Which country does the world's largest island, Greenland, belong to? Citadel, old town and fortifications of Derbent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18. The highest peak in Greenland and the entire Arctic is Gunbjorn, 3,700 m.

19. Occupations of the population - hunting, fishing.

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

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

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

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

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

28. Internet domain zone.gl

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

45. The best time to visit the country is during the polar “white nights” from May to July, or for lovers of winter fun – in April.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 in which all the necessary conditions for a comfortable stay. 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 of eternal ice is located on the largest island of the planet and is washed by the waters of the Atlantic and 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;
• the Fjord Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 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 did not allow immigrants from the mainland to settle down on the island. But having learned to survive among the snow-capped mountains and glaciers, the local population gradually began to 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 territories attract lovers of extreme recreation and connoisseurs of eco-tourism. Endless tundra, majestic glaciers along the picturesque coastline, unique wildlife and a great opportunity to engage in winter sports all year round attract tourists from all over the world. The highlight, or even the calling card, of Greenland is 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 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.

Greenland is the largest island on earth. It is located northeast of North America. The island is washed by the Arctic Ocean in the north, the Greenland Sea in the east, the Labrador Sea in the south and the Baffin Sea in the west. Greenland has the status of an autonomous territory of Denmark.

In Greenlandic, the name of the island sounds like Kalaallit Nunaat which literally means "Green Country". Although now such a name for a place almost completely covered with glaciers seems more than strange, but it was exactly like this - covered with greenery - that the island appeared in 982 before its first explorer Eirik Rauda, ​​who gave it a name.

Glaciers completely occupied Greenland only in the 15th century. Since then, it has been the world's main "producer" of icebergs, and the one that the Titanic ran into. In addition, the island is one of the few places in the world that is almost untouched by human destructive activity. There are fantastic opportunities for extreme recreation, winter sports and ecological tourism. Connoisseurs natural resources will find unique landscapes and inimitable wildlife in Greenland, and lovers of ethnography will original culture Inuit, who still live according to the traditions of thousands of years ago.

Climate and weather

Greenland has a very harsh climate, although it is not the same in different parts of the country.

In the central part of the island, an anticyclone reigns all year round, and the air temperature never rises above 0 ° C. In summer, the average air temperature here is -12°C, and in winter there are frosts up to -60°C!

The east coast is under the influence of the cold Greenland Current, so there is not much rainfall here and it is also cold, although, of course, not as much as in the central regions. In winter, the mercury column drops to -30°C, in summer the temperature is above zero, but the ice in the waters off the coast Greenland Sea And Danish Strait still don't melt.

Much better things are on the west coast of Greenland. It washes by the Baffin Sea, over which cyclones constantly pass. Due to this, the climate here is much milder than in other regions of Greenland, and falls significantly more precipitation- up to 1200 mm per year. In winter, the air temperature varies within -4…-20 °C, and in summer about +8 °C. Sometimes the air can get warm even up to +21°C, although the soil temperature remains at +4 °C. In the southern points of the coast there are places where the temperature does not drop below zero even in winter. In summer, thick fogs often descend on the coast.

The best time to travel to Greenland is considered to be the period of the polar "white nights" - from May to July. April is the best time for winter activities.

Nature

Greenland is one of the most amazing places on the planet. The vast expanse of the island first amazes with its external lifelessness, and then with the amazingly diverse world of nature.

More than 80% of the territory of Greenland is covered by an ice sheet. The central part of the island, according to scientists, is a colossal mountain range that comes to the surface in the western part of Greenland. On the east coast of the island are the most high mountains Greenland - Trout(3360 m) and gunbjorn(3700 m). All travelers, without exception, are delighted Mount Uummannak, formed by a combination of black, red and white layers of rocks that change their shades depending on the lighting.

There are many long fjords on the shores, which are often covered by massive icebergs, and together they represent a majestic and unforgettable sight. Some fjords even have their own names, such as Scoresby Sound- the longest fjord in the world, which is located on the east coast of the island.

The flora of Greenland is sparse: only in the southern coastal part of the island you can see dwarf birch, mountain ash, willow, alder, juniper. In the north, the place of trees is occupied by creeping lichens, which become smaller towards the north.

