12 Fascinating Facts About Greenland, the World’s Largest Island

Greenland is the world’s largest island, covering about 2.16 million square kilometres between the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. Yet it has a population of only about 56,500 people, with most residents living in coastal towns and settlements. Nuuk, its capital, is home to roughly 20,000 people. About 80% of Greenland is covered by a vast ice sheet, the second largest on Earth after Antarctica. The ice is more than three kilometres thick in some areas and has a major influence on global sea levels. Greenland is geographically part of North America, but it is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The island has strong Inuit roots, with Greenlandic as its official language. It is known for polar bears, musk oxen, Arctic foxes, whales, glaciers and the Northern Lights. Its waters and wildlife attract visitors, while fishing remains a major part of its economy. Greenland is also home to Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park. Its strategic Arctic location, natural resources and changing ice conditions keep it important in global discussions about climate change, shipping and security.

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