Which country does Greenland belong to? Citadel, old town and fortifications of Derbent

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 associated with ice. Here, for example, you can find igloo hotels, huge glaciers and, of course, northern lights.

Also here you can see Whale bathing, visit National Museum capital Nuuk and look at its amazing collections, as well as on this island there is a unique opportunity to try the local cuisine like nothing else.

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. Technically, the queen of Denmark rules the island, but the Greenlanders choose their own prime minister.

Greenland belongs to the northeast of America. His northern part it washes the Lincoln Sea (the waters of the 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, right behind which is Iceland. In the south of the island is the Atlantic Ocean.

Greenland

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

Population

Today, the island has a population of 57,728, making it the area with the lowest population density on Earth.

12% of the population are Europeans, mostly Danes, 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:

Coasts of the sea

Subarctic

Arctic

Continental Arctic.

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

January

The temperature varies from -7 °C to south coast to -36 ° C in the north.

July

The temperature varies 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.

Most of the 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", which falls between May and July. For those who love winter, April is the right time.

Time Zones

The territory of the island is divided into 4 time zones. In the capital Nuuk and most big cities South Greenland time 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 in summer time and 5 hours in winter

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

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

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

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

The most West Side islands is 7 hours behind Moscow time.

Briefly about Greenland

Total area: 2,166,086 sq. km. 81% of the territory is covered with eternal 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 translates 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 eater", and it appeared in the Indian tribes. North America, after which they began to call the Inuit tribes living in the continental United States and Canada. However, the inhabitants of Greenland are not among 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 the old quarters in the historic 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. WITH geographic point 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 in the south west coast, or rather on a narrow coastal strip, which 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 sheet glacier.

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 sea level will rise by 7 meters.

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

14. Almost all residents of the island receive money on the card and in all settlements can be found 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 in the world. It is also the northernmost ferry crossing on our planet. They even say here that a person does not know real cold until he visits Upernavik.

Greenland is an island almost entirely covered in glaciers. What else do people know about him? Where it is located? Who lives there? And who owns Greenland?

Geographic reference

Greenland is the largest island in the world. Its area is slightly less than 2200 thousand km2. The length is about 2600 km, and the maximum width is 1200 km.

It is located near the northeastern part of North America, between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans.

Despite its impressive size, it is sparsely populated. This is easily explained by the fact that less than 20% of the entire area is habitable, since Greenland is an island covered by more than 80% of the thick layer of ice.

The population of the island is about 56 thousand people living on its southwestern coast due to the milder climate. In summer, the air temperature here rises to +10 degrees, in winter it averages -7. In the central part in winter, the temperature often drops below -40 degrees, and in summer it does not reach positive indicators, mainly fluctuating around the mark of -10 degrees. The largest city is the capital - Nuuk (Gothob).

Island colonization

Europeans learned about the island only in the X century. Then it was a complete empty place without permanent residents. Therefore, the question of who owns Greenland simply did not arise in those days. The Vikings really began to explore the island. The first was Erik Raudi (Redhead), who was banished from Iceland for three years for a murder he had committed.

Together with his family and servants, he sailed towards Greenland in 982. From the tops of the Icelandic mountains on clear days it was possible to observe its lands, so the Viking went in this direction out of curiosity.

During his stay there, Eric was able to study quite well large area but never met a single person. He is the author of the name of the island, literally meaning " green earth". Regarding such interesting name there are several versions. According to one of them, in those days the climate was warmer and milder, so Greenland is an island that was indeed covered with greenery.

According to the second version, the name was nothing more than a publicity stunt that served as a bait for the inhabitants of Iceland to go to explore new territories. After returning from exile, Eric began to recruit volunteers to go to the development of Greenland. As a result, the Viking was able to collect a sufficient number of applicants, but not all ships managed to get to Greenland: only 14 out of 25 successfully mastered a very difficult journey. And as a result, the first European state was founded.

End of independence

Greenland retained absolute independence until 1261, when the inhabitants of the colony decided to swear allegiance to the king of Norway. He had to ensure the supply of the island with everything necessary, and the inhabitants of Greenland, in turn, paid taxes to the Norwegian treasury. At the same time, the colony retained the opportunity to live by its own laws.

Norway entered into a personal union in 1380 with Denmark. This union became the reason for the claims of Denmark to the island, which she presented several centuries later. Since the 18th century, Denmark has been exactly the state to which Greenland belongs.

