currently, the territory of the island is under the control of Denmark and is an autonomy within it. The world of eternal ice is located on the largest island on the planet and is washed by the waters of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, is populated by 15 thousand people. Thanks to warmer climatic conditions than on the rest of the island, the sea does not freeze, which has contributed to the emergence of active fishing.

Literally, Greenland is translated as “the land of greenery,” which causes some confusion among almost all researchers and scientists. One of the main factors influencing the popularity of tours to Greenland is its fabulous snowy landscapes, which fascinate all vacationers with their appearance. While relaxing on the island, everyone will be able to fully receive unforgettable pleasure from the local nature and its inhabitants:

• the northern lights, which are visible from the island better than anywhere else;
• huge icebergs and drifting ice floes;
• thermal springs;
• White Nights;
• Fjord Glacier, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, etc.

Which country owns the island of Greenland?

The question “to which state does Greenland belong?” has lost its relevance for some time now. After lengthy disputes and clarifications, Greenland was recognized as an autonomy within the Danish Kingdom and all claims to the territory from Norway and other countries came to naught. There are many legends and myths associated with the history of the state. According to some reports, the first European settlements were founded by the Vikings. Severe climatic conditions For a long time, migrants from the mainland were not allowed to settle on the island. But having learned to survive among snow-capped mountains and glaciers, local population Villages, and subsequently entire cities, began to be gradually built.

The interest of tourists from all over the world is focused on Greenland because unique nature. Tours to the island are interesting because there are practically no traces of human activity. Huge virgin territories attract lovers of extreme recreation and connoisseurs ecological tourism. Endless tundra, majestic glaciers along the picturesque coastline, unique wildlife and excellent opportunities for winter sports whole year attract tourists from all over the world. The highlight, or even business card Greenland is rightfully home to the northern lights and polar mirages, which can be admired almost all year round. When going on a trip to Greenland, you need to choose the most suitable one in advance. a tourist route, following which you can visit a lot of wonderful places:

• The capital of Greenland is Nuuk, one of the smallest capitals in the world. Surrounded on three sides by the sea;
• Savur Church;
• the incredible beauty of the Arctic Garden;
• Bradtet meat market, where you can enjoy exotic dishes;
• Ilulissat is one of the most popular tourist destinations;
• Cold Museum with its amazing exhibits;
• the northernmost ferry crossing in the whole world – Upernavik and much more.

Greenland me or Kalaallit Nunaat(local name). Autonomous territory of Denmark. It has maritime boundaries with Canada in the northwest. Iceland is located to the east of it.

Greenland is the largest island in the world. Total area - 2,166,086 sq. km. Largest island globe located northeast of mainland North America.

In the north, Greenland is washed by the seas of the Arctic Ocean (Lincoln Sea, Wandel Sea), almost constantly clogged with ice.

In the extreme south, Greenland is washed by waters Atlantic Ocean, forming the wide Denmark Strait in the southeast, separating Greenland from Iceland.

The east coast is washed by the cold East Greenland Current and is blocked almost throughout the year by floating ice brought from the central part of the Arctic Ocean. The southwestern coast, washed by the warm waters of the West Greenland Current, is more accessible from the sea.

The world's most powerful island, Greenland, is made up of 81% ice. Glaciers cover 1,834 thousand km² (including 1,726 thousand km² of the ice sheet, which occupies the entire interior and some coastal areas).

The calling card of Greenland is the aurora (the so-called “Orora borealis”), which can be observed here almost all year round, and polar mirages (“Fata Morgana”), which in these high latitudes sometimes show fantastic pictures of majestic sailboats or cities surrounded by lush greenery.

Climate in Greenland

Climate in Greenland− marine, 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.

The average January temperature on the coast ranges from -7 °C in the south to -36 °C in the north, and in July from +10 °C in the south to +3 °C in the northwest. In the center of Greenland, the average temperature in February is -47 °C (absolute minimum -70 °C), in July -12 °C.

In summer, dense fogs are common on the coast. Strong katabatic winds often blow from the surface of glaciers, the speed of which sometimes reaches 60-70 meters per second.

Population

Population of Greenland− about 59,000 people (2012), including Greenlanders (Eskimos) about 90%.

Over 9/10 of the population is concentrated on the southwestern coast of Greenland, where the largest settlements (cities) are located - Nuuk (capital, 15 thousand inhabitants), Julianehob, Holsteinsborg, Sukkertoppen.

The main religion is Christianity.

Languages: Greenlandic (Eskimo dialect), Danish, English.

Greenlandic is spoken along the eastern, southwestern and northwestern coasts of the island of Greenland.

For all Greenlanders it is the main, and for many, the only language of communication.

Currency

The Danish krone (Dkr) is equal to 100 øre.

Crown is used to a limited extent Faroe Islands(Kr).

There are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50 crowns, coins in denominations of 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 crown, 50 and 25 öre.

In all major cities There are banks in Greenland, and you can also change money in hotels.

Credit cards can be used in many hotels, restaurants and shops, but it is recommended to take a small amount of Danish kroner with you to Greenland, some ATMs are not open on weekends.

Communications

Telephone code: 299

Internet domain: .gl

No area codes are used.