But the fauna of Greenland is amazing: relict animals have been preserved here, which have almost disappeared on the mainland. These are caribou deer and musk ox. Also on the island there are polar bears, arctic foxes, polar wolves. The world of birds is exceptionally diverse: the Ross goose, snowy owl, eider, barnacle goose and others live here. Coastal waters are teeming with fish (more than 120 species) and marine life (more than 30 species of mammals). In Greenland, great attention is paid to nature protection: about 45% of the island's area is reserved places and national parks.

Attractions

Many imagine Greenland as an endless snowy desert. Meanwhile, the island is pleased to offer travelers a lot of attractions - natural and architectural.

Of the miraculous wonders, the most impressive here, of course, are icebergs and fjords. As they say in Greenland, no two icebergs are the same. Every year, thousands of new ice mountains appear here, and the color of the iceberg changes depending on the lighting and time of day from almost transparent to blue-black.

The hot thermal springs of Greenland also cause delight and amazement of tourists. Paradoxically, but it is possible: crystal clear water (its temperature reaches 380 ° C in some places!) And icebergs floating on the horizon. This "medieval SPA" (Norwegians built original baths here 1000 years ago) is located at the southernmost point of the island and attracts more and more tourists every year.

No less attractive are the cities of Greenland, which, thanks to the brightly colored red, blue, yellow and green houses, are called “multi-colored”.

Capital of Greenland Nuuk(or Gotthob) is the largest city by local standards. Here it is National Museum Greenland.

City Ilulissat("icebergs") is one of the island's most popular tourist destinations. The main attractions of the city are museum of Greenland explorer Knut Rasmussen And Cold Museum.

In the city Uummannak located santa claus castle, which fiercely competes with the like for the right to be the "most real" home of the Christmas character in the world.

Fearless tourists should definitely include the city in their itinerary Upernavik which is located 800 km from Arctic Circle in the fjords of the Baffin Sea. This is the northernmost ferry crossing on the planet, and, as the locals like to joke, "no one knows what the cold is until they visit Upernavik." The city is of great interest to travelers Old City Museum is the oldest in Greenland.

Nutrition

The traditional cuisine of Greenland will seem shocking to Europeans, since it does not provide for thermal processing of products. Traditional food local population- fresh meat marine mammals. Moreover, “fresh” means taken from a freshly killed whale, walrus or seal. The carcass is butchered in a strictly established manner, all parts (including bones and bile) are sorted and either consumed on the spot (as, for example, a local delicacy "mattak"- whale skin with a layer of fat), or left for further processing (in special brines, in water, in the ground, and so on).

It is unlikely that the tender stomachs of Europeans can be tempted by local food, even describing its healing properties (native Greenlanders never had scurvy and did not suffer from beriberi), but if you are a gastronomic extreme, you can easily find a restaurant in Greenland serving national dishes.

The rest can quite enjoy the "softened" local delicacies - dried halibut, shrimps and crabs in all forms, cod liver, shark meat and eggs of sea birds. In the cities there are numerous cafes and restaurants that offer European cuisine, it is not difficult to find establishments with Western fast food.

As for the cost of food, food is not cheap in Greenland. It will be easy to have a bite to eat for $5-10 in a cafe, and lunch in an ordinary restaurant will “pull” all $20. In high-level establishments, you can dine for $ 25-40.

Accommodation

Greenland hotels are classified by the country's Tourist Office in strict accordance with the international service rating system, that is, they have categories from 2* to 5*.

Most of the hotels are concentrated in the capital of Greenland Nuuk, many hotels in cities such as Ilulissat And Tasiilak. In general, it should be borne in mind that not every locality has a large selection of places to stay.

Hotels are usually located in one- or two-story houses, hotel rooms have private bathrooms, telephones, TVs, high-class hotels have broadband Internet access. Most hotels boast beautiful views of the fjords from the windows of the rooms. The price usually includes breakfast (buffet), lunches and dinners can be ordered for an additional fee.