New period of development

For various reasons, the colony of European settlers disappeared from Greenland by 1540. Only the Inuit remained.

Due to the final unification of the Norwegian and Danish kingdoms into one, which took place in 1536, the question of who owns Greenland was resolved by itself. It has now become the seat of Danish jurisdiction, not Norway.

At the same time, the island was an abandoned territory. Regular expeditions resumed only in 1578. And in the 17th century, the waters of Greenland became more visited due to the development of whaling. On the shores of the island, sometimes there were short stays of sailors, but no new settlements were created.

In 1814, Norway seceded from the Kingdom of Denmark, which left Greenland behind. Denmark managed to keep all its overseas colonies. The influence of the kingdom was strengthened in Greenland, but its laws extended only to the Danes who lived here. The Inuit, who also inhabited these lands and their descendants who migrated from Canada, were not subject to these laws.

At the beginning of the 20th century, after Norway gained sovereignty, it laid claim to Greenland. As a result of legal disputes, the island was finally transferred to Denmark.

During World War II, Denmark was physically unable to control such a remote territory. Due to various strategic interests in Greenland, the island's relationship with Canada and the United States has intensified.

Modern life

Greenland's colonial status ended in 1953 when it officially became part of Denmark. But due to the conflict between the interests of the population of the island and the kingdom, they began to fight for autonomy, which they achieved in 1982. It was further expanded in 2009. And in 1985, Greenland left the EU, which is an absolutely unique case.

The area of ​​Greenland is 50 times the size of Denmark, but the population is 100 times smaller. Most of of the inhabitants are Inuit, and only 10% are Europeans.

The main activities of the local population are fishing and hunting. The island has good air links, with a sufficient level of high technology development.

It is an attractive place for tourists. Here you can enjoy unforgettable views, admire the northern lights, get acquainted with the cuisine of the Eskimos.

Due to the fact that the inhabitants of the island zealously defend their interests, it is quite difficult to say unconditionally who owns Greenland. Legally, it is a territory of Denmark, but with such wide autonomy, it belongs to the inhabitants themselves. Perhaps, after some time, Greenland will completely separate from Denmark and become an independent state.

Denmark who owns Greenland owns this huge island for several centuries now. Until 1536 it was part of Norway. After Greenland went to Denmark, almost nothing has changed here for many generations. In 1979, the inhabitants of the island received wide autonomy from the government in Copenhagen.

History of the island

At first glance, it may seem that the huge northern island is independent state, but this is not the case at all. So who owns Greenland? Formally, it is part of the Danish kingdom, but it has its own authorities that manage the island much more efficiently than far European autonomy.

Since time immemorial, these uninhabitable lands have been of interest only to brave navigators and scientists. The island of Greenland was discovered by the Vikings, who were the first to visit here in the early Middle Ages. European colonies appeared much later. In the XVIII century, the Danish authorities began the construction of seaside towns, where fishermen and hunters mainly lived. This order continued for several centuries.

During the Second World War, it was occupied by the troops of Nazi Germany. When the US joined the Allies, the Americans began to build on free island bases, it was they who helped in the fight against the Wehrmacht. After the onset of peace, the authorities of the States and Denmark signed several documents stipulating the organization of the defense of the island. These arrangements were updated after Copenhagen decided to join NATO in 1949.

Relations with Denmark

Colonial politics European states became a thing of the past when, in the second half of the 20th century, most of the colonies declared independence (in Africa and on other continents). Denmark, who owns Greenland, also did not escape these transformations. Greenland was too large and sparsely populated to create an effective state of its own. Therefore, it was decided to agree on autonomy, which suited both parties. The capital held referenda several times, in which the population of the island expressed their opinion regarding the future of the country.

Autonomy

Recent changes in legal status happened in 2009. Extended autonomy provided for many new things. For example, Greenlandic became the official language on the island. Local authorities have received new powers. Now they have become responsible for the courts and the police.

The small population of the island (56,000 people) gained complete control over natural resources. Many of them are located deep in the arctic bowels. Their development is a matter of the future. These are oil, gas, gold and diamonds that Greenland owns. Denmark retained control of foreign policy and printing money. The krone remains the official currency.

Denmark, who owns Greenland, often makes it clear that it will not resist if the autonomy wants complete independence. In this case, the island can become an independent Eskimo state.