How to call

To call from Russia to Greenland from a landline phone, you need to dial: 8 - beep - 10 - 299 - subscriber number.

To call Greenland from Russia from a cell phone, you need to dial: +299 - the subscriber number.

To call from Greenland to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.

Landline communications

Greenland's telephone system is well developed, especially given the harsh local environmental conditions. All populated areas countries are provided with a whole network of telephone lines based on both cable and satellite systems.

Public pay phones that accept prepaid cards (sold in post offices), installed in almost all post offices and have direct access to the international communications system (IDD).

mobile connection

System cellular communication is excellently developed - there are many times more cell phone owners here than cable network subscribers.

The cellular communication system covers almost all settlements in the coastal areas of the island and adjacent island groups.

Internet

The Internet on the island is excellent. High-speed Internet access or Wi-Fi terminals 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.

Shopping

Shops in cities. In Greenland, a wide range of goods can be found in the supermarket. Because almost everything, with the exception of fish and some meat products, is imported into Greenland either by ship or by plane, so prices are higher than in Europe. Alcohol, tobacco, fresh fruits and vegetables and dairy products are also expensive products in Greenland.

Shopping in settlements . In populated areas, the selection of goods in stores is somewhat limited. The more residents there are in a settlement, the more choices there are. On the other hand, you can always buy fresh fish, lamb and meat at affordable prices. In cities and towns, souvenirs are sold in shops, but they are not as high quality as souvenirs sold in gift shops.

Souvenirs . Souvenirs from Greenland are unique because... they are handmade, and such souvenirs cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Each product is made by a Greenlandic artist who follows the traditions and customs of this country. As a visitor, you will have enough options to find exactly what you are looking for.

Where to stay

There are hotels in all cities except Ittoqqortoormiit, Kangaatsiak and Upernavik.

Many hotels are classified according to the European classification system with four **** as the best. Four-star hotels include the Arctic Hotel Ilulissat, the Sisimiut Hotel in Sisimiut and the Hans Egede Hotel in Nuuk. All hotels have a bathroom/toilet, a telephone and, as a rule, a TV.

In large cities you can arrange accommodation with a Greenlandic family.

Boarding houses and hostels provide cheap accommodation and can be found in most cities. Some of them can be on par with boarding in Europe. There are no showers or toilets on the premises. Some boarding houses have beds, while others require you to take a sleeping bag with you.

Camping. If you're camping in Greenland, you can camp close to historic ruins or near lakes and rivers. Some cities have created special camping areas with various facilities.

Sea and beaches

Beach holiday, as such, does not exist in Greenland.

Story

Around 875, the island was first discovered by the Icelandic sailor Gunbjorn (he did not go ashore).

In 982, an Icelander of Norwegian origin, Eirik Rauda (Red), made the first survey of the island and named it Greenland.

In 983, Norman (Icelandic) colonies were founded in southern Greenland and lasted until the 15th century.

From 1262 until the beginning of the 18th century, Greenland actually belonged to Norway.

In 1721, the colonization of the island by Denmark began.

In 1744, Denmark established a state monopoly (existed until 1950) on trade with Greenland.

In 1814, with the dissolution of the Danish-Norwegian Union of 1380, Greenland remained with Denmark and was its colony until 1953.

In 1953, Greenland was declared part of the territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.

In 1940, after the occupation of Denmark by Germany, the US government announced the extension of the Monroe Doctrine to Greenland.

1941 - so-called signed with the American government. Agreement for the Defense of Greenland (ratified by the Danish Rigsdag on May 16, 1945). The United States has begun creating military bases on Greenland.

1951 - a new agreement was signed under which Denmark and the United States jointly defend the island.
In 1971, the United States had 2 military bases and other military facilities in Greenland.

Exploration of Greenland began in the 17th century and was carried out initially by the British, and after the colonization of the island by the Danes and Norwegians.

The Swede A. Nordenskiöld (1683) was the first to make a long journey into the depths of Greenland.

In 1888 southern part The islands were crossed by the Norwegians. Nansen and O. Sverdrup. IN last years almost continuous research, including stationary observations at ice sheet, conducted by scientists from the USA and Great Britain; in 1968-1969 an expedition of the USSR Academy of Sciences worked.

August 6, 2004 - The United States and Denmark signed an agreement modernizing the 1951 Treaty for the Defense of Greenland.

When traveling in Greenland you should Special attention pay careful attention to the selection of clothing, equipment and equipment.

Even with a simple visit to the country that does not involve traveling outside the cities, you should stock up on warm clothing with good wind protection, as well as warm and strong shoes.

Summer can be so warm that shorts and T-shirts come in handy.

How to get to Greenland

There are no direct flights from Moscow to Greenland yet. Regular direct flights Moscow-Copenhagen are operated by SAS and Aeroflot airlines.

You can also get to Denmark by ferry from Norway: Oslo - Copenhagen flights are operated by the ferry company DFDS Seaways.

By rail you can reach Denmark through Germany or Sweden.

Buses to Copenhagen depart daily from almost all European capitals. From Copenhagen you can fly to Kangerlussak (West Greenland) and Narsarsuaq (South Greenland).