Page last updated on January 31, 2014

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 81% ice-capped. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland; Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and Greenland was made an integral part of Denmark in 1953. It joined the European Community (now the EU) with Denmark in 1973 but withdrew in 1985 over a dispute centered on stringent fishing quotas. Greenland was granted self-government in 1979 by the Danish parliament; the law went into effect the following year. Greenland voted in favor of increased self-rule in November 2008 and acquired greater responsibility for internal affairs when the Act on Greenland Self-Government was signed into law in June 2009. Denmark, however, continues to exercise control over several policy areas on behalf of Greenland including foreign affairs, security, and financial policy in consultation with Greenland's Self-Rule Government.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Northern North America, island between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, northeast of Canada
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
72 00 N, 40 00 W
Map references:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
North America
Area:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 2,166,086 sq km
country comparison to the world: 12
land: 2,166,086 sq km (410,449 sq km ice-free, 1,755,637 sq km ice-covered)
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
slightly more than three times the size of Texas
Land boundaries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
44,087 km
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territorial sea: 3 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line
continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line
Climate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters
Terrain:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
flat to gradually sloping icecap covers all but a narrow, mountainous, barren, rocky coast
Elevation extremes:
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lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Gunnbjorn Fjeld 3,700 m
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, molybdenum, diamonds, gold, platinum, niobium, tantalite, uranium, fish, seals, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2011)
Irrigated land:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Natural hazards:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island
Environment - current issues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
protection of the arctic environment; preservation of the Inuit traditional way of life, including whaling and seal hunting
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
dominates North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe; sparse population confined to small settlements along coast; close to one-quarter of the population lives in the capital, Nuuk; world's second largest ice cap
People and Society:
Nationality:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
noun: Greenlander(s)
adjective: Greenlandic
Ethnic groups:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Inuit 89%, Danish and other 11% (2009)
Languages:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Greenlandic (East Inuit) (official), Danish (official), English
Religions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Evangelical Lutheran, traditional Inuit spiritual beliefs
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
57,714 (July 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 206
Age structure:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0-14 years: 21.6% (male 6,336/female 6,147)
15-24 years: 16.8% (male 4,919/female 4,774)
25-54 years: 42.8% (male 13,083/female 11,617)
55-64 years: 10.7% (male 3,517/female 2,649)
65 years and over: 8.1% (male 2,469/female 2,203) (2013 est.)
population pyramid: "> Median age:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 33.6 years
male: 35 years
female: 32.2 years (2013 est.)
Population growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.03% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 190
Birth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
14.57 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 137
Death rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
8.3 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 90
Net migration rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-5.98 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 196
Urbanization:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
urban population: 84% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 0.3% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Major urban areas - population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NUUK (capital) 15,000 (2009)
Sex ratio:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.14 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 1.35 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.1 male(s)/female
total population: 1.11 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 9.63 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 146
male: 10.99 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 8.19 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total population: 71.54 years
country comparison to the world: 143
male: 68.88 years
female: 74.33 years (2013 est.)
Total fertility rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.08 children born/woman (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 116
Drinking water source:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
Sanitation facility access:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
100 (1999)
country comparison to the world: 161
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Education expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Literacy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 100%
male: 100%
female: 100% (2001 est.)
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Greenland
local long form: none
local short form: Kalaallit Nunaat
Dependency status:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1979
Government type:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy
Capital:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: Nuuk (Godthab)
geographic coordinates: 64 11 N, 51 45 W
time difference: UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
note: Greenland is divided into four time zones
Administrative divisions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4 municipalities (kommuner, singular kommune); Kujalleq, Qaasuitsup, Qeqqata, Sermersooq
note: the North and East Greenland National Park (Avannaarsuani Tunumilu Nuna Allanngutsaaliugaq) and the Thule Air Base in Pituffik (in northwest Greenland) are two unincorporated areas; the national park's 972,000 sq km - about 46% of the island - make it the largest national park in the world and also the most northerly
Independence:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (extensive self-rule as part of the Kingdom of Denmark; foreign affairs is the responsibility of Denmark, but Greenland actively participates in international agreements relating to Greenland)
National holiday:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
June 21 (longest day)
Constitution:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
previous 1953 (Greenland established as a constituency in the Danish constitution), 1979 (Greenland Home Rule Act); latest 21 June 2009 (Greenland Self-Government Act) (2009)
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the laws of Denmark apply
Suffrage:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Mikaela ENGELL (since April 2011)
head of government: Prime Minister Aleqa HAMMOND (since 13 March 2013)
cabinet: Home Rule Government elected by the Parliament (Landsting) on the basis of the strength of parties
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; prime minister elected by parliament (usually the leader of the majority party)
election results: Aleqa HAMMOND elected prime minister
Legislative branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
unicameral Parliament or Inatsisartut (Landsting) (31 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 13 March 2013 (next to be held by 2017)
election results: percent of vote by party - S 42.8%, IA 34.4%, A 8.1%, PI 6.4%; D 6.2%; other 2.1%; seats by party - S 14, IA 11, A 2, PI 2, D 2
note: two representatives were elected to the Danish Parliament or Folketing on 15 September 2011 (next to be held by September 2015); percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Siumut 1, Inuit Ataqatigiit 1 (2013)
Judicial branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
highest court(s): High Court of Greenland (consists of the presiding professional judge and 2 lay assessors)
judge selection and term of office: judges appointed by the monarch upon the recommendation of the Judicial Appointments Council, a 6-member independent body of judges and lawyers; judges appointed for life with retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Court of Greenland; 18 district or magistrates' courts
Political parties and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Candidate List (Kattusseqatigiit) or K [Anthon FREDERIKSEN]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conservationists; environmentalists
International organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Arctic Council, ICC, NC, NIB, UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)
Flag description:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a large disk slightly to the hoist side of center - the top half of the disk is red, the bottom half is white; the design represents the sun reflecting off a field of ice; the colors are the same as those of the Danish flag and symbolize Greenland's links to the Kingdom of Denmark
National symbol(s):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
polar bear