Life in Greenland

The Danes did a lot to ensure that Greenland acquired all the infrastructure necessary for life. Missionaries and colonists founded several cities that are now the administrative centers of the island's communes. The capital Nuuk was built in the 18th century. Since then, its population has never exceeded 20,000 permanent residents.

The city is home to the only university on the island. There are also many churches left by Protestant missionaries. In Nuuk, as in other Greenlandic cities, the extraction of crabs, as well as halibut, is developed. Sea delicacies are sold all over the world, including in Denmark.

Greenland is also exotic place which tourists love to visit. Nuuk has a museum dedicated to the history of the island. However, many guests who come here buy tickets in order to admire the secluded nature of the harsh Arctic region with its unusual panoramas and beauties. On the southern coast of Greenland, the climate is quite mild for these latitudes due to the warm sea current. But even here in summer the temperature does not exceed ten degrees above zero.

GREENLAND

Greenland

island at north-east the banks of the North. America. In 981 G. Icelandic Eirik Turvaldson, nicknamed Raudi ("ginger") , went in search of a large app. earth. Soon he came up to her and on her south extremity found several areas relatively well protected from the wind and covered with green vegetation. In contrast to the surrounding area, Eirik gave the name Greenland to this place. (Grenland) - "green country" . After more than a hundred years, there was a record (1100) that Eirik deliberately gave the name, embellishing 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 XV V. it was extended to the whole island. Cm. also Scoresby, Thule, Svalbard.

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

GREENLAND

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

Brief geographical dictionary. EdwART. 2008 .

Greenland

(Grønland), the largest island on Earth, between Sev. Arctic and Atlantic oceans, near the north-east. coast of the North. America. Length 2600 km, width up to 1200 km, area. 2176 thousand km². Almost 79% of the area. occupies the Greenland ice sheet (1726.4 thousand km²), the edges of which in many places break off into the sea. Ice-free coastal areas 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 height up to 2000 m. The highest point of the island is Gunbjorn (3700 m) in the ridge. Watkins to the east. coast. The coast is 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 the total ground ice). If the glacial cover of G. melted, then the level of the World Ocean would rise by 7.5 m. Two domes are expressed in the relief of the ice sheet: the center. 3231 m high and south. height of 2850 m. large glaciers, in their terminal parts 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 from -7 ° C in the south to -47 ° C in the north and in the center. part of the ice sheet (minimum approx. -70 °С), July, respectively, from 10 to -12 °С. Precipitation in the south is 800–1000 mm per year, in the north 150–250 mm, and on the ice sheet 300–400 mm. Tundra is on the coast, crooked forests are in places in the extreme south, and arctic desert is in the north. In G. live sowing. deer, musk 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 the Red, set off again in search of this land and, having found several areas covered with green vegetation, gave this place the name Greenland, i.e. "green country", which in the XV century. was extended to the whole island. Since 1721, the colonization of G. by Denmark began; since 1953, the island belongs to Denmark, has been self-governing since 1979. The Greenlanders are engaged in fish and fish processing, sheep and reindeer husbandry. Main us. points are located in the southwest. coast: Gotthob (adm. center), Julianehob, Holsteinsborg. Population approx. 60 thousand people (1998). On SW. islands - Greenlandic national a park .