In Greenland, you can rent a cottage in the summer. Usually cottages are stylized as traditional Eskimo igloos, however, modern materials are used in construction, and, of course, the houses have all the necessary amenities.

The average cost of a double room in a 3* hotel is $150-160 per day.

Entertainment and recreation

Thanks to its natural features, Greenland is an ideal place for outdoor activities and extreme entertainment. All the routes that are offered here for tourist travel are not only interesting, but also well thought out in terms of organizing more or less comfortable conditions for people who are not accustomed to the climate of Greenland.

The most popular tourist attraction business card» The islands are an observation of the aurora borealis and polar mirages, which in the local latitudes open up to the gaze of the traveler with truly fantastic pictures.

From contemplative rest, tourists smoothly move to active. The following options are available here:

• trekking;

• dog sledding trips;
• skiing;

• kayaking;
• hunting and fishing.

As for hunting, you should know that in Greenland it is regulated by a very strict code of rules. Most local animals are protected by law, and hunting trophies cannot be taken out of the country. So, perhaps, such environmentally friendly types of recreation as the extremely popular "musk ox safari" will be much more interesting. Near Kangerdlugssuaka the main routes for observing these relic animals are concentrated. Travelers are delivered to the places of migration of musk oxen by snowmobile or jeep, but you can come by dog ​​sled or even walk, thus combining several types of recreation.

A full-fledged type of entertainment for tourists are local colorful holidays and festivals. One of the most colorful events holiday of the end of the polar night which takes place in January-February. In March it is interesting to visit International Festival snow sculpture held in Nuuk. On the summer of June 21, the whole of Greenland celebrates its National holiday — Festival of the longest day of the year, this is perhaps the largest event in the country. Numerous music and ethnographic festivals, sports competitions, traditional ceremonies are held on this day in all cities. "caffemic"(Greenland coffee preparation), special exhibitions and solemn church services.

Purchases

Large shops are usually open on weekdays from 10:00 to 17:30, on Friday the working day is extended by half an hour, and on Saturday almost all shops close at 13:00. Private shops can work according to their schedule, some of them are waiting for visitors on Sunday.

Local souvenirs are truly small masterpieces of applied art. Since the Chinese stampers have not yet reached the Greenlandic souvenirs, craftsmen make them by hand here, each time creating a unique copy. Accordingly, the prices for souvenirs in Greenland are quite high. The most popular type of souvenir is a figurine "tupilak"(tupilak, meaning "spirit"). They are made from various materials: bone, wood, teeth, stone. Keep in mind that it is forbidden to export "tupilaki" made from whalebone out of the country.

Jewelery made from Greenland stones is well-deservedly popular. For example, stone tugtupit rich pink or purple color on Earth is found in a single place - city ​​of Narsak in southern Greenland. Can't resist the beautiful decorations of their stones Nuummit And grønlanditten. However, when buying jewelry with local stones, do not forget to ask the seller for a certificate for exporting jewelry from the country.

In general, the level of prices for goods in Greenland is very high. Prices here are about 10% higher than even in expensive Scandinavian countries. Tobacco products, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and alcohol are especially expensive. True, the assortment of goods in stores will only please you.

Transport

Due to extreme climatic conditions and features of the relief in Greenland are not highways, no rail links between cities. It is necessary to get from one part of the island to another by air or by water. You can get to the neighboring nearby town by snowmobile or dog sledding - sheer exotic!

Flights by airplanes and helicopters around the island are organized by the national airline Air Greenland. local planes accommodate up to 50 passengers and fly at an altitude of 4-5 km, so you can see really amazing views of glaciers and giant snowdrifts from the window. Helicopter service mainly operates in the south of Greenland.

It is also convenient to move between Greenlandic cities by ship, here it is a very popular mode of transport. Regular transportation between cities Ilulissat(north of the island) and Narsarsuaq(south of the country) is carried out by the company Arctic Umiaq Line. Please note that in the summer, due to the influx of tourists, it is better to book tickets in advance. Flights departing from disco bay, operated by Disko Line.

Only two cities are connected by road in Greenland - Ivittuut And Cangilinnguit, and the total length of roads is about 150 km.