National anthem:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: "Nunarput utoqqarsuanngoravit" ("Our Country, Who's Become So Old" also translated as "You Our Ancient Land")
lyrics/music: Henrik LUND/Jonathan PETERSEN
note: adopted 1916; the government also recognizes "Nuna asiilasooq" as a secondary anthem
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
The economy remains critically dependent on exports of shrimp and fish, income from resource exploration and extraction, and on a substantial subsidy from the Danish Government. The subsidy is budgeted to be about $650 million in 2012, approximately 56% of government revenues in 2012 for the year. The public sector, including publicly owned enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in Greenland's economy. Greenland's real GDP contracted about 1% in 2009 as a result of the global economic slowdown, but is estimated to have grown 2% in 2010 and 3% in 2011. The relative ease with which Greenland has weathered the economic crisis is due to increased hydrocarbon and mineral exploration and extraction activities, a high level of construction activity in the Nuuk area and the increasing price of fish and shrimp. During the last decade the Greenland Home Rule Government (GHRG) pursued conservative fiscal and monetary policies, but public pressure has increased for better schools, health care and retirement systems. The Greenlandic economy has benefited from increasing catches and exports of shrimp, Greenland halibut and, more recently, crabs. Due to Greenland's continued dependence on exports of fish - which accounted for 89% of exports in 2010 - the economy remains very sensitive to foreign developments. International consortia are increasingly active in exploring for hydrocarbon resources off Greenland's western coast, and international studies indicate the potential for oil and gas fields in northern and northeastern Greenland. In May 2007 a US aluminum producer concluded a memorandum of understanding with the Greenland Home Rule Government to build an aluminum smelter and a power generation facility, which takes advantage of Greenland's abundant hydropower potential. Within the area of mining, olivine sand continues to be produced and gold production has resumed in south Greenland, while rare-earth and iron ore mineral projects have been proposed or planned elsewhere on the island. Tourism also offers another avenue of economic growth for Greenland, with increasing numbers of cruise lines now operating in Greenland's western and southern waters during the peak summer tourism season.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$2.133 billion (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 192
GDP (official exchange rate):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$2.16 billion (2011 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3% (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 110
GDP - per capita (PPP):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$37,400 (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 32
GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 4%
industry: 29%
services: 67% (2009 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep, reindeer; fish
Industries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fish processing (mainly shrimp and Greenland halibut); gold, niobium, tantalite, uranium, iron and diamond mining; handicrafts, hides and skins, small shipyards
Industrial production growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Labor force:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
33,670 (2010)
country comparison to the world: 204
Labor force - by occupation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 4%
industry: 29%
services: 67% (2009 est.)
Unemployment rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.9% (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 44
Population below poverty line:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
9.2% (2007 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Budget:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
revenues: $1.72 billion
expenditures: $1.68 billion (2010)
Taxes and other revenues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
79.6% of GDP (2010)
country comparison to the world: 1
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.9% of GDP (2010)
country comparison to the world: 26
Fiscal year:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
calendar year
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.8% (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 85
Exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$384.3 million (2010)
country comparison to the world: 178
Exports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fish and fish products 89%, metals 10% (2008)
Exports - partners:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Denmark 60.4%, Japan 14.6%, China 7.9% (2012)
Imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$814.2 million (2010)
country comparison to the world: 185
Imports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, petroleum products
Imports - partners:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Denmark 65.4%, Sweden 17.5%, Netherlands 5.5% (2012)
Debt - external:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$36.4 million (2010)
country comparison to the world: 194
Exchange rates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar -
Energy:
Electricity - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
276.6 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
Electricity - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
279 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 178
Electricity - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 203
Electricity - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 194
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
137,000 kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 165
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
100% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 15
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 96
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 172
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 179
Crude oil - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 175
Crude oil - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 121
Crude oil - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 193
Crude oil - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 137
Refined petroleum products - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 182
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3,897 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 175
Refined petroleum products - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
919.7 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 108
Refined petroleum products - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5,164 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 150
Natural gas - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 137
Natural gas - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 149
Natural gas - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 109
Natural gas - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 199
Natural gas - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 144
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
611,100 Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 176
Communications:
Telephones - main lines in use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18,900 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 188
Telephones - mobile cellular:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
59,455 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 200
Telephone system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
general assessment: adequate domestic and international service provided by satellite, cables and microwave radio relay; totally digital since 1995
domestic: microwave radio relay and satellite
international: country code - 299; satellite earth stations - 15 (12 Intelsat, 1 Eutelsat, 2 Americom GE-2 (all Atlantic Ocean)) (2000)
Broadcast media:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the Greenland Broadcasting Company provides public radio and TV services throughout the island with a broadcast station and a series of repeaters; a few private local TV and radio stations; Danish public radio rebroadcasts are available (2007)
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.gl
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
15,645 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 123
Internet users:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
36,000 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 179
Transportation:
Airports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
15 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 147
Airports - with paved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 10
2,438 to 3,047 m: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1
under 914 m: 6 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 2
under 914 m:
Roadways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
note: although there are short roads in towns, there are no roads between towns; inter-urban transport takes place either by sea or air (2012)
Merchant marine:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
registered in other countries: 1 (Denmark 1) (2010)
country comparison to the world: 149
Ports and terminals:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
major seaport(s): Sisimiut
Military:
Military branches:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
no regular military forces
Manpower available for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 15,280 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 10,765
females age 16-49: 11,399 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
male: 488
female: 478 (2010 est.)
Military - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
defense is the responsibility of Denmark