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

Greenland

the largest island on Earth, between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, off the northeastern coast of North America. Part of ter. Denmark (since 1953); has been self-governing since May 1979. Pl. 2176 thousand km², us. OK. 60 thousand people Adm. center - Gotthob. Length islands 2600 km, lat. up to 1200 km. Almost 79% of the area of ​​Greenland is occupied by the Greenland Ice Sheet. In many areas, the edge of the ice sheet breaks off into the sea, but in some places the coast is ice-free. 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 mountain ranges high. up to 2000 m. The highest point of the island is Mount Gunbjorn (3700 m) in the ridge. Watkins to the east. coast. The coast is heavily indented by fjords.
Greenland ice sheet 1726.4 thousand km² occupies the entire interior of the island. Wed shield thickness 1790 m, max. to the center. part - 3416 m. Ice volume approx. 3 million km³ is 12% of the total volume of land ice. If the ice sheet in Greenland melted, then the level of the World Ocean would rise by 7.5 m. Two domes are expressed in the relief of the ice sheet: the center. (height 3231 m) and south. (height 2850 m). Large glaciers slide along narrow valleys; in their end 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). Separate glacial domes with a total area. 76 thousand km² lie outside the ice sheet.
The climate is subarctic and arctic, on the coast of the sea, in the center. parts of the shield are glacial. Wed January temperatures on the coast from -7 ° C in the south to -36 ° C in the north, in July 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 -12 °C. In winter it is ok. -70°C. Annual precipitation is 800–1000 mm in the south, 150–250 mm in the north, and 300–400 mm on the ice sheet. Tundra is on the coast, crooked forests are in places in the extreme south, and arctic desert is in the north. In Greenland live: sowing. deer, musk musk ox, polar bear, arctic fox, polar wolf, etc.; many birds. On S.-V. islands - Greenland nat. a park. Greenlanders are engaged in fishing and fish processing, sheep and reindeer husbandry. Main us. points are located in the southwest. coast: Gotthob, Julianehob, Holsteinsborg. The island is open approx. 875 Icelander Gunbjorn, and in 981 a resident of Iceland Eirik Raudi, nicknamed Red, went a second time in search of this land and, having discovered several areas covered with green vegetation, gave this place the name Greenland, that is, a green country. In the 15th century this name was extended to the whole island.

Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M.: Rosman. Under the editorship of prof. A. P. Gorkina. 2006 .