Connection

Greenland is on the list of world leaders in the consumption of Internet services per capita. All hotels and post offices have Wi-Fi hotspots and high-speed network access terminals. Internet cafes are widespread in all settlements.

Mobile communications are no worse developed - in Greenland there are much more owners of cell phones than subscribers using stationary devices. Cellular communication covers almost all settlements of the coast and adjacent islands. Intermittent reception is possible only in the central parts of the island. Russian tourists can use local operator roaming TELE Greenland A/S. In the offices of this company you can rent a phone.

Telephone communication in Greenland is provided on the basis of both cable and the latest satellite systems. Local and international calls can be made from pay phones that work with prepaid cards. Phone cards are sold at all post offices.

Safety

Greenland is one of the safest countries to travel in. Banal theft will be here out of the ordinary event. Crime is almost reduced to zero, there are no terrorist threats, no natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. It is absolutely safe to be on city streets at any time of the day. But don't discount chance: still take the usual precautions and don't leave your belongings unattended.

What is really worth paying attention to in Greenland is clothing and equipment. Even if you don't plan on going out into the wild outside of the cities, it's important to bring enough warm clothing and footwear to wear in the harsh conditions of the Arctic. If you have a desire to ride in the tundra, be sure to organize a trip with the help of a local travel agency: you need to consult about equipment, a good guide, optimal route. Needless to say, you need to take a good supply of food and drinking water with you.

As for water, all tap water here is considered safe for humans, but undrinkable. Therefore, you need to either boil tap water or buy bottled water. We recommend eating meat and fish only after a good heat treatment, be sure to scald vegetables and fruits with boiling water.

In general, the main danger to the health of a tourist in Greenland is low air temperatures. Hypothermia can be obtained unexpectedly. It is easy to catch a cold even in that short summer time, when the air during the day in the sun warms up to + 18 ... + 21 ° C, since the temperature near the ground is still close to zero. The traveler should also keep in mind that the sun is very active here in summer, so you need to bring sunglasses and sunscreen for your skin.

Business climate

Recently, Greenland has become attractive among foreign investors, especially among companies engaged in the mining industry, as global warming allows the development of mineral deposits.

The Greenland authorities are striving to develop the mining industry in order to reduce the region's economic dependence on Danish financial support. For investors, Greenland offers a stable political and economic environment and investment-friendly legal framework.

The Mineral Resources Act governs mining in Greenland and lays down the ground rules for the operation of foreign companies. Thus, investors can register in Greenland a subsidiary corporation, an official branch, a representative office or a licensed company for the development of mineral deposits.

Regardless of its type, a company must be registered with the Greenland Business Register (GER) and then registered as an employer if it plans to employ workers. In addition, the company will need to register with the Danish Commerce and Companies Agency (DCCA) and receive an individual number. In general, the registration process can take from 2 to 6 months in an optimistic scenario. Unfortunately, certain bureaucratic obstacles are still present. Until the end of registration, the company cannot have the status of a legal entity. In practice, this means that the founders bear full responsibility for its activities.

Real estate

We note right away that buying property in Greenland is at least a non-standard decision. The extreme climate of the island will not appeal to everyone, if viewed through the prism of permanent residence in Greenland.

Foreign citizens can theoretically buy property in the capital of Greenland Nuuk. However, the purchase process will certainly be hampered by bureaucratic difficulties, since Greenland is part of the kingdom of Denmark: the immigration laws of this country are among the most stringent in the world.

And yet, in the near future, significant relaxations in the rules for the acquisition of real estate by foreigners are expected. Since Greenland is a very promising region economically due to the discovered oil reserves, the purchase of real estate on this island is already considered a profitable investment.

When planning a holiday in Greenland, consider the requirements of local environmental legislation. If you are going to fish, you need to purchase from a tour operator or in Tourist Office countries fishing license. Its cost depends on the duration of the action: for a permit for a day you will have to pay approximately $13.1, for a week - $35, and for a month - $88. Keep in mind that you will have to take all the garbage and waste with you, and the fine for violating this requirement is very large. In addition, it is forbidden to leave even fish or meat waste on the shore in the hope that they will be “utilized” by predators.