Greenland

most big Island Land located northeast of mainland North America, between 59°45" and 83°39"N. In the past, a colony, and since 1979 a self-governing territory within Denmark. The length of the island from north to south is 2690 km, the maximum 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 strait 19 km wide. The Danish Strait, 320 km wide, separates Iceland and the southeast coast of Greenland. The distance from Greenland to Svalbard is 440 km, the Greenland Sea stretches between them. In the west, Greenland is separated from Baffin Island by the Baffin Sea and Davis Strait. Main city- Nuuk (Gothob).
Geographic features. Approximately 83% of the area of ​​Greenland is occupied by an ice sheet. Only coastal areas are suitable for settlements. The total area of ​​ice-free land is estimated at 410.4 thousand square meters. km. A broken band 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 led to the tragic death of the Titanic. The coast 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. Most high mountains are located on the east coast. Mount Forel north of Angmagssalik in southeastern Greenland reaches 3360 m. The highest point Mount Gunnbjorn (3700 m) is located somewhat to the north. The eastern coast, like the western one, is strongly dissected; lowlands stretch along the coast and are confined mainly to the tops of the fjords. The ice-free lands in northern Greenland are low and rugged. In some places, ice shelves approach the coast of the Arctic Ocean, having a connection with the ice sheet.
The climate of the coastal regions of Greenland is changeable. He is the softest southwest coast. Average temperatures in July 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 stay around 0°C. 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 a speed of up to 70 m/h. In winter, the bays and fjords, even on the western coast north of Disko Island, freeze over. The southwestern 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, the coast is often foggy.
In the extreme south of Greenland there is a birch crooked forest (forest tundra). Some vegetables can be grown in these areas and sheep can be herded. On the western coast, tundra vegetation is common, in places there are thickets of shrubby willow. Most of the coast of northern and eastern Greenland is a 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. On coastal rocks- bird markets.
In the waters of Greenland common halibut, striped catfish, cod, sea bass, flounder and other fish species. Plentiful shrimp. 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, mostly Danes, the rest are Greenlandic Eskimos (self-name - Inuit). 38.2% of Greenlanders are Lutherans.
official languages- Greenlandic and Danish. In the Greenlandic language, there are three very different dialects - West Greenlandic, East Greenlandic and North Greenlandic. The literary norm is based on the West Greenlandic dialect.
In eastern Greenland, the population is sparse and concentrated in the areas of the trading posts of Angmagssalik and Itokortormiit (Scoresbysund). Along the southwestern coast, settlements are found from the southern tip of Greenland (Cape Farewell) to Upernavik on the east coast of Baffin Bay. The administrative center of Greenland, the city of Nuuk, is home to 13.3 thousand people (1996). In northwestern Greenland, the polar Eskimos live, who have experienced less of the influence of civilization compared to other natives. In this area there are small trading posts Kanak (Thule) and Eta.
Economic and social conditions. Greenland has limited natural resources, and Denmark annually allocates large subsidies to it (427.2 million dollars in 1995). Most of the inhabitants are engaged in seal fishing, shrimp and cod fishing. Sheep breeding, organized on the initiative of the Danish government in 1913, was developed in areas with a milder climate in the south and southwest of Greenland. In small settlements, natives live in huts lined with turf or stone, while in larger towns and cities, standard frame houses have been erected.
Under laws passed in 1950-1951, Greenland became open to foreigners who received permission from the Danish government, and Greenlanders acquired the right to emigrate. Fish canning factories, refrigerators, shipbuilding workshops and other industrial enterprises have been set up in Greenland. Well established in schools technical training aborigines. The state monopoly has been abolished, although at the same time new restrictions have been introduced for Danish citizens on business and trade. Under Danish law, all persons living in Greenland enjoy free medical care. The work of doctors is paid by the state. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 7 and 16. Education is conducted mainly in Greenlandic. The island has several weekly and monthly periodicals in Danish and Greenlandic.
The economic basis of the life of the population is marine fishing. Large whales were once abundant in coastal waters, but their population was on the verge of extinction as a result of the predatory activities of Dutch, English, American and Scandinavian whalers. The fishery is currently marine mammals is the main source of income for only 2.5 thousand inhabitants of Greenland. The most important is the seal fishery, the skins of which, after processing, are supplied to the domestic market and exported. In northern and eastern Greenland, the importance of sea fishing and land hunting as the basis of the aboriginal food is preserved.
In some areas in the extreme south, sheep and vegetable growing are developed.
In Greenland's exports, 85% (by value) are shrimp and fish (including salted cod), with the former predominating in the composition of exports. In addition, wool is exported. Main sales markets - countries European Union and Japan.
Greenland is rich in mineral resources. Graphite, coal, lead, zinc, cryolite and marble have been mined in the past, but development of the deposits has now been curtailed, mainly due to unprofitability. In the mountains of Greenland there are precious stones: garnets, rubies, Moonstone, as well as the very rare tuttupit.
In Greenland great importance acquires international tourism. However, while the number of tourists does not exceed 5,000 people a year.
Story. Greenland was discovered by Scandinavian pioneers in the 10th century. The Norwegian navigator Eric the Red spent three years there, exploring the southwestern coast, and in 984 gave the island the name Greenland (translated as “green country”) to show its attractiveness for a settlement. In 986, Erik founded two colonies near the modern city of Qaqortoq (Yulianehob). They flourished for a while, but probably ca. 1500 disappeared for an unknown reason. The last written reports of Old Norse colonies in Greenland date back to 1408. Scandinavian explorers landed on the deserted east coast of the island in 1472, and Dutch sailors saw it in 1539. English navigator Martin Frobisher, who was searching for the Northwest Passage, saw Cape Farvelle in 1576, and in 1578 landed on the southwest west bank Greenland. The English sailor John Davies mapped most of the east coast during his 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 natives of Greenland. The Danes only became involved in this trading activity in 1721, when the missionary Hans Egede founded a permanent settlement on the west bank. In 1729 Greenland was declared a Danish colony, its administration was in Copenhagen. From 1776 trade with Greenland was declared a Danish monopoly. In 1825 the Greenland Commission was established. On May 10, 1921, Greenland was declared a territory of Denmark, and the mooring of foreign ships on its coast was prohibited. Norway put forward territorial claims to a 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 as early as the beginning of the 18th century. American whaling ships entered the 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 the opposition of French and Spanish privateers.
Rear Admiral Robert Peary began exploration in the Arctic 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, many travelers and scientists have visited Greenland. Among them was a professor at the University of Michigan, William Herbert Hobbs, who in 1926-1931 conducted aerological research there, which greatly contributed to the development of polar meteorology. In 1939, two expeditions - German and British - penetrated into the hard-to-reach inland regions of the island with altitudes of 2400-3050 m to conduct meteorological and glaciological studies. In the second half of the 1950s, an international glaciological expedition led by P.-E. Victor worked in Greenland, which made a great contribution to the study of the ice sheet.
Currently, Greenland is used as a base for US submarines, aircraft, radar and radar installations and weather stations. home air force base The USA is located in Kanak (Tula) on the northwest 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 were developed for the presence of American troops in Greenland. In 1986, the area of ​​two American radar bases was halved, and the vacant land was returned to the locals.
Control Greenland until 1953 was carried out by the National Commissioner and the Council for Greenland Affairs, elected by the inhabitants of the island, and coordinated by the administration of Greenland Affairs 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 government was transferred to Greenland. The Council for Greenland Affairs was abolished and instead a parliament was created, which elects the executive body of local government - the Landsting. Remained under the control of Denmark foreign policy, defense, justice and finance. The people of Greenland elect two representatives to the Danish Parliament, the Folketing. All Greenlanders, upon reaching the age of 18, have the right to elect a legislative body - the Landsting, which controls internal affairs. The leader of the majority party becomes prime minister, heading the cabinet of ministers, the 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 (Cohesion). The first of them stands for the expansion of autonomy, especially in the sphere of the economy and the use of natural resources, the second one advocates the preservation of the state community with Denmark. Siumut's representatives have served as prime minister in the Greenland government: Lutheran pastor Jonathan Motsfeldt (1979–1991 and 1997–present) and Lars Emil Johansen (1991–1997). There is also a left-wing socialist Inuit atagatigiit (Inuit Brotherhood) party that 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.
The national holiday of Greenland is celebrated on June 21 as the day of the granting of autonomy. Its official name is Ullortunek (the longest day).
LITERATURE
Greenland. Digest of articles. M., 1953
Ignatiev G.M. Greenland. M., 1956
Vozgrin V.E. Greenland and the 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 within 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 island in the world: from north to south it stretches for 2655 km, and from west to east for 1290 km. The area of ​​Greenland is about 2,175,600 km2, of which about 1,834,000 km2 is glacier.
The population of Greenland (estimated in 1998) is 59,300, which gives 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 is Lutheran. The capital is Nuuk (formerly Gotthob). Largest cities: Nuuk (12600 people), Sisimut (Holsteinsborg) (4839 people). In a referendum in January 1979, the Greenlanders voted for self-government, in April of the same year a local parliament was created. However, the general leadership of the country is carried out 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 1,000 people) is 15.8. Mortality rate (per 1000 people) - 6.9.
Greenland is almost completely covered in 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. There are also polar bear, polar fox, polar hare and ermine. Rare tourists are attracted picturesque mountains near Nuuk.

Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .

Greenland

Greenland (Grenland) - the world's largest island, washed by the waters of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, is a possession of Denmark (cm. Denmark), since May 1979 enjoys internal self-government. 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 of Eskimos and European settlers, primarily Danes. Ethnically pure groups of Eskimos remained only in hard-to-reach 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 middle of the 19th century on the basis of the Inuit dialect. The dominant religion in Greenland is the Danish Lutheran Church. Administrative center- Gotthob (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. It is the largest glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Under the weight of its own mass, the ice moves towards the coast and sliding in separate blocks into the ocean. Off the coast of Greenland, 13-15 thousand icebergs are formed annually. The Jakobshavn Glacier moves 30 meters per 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 maritime subarctic and arctic, on the glacier - continental.
On south coast islands, the average temperature in January is -8 ° C, July 10 ° C, on the northern coast, 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. Many birds live in Greenland, reindeer, musk ox, polar bear, arctic fox; walruses and seals are found in coastal waters. Greenland National Park is located in the northeast of the island.

Story
Greenland was settled by the ancestors of the Eskimos from North America starting from 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 Erik the Red, founded the first European settlement in the New World. It was called Brattahlid (Brattahlid) or Tunigdliarfik (Tunigdliarfik). The Scandinavian colony in Greenland existed until the end of the fourteenth century, but due to the general deterioration of the climate in 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 at that time in a dynastic union). 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 was established on trade with Greenland, which remained until 1951. During the Second World War, when Denmark was occupied by the troops of 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. US gets permission to keep northern Greenland military base in Tula - the most important radar and meteorological station.
According to the constitution of 1953, Greenland received the status of an overseas amt (province) of Denmark. On May 1, 1979, the island received internal self-government, a legislative body was elected - Landsting, and a Greenlandic government - Landsstyure was formed. The population of Greenland is divided into 18 communes, which have their own municipal authorities, elected for a term of four years. The Danish government on the island is represented by a governor (rigsombudsman). Greenland has two seats in the Danish Parliament (Falketing). With regard 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 been expanding, especially the use of Inuit forms of place names (Greenland in Inuit - Kalaallit Nunaat). Since 1984, Greenland has withdrawn from the EEC, retaining the status of "associate member".