Photographing in churches during worship is also added to local prohibitions. Photographing local residents is allowed only after their consent.

Fans of photography and video filming should carefully prepare their equipment for work in the harsh natural conditions of Greenland. Cameras and cameras must be heated and treated with special protective lubricants. We recommend using a UV filter and lenses with coated optics.

Customs rules do not imply restrictions on the import and export of local currency. But souvenirs made of whalebone, tusks and walrus bones can only be taken out with a special permit, which must be issued at a store or tourist office. No more than 11 kg of meat and fish can be taken out of the country.

As for tips in establishments and hotels, as a rule, they are included in the bill, and additional encouragement is not required. However, this is always at the discretion of the client.

Visa information

Travelers from Russia need a visa to enter Greenland. It can be issued at the consular section of the Danish Embassy in Moscow, and documents for a Greenland visa are also accepted in Visa Application Center Denmark and Iceland in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk and Rostov-on-Don.

Keep in mind that, unlike Denmark, Greenland does not have Schengen visas. Depending on the purpose of the visit, there are the following types of visas for short stays in Greenland: tourist, business, private visit and visa for visiting sports, cultural or scientific events.

In order to obtain a tourist visa, you will need the following documents:

• foreign passport, the validity of which is at least 3 months from the expected date of completion of the trip;
• copies of the marked pages of the internal passport;
• 2 color photographs 3.5x4.5 cm;
• visa application form completed in English.

In addition, you will need a certificate from work or from an educational institution, a certificate of availability of financial resources (bank statement, traveler's checks), medical insurance, hotel reservations and air tickets in both directions.

The processing time for a tourist visa is 8 working days. A business visa is made faster - in 5 working days. However, if embassy officials deem it necessary to send documents for consideration directly to the Greenland Immigration Service, the waiting time for the result may increase up to 2 months.

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 up to 2000 m high. 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 all land 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. 2850 m high. Large glaciers slide down narrow valleys; 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 entire 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

the largest island of the Earth, located northeast of mainland North America, between 59 ° 45 "and 83 ° 39" N. latitude. 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. Canadian Ellesmere Island is separated from northwest coast Greenland by a strait 19 km wide. The Danish Strait, 320 km wide, separates Iceland and southeast coast 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. The highest mountains are located near the eastern 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. It is the mildest on the 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. The coldest temperatures are 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, in the 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 benefit from 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. Currently, fishing for 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. The main sales markets are the countries of the 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, precious stones are found: garnets, rubies, moonstone, as well as a very rare tuttupit.
In Greenland, it is of great importance 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, searcher Northwest Passage, in 1576 he saw Cape Farvel, and in 1578 he landed on the southwestern coast of Greenland. The English sailor John Davies mapped most of east coast during voyages in 1585 and 1587. Davis Strait, which washes the island in 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 submarines, aircraft, radar and radar installations and meteorological stations USA. 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. Denmark remained in charge of 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 vote Legislature- 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 these advocates the expansion of autonomy, especially in the field of economy and the use of natural resources, the second - defends 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. 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 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 (12,600 people), Sisimut (Holsteinsborg) (4,839 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 by the 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 total area in 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 most high point Greenland - 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 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 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. The United States received permission to maintain a military base in Tula, the most important radar and meteorological station, in the north of Greenland.
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, traditional forms of farming are of paramount importance.
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. The currency used in Greenland is 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 on Earth, located northeast of mainland North America, between 59°45 and 83°39 N. latitude. 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). … … Great 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. km2 (most of 1,834 t. km2 is covered with continental ice), sat. 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

largest locality islands - Nuuk (Gothob), 16,992 people (2015). The city is located on a peninsula in the western part of Greenland.

The northernmost point of the island, Cape Morris Jesup located just south of 84th latitude, was considered the land closest to the North Pole until the discovery of Kaffeklubben Island in 1900.

Greenland without an ice sheet

The southern point is located near the 59th north latitude.

Historical information

Geology

Greenland is located almost entirely in the northeastern part of the Canadian shield, only in the east and north are the zones of the Caledonian folding. The rocks that make up the shield are gneisses, quartzites, marbles and granites of the Archean and Early Proterozoic age, volcanogenic-sedimentary strata of the Middle Proterozoic age. The eastern zone of the Caledonides is separated from the shield by a deep fault. The areas of the Caledonian geosyncline are filled with terrigenous and carbonate strata of the Late Proterozoic and carbonate rocks of the Cambrian and Ordovician, folded into folds in the Silurian. In the Devonian, in the intermountain depressions, the accumulation of continental rocks took place. Since the end of the Paleozoic, it has been experiencing platform development. In the Mesozoic, sandy-argillaceous rocks were deposited. In the Cenozoic, Greenland uplifted, splits occurred, with which the outpouring of basalts is associated.

Minerals are confined to rocks of the Archean-Early Proterozoic age (cryolite in the south of Greenland; graphite, marble - in western Greenland); brown coal deposits are associated with the Mesozoic. Deposits of lead-zinc and uranium ores have been discovered in the eastern zone of the Caledonides. Oil and gas reserves have also been identified.

Glaciation and relief

The loss of ice at the edge of the shield, caused by summer melting and separation of icebergs, is not compensated by the accumulation of ice inside Greenland, and the glacier is shrinking quite quickly - from 2000 to 2008, the glacier decreased by 1500 gigatons, which is equivalent to an annual rise in the level of the world seas by 0. 46 mm. The water reserve in the Greenland ice sheet (2.5⋅10 6 km³) is enough to raise the level of the World Ocean by 7 m. Over the past 23 thousand years, due to the melting of the glaciers of Greenland, the level of the oceans has risen by 4.6 meters.

According to other data, scientists from the University of Buffalo showed that so far all these models were simplified and gave too optimistic estimates. To do this, Dr. Xato and colleagues analyzed a large amount of data obtained, firstly, from the NASA ICESat satellite, created and launched into orbit just for this purpose, and, secondly, from field studies in Greenland, carried out as part of project "Ice Bridge". In general, data from 100 thousand locations for the period from 1993 to 2012 were analyzed. An analysis of such an extensive and complete information showed that the Greenland glaciers behave more complicated than previously thought. While some of them are steadily melting, the thickness of the second, on the contrary, is increasing. And still others “pulsate” at all. All this depends on the most complex combination of factors - local climatic and hydrological conditions, the shape of the glacier, hydrology, and so on. In total, geologists from the University of Buffalo counted over 240 glaciers in Greenland with a width of 1.5 km or more, and divided them into 7 groups according to their behavior. It was a detailed approach. If we take the whole picture, it turned out that in fact from 2003 to 2009 (for this period there is the most complete data) the Greenland ice sheet lost 243 gigatons of ice, which led to an annual increase in the level of the world sea by 0.68 millimeters. .

Vegetation

The fossil entomofauna is represented by several dozen species of beetles and other insects, including the remains of the modern arctic beetle. amara alpina .

In the 2015 book ( Vilhelmsen, 2015) mentions an invasive cosmopolitan ant Monomorium pharaonis .

The first reports of insects on the island appeared in 1780 in the book Fauna Groenlandica". Its author is Otto Fabricius(1744-1822, a distant relative of the famous entomologist Johann Fabricius) described 470 species of animals, including 62 species of insects and 19 arachnids.

In Greenland, 290 species of ticks from the order Parasitiformes (mesostigmata- 63 species and 1 species - Ixodida) and squad Acariformes (Prostigmata - 94, Endeostigmata - 5, Oribatida - 110, Astigmata- 17). Widespread polyzonal forms predominate among Greenland mites (70%), while specialized cryobiont species (Arctic and arctomontane) are represented singly (4%), while non-Arctic elements predominate over invaders from Europe (ratio 1.5: 1). Among gamasid mites, only 25% are wide-range species, and the cryobiont element reaches 45%; at the same time, the ratio of species of Nearctic and Palearctic origin is 1:4.

Population

The main language of Greenland is Greenlandic. Also common