Economy
The climate of Greenland 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 the economy of Greenland fisheries, which employs 25% of the working population. The Greenlanders have a significant fishing fleet (440 vessels). Fishing for sea animals (50 thousand skins annually), mainly seals, is carried out. Sheep and reindeer husbandry is developed in the south of the island. In the life of the Eskimos essential 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, coal. Oil reserves have been discovered in the sea. In 1989, the richest deposit of gold-bearing ores was discovered. But the development of mining is hampered by the too high cost of mining ores. Nevertheless, cryolite, zinc, lead and silver are mined. 83% of Greenland's exports are fish products, primarily processed shrimp. Greenland is the world leader in shrimp production. Another 11% of exports are zinc and lead ores. Main exporters of Greenland products: Denmark (30%), Japan, France, United Kingdom, Sweden. 65% of imports come from Denmark.
One fifth of the Greenland budget is intended for the development of fisheries (construction of trawlers, re-equipment of the fish processing complex, expansion of shipyard capacities). The island maintains a gap in the standard of living of natives and immigrants from Denmark. At the same time, the social protection system is being improved, gradually approaching the standards adopted in Denmark. As monetary unit Greenland uses the Danish krone.

Encyclopedia of Tourism Cyril and Methodius. 2008 .

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

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

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

- (Gronland, lit. green country) an island in the North. Ledovit and Atlantic. approx., to S. N. from Sev. America. Area 2 176 t. km 2 (most of 1834 t. km 2 is covered continental ice), us. 30.6 t. h. (1960), Tues. h. ok. 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. The population is over 56 thousand people (1996), including about 90% Greenlanders (Eskimos). ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Greenland- an island near the north. east coast of the North. America. In 981, a resident of Iceland, Eirik Turvaldson, nicknamed Raudi (red), went in search of a large west already known to the Icelanders. earth. Soon he came up to her and to her south. discovered ends... Toponymic Dictionary

GREENLAND- An island that is part of Denmark with the right of self-government. Most of Greenland lies within 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 Eskimo languages ​​(Greenlandic dialect) and Danish. Adm. Gotthob center. According to the constitution of 1953, Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which uses the internal autonomy. Adm. power on about ve ... ... Russian Pedagogical Encyclopedia

With the onset of the holiday season, many are puzzled over the question of where to spend their holidays in a quality way. There are many wonderful places in the world that have all the necessary conditions for a comfortable pastime. Among the abundance of offers in the tourism industry, tours to Greenland stand apart. Greenland is a country of eternal ice and unforgettable northern lights. The debate about which state Greenland belongs to has been going on for quite some time. Currently, the territory of the island is under the control of Denmark and is an autonomy in its composition. The world is located eternal ice on the largest island of the planet and is washed by the waters of the Atlantic and North arctic oceans. The capital of Greenland - Nuuk is inhabited by 15 thousand inhabitants, thanks to warmer climatic conditions than on the rest of the island, the sea does not freeze, which contributed to the emergence of active fishing.

Literally, Greenland is translated as "the country 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 that fascinate all vacationers with their views. During a holiday on the island, everyone will be able to fully enjoy the local nature and its inhabitants:

• the northern lights, which are more visible from the island than anywhere else;
• huge icebergs and drifting ice floes;
• thermal springs;
• White Nights;
• listed fjord glacier world heritage UNESCO, etc.

Which country owns the island of Greenland

The question "which state does Greenland belong to?" has lost its relevance for some time now. After lengthy disputes and clarifications, Greenland was recognized as an autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark and all claims to the territory from Norway and other countries came to naught. Many legends and myths are associated with the history of the emergence of the state. According to some reports, the first European settlements were founded by the Vikings. severe climatic conditions for a long time they did not allow settlers from the mainland to settle down on the island. But having learned to survive among the snow-capped mountains and glaciers, local population began to gradually build villages, and later entire cities.

The interest of tourists from all over the world is riveted to Greenland due to unique nature. Tours to the island are interesting because there are practically no traces of human activity. Huge virgin areas attract lovers extreme recreation and connoisseurs ecological tourism. Endless tundra, majestic glaciers along the picturesque coast, unique animal world and a great opportunity to practice winter sports whole year attract tourists from all over the world. a highlight, or even calling card, Greenland are rightfully the northern lights and polar mirages, which can be admired almost all year round. Going on a trip to Greenland, you need to choose in advance the most suitable a tourist route, following which you can visit a lot of wonderful places:

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