Capital of Greenland, Nuuk - Magnificent City Capital of Greenland – Magnificent City Capital Of Greenland Visit exotic Nuuk, Greenland for an amazing experience Photo- The capital of Greenland is Nuuk which is also referred to by its Danish name Godthab. The subarctic climate in Nuuk results in temperatures of -30 C in winter and about 10 C in summer. Rainfall and snow are common at any time of the year. The city of Nuuk was established in 1728 and is often termed as the oldest city in Greenland. Nuuk has a population of around 15000 inhabitants and is considered to be metropolis. The only practical way to get to the capital of Greenland is either through air or by water as there aren’t any rail or roadways connecting the different cities in Greenland. Most tourists prefer travelling by air as Air Greenland and Air Iceland offer flights during the summer and winter months. There is only one airport in Nuuk and it is located within 4 km from the city making it easily accessible. Culture in Nuuk capital of Greenland Nuuk has a great culture as it effortlessly combines the new with the old.

There are many historical places like cathedrals and museums in Nuuk which are popular among tourists along with many good Nightclubs and restaurants The locals are very encouraging as they support musicians and artists from all over the world. As a result many artists tend to display their new exhibitions and experimental theatre plays in Nuuk often. This exposure to different cultures has effectively broadened the horizons of the locals in capital of Greenland Nuuk, as the now have a better understanding and appreciation of the arts. Nightlife – Since the sun sets for only a couple of hours in Greenland your night out might actually be as bright as day. Most locals start their night life around 11.30pm even though the bars and pubs close at 3 am. Mutten – This bar is often considered to be the most popular one in Nuuk as it gives you the opportunity to spend some quiet time with your date. It is located near Hotel Hans Egede and is not too crowded. Skyline Bar – Live music and breathtaking views of the surrounding fjord are the highlights of this place.

Photo – greenland.com Things to do in Nuuk the capital of Greenland Whale watching – This is the most popular tourist activity in Greenland as this presents an opportunity to observe these majestic creatures from close. Humpback, fin and minke whales are popularly spotted on these trips which are usually conducted between May to November. Skiing – Thrill seeking tourists are guaranteed to have a great time in Nuuk as Heliskiing is also available. Alpine skiing and cross country skiing are popular attractions in Nuuk. Most of the ski runs are located in the southeast area of the city. Hiking – Climbing on top of the Sermitsiaq and Lille Malene are often popular activities undertaken by hiking enthusiasts. Since it only takes a few hours to reach the top of these mountains the tourists can enjoy the wonderful natural landscape around them. Sailing – The pristine waters around Nuuk offer a wonderful opportunity to the tourists to sail and enjoy the beautiful views. Greenland National Museum – The museum contains many wonderful exhibits that help the visitors to understand the history of Greenland better. Many visitors find the mummy room to be the most remarkable one as it contains mummified exhibits of 15th century women and kids in their traditional outfits.

University Library – This attractive red wooden building is an exquisite sight as it has a background of white grave posts. The library was established in 1747 by missionaries and houses quite a large collection. Eating out – Since Nuuk offers the tourists a wide range of outdoor activities it is no wonder that at the end of the day many of them feel quite hungry. In Nuuk the tourists are spoilt for choice as there are quite a number of good restaurants available in the city. Hotel Godthaab – Although the restaurant in this hotel is slightly overpriced the food is quite delicious. Steak of musk is the specialty of this restaurant and it must be tried by every guest. Vaerftet Restaurant – This restaurant is located in the hotel Hans Egede and is quite popular among the locals and tourists alike. Tourists can enjoy delectable food in this restaurant along with entertainment from the locals which include singing and dancing. Tips for tourists visiting capital of Greenland Do not bring clothes that are near the point of wearing out. It is a good idea to purchase new clothes like jeans and jackets before coming to Nuuk as the prices are expensive.

Hiking boots and sneakers are a good choice for moving around Nuuk as snow and rain can fall at any time of the year. Since there aren’t any professionals taking care of the lawns, the bottom part of your pants will surely become dirty if you walk around after rainfall. Waterproof clothing and underwear is also very essential as it rains frequently in Nuuk. Many tourists often opt to go on boat rides to explore the seas. Windproof and waterproof clothing will help to protect you better against the elements in such situations. There is very less humidity in Nuuk so you might not feel as cold as the temperature shows. To be comfortable it is a great idea to have different layers of thin clothing on you so that you can remove or put on the layers according to your need. In Nuuk it is the custom to not wear shoes inside the home. Most locals often walk around their home wearing socks so it is absolutely essential to pack in lots of socks for your trip. Safety Precautions for tourists in Nuuk Nuuk has a population of only 15000 people and is often considered as the least populated city in the world. There aren’t any slums in Nuuk and the tourists are free to move around the city to explore it.

The crime rate in Nuuk is virtually zero so there is no need to take any extreme safety precautions. The locals are quite boisterous and are difficult to control after they’ve had a drink. So it is better to use your common sense and not get into any kind of trouble with them. Capital Of Greenland – Exotic Nuuk For An Amazing Experience Nuuk – The Capital of Greenland - shopping, museum visits, etc. Read more COLOURFUL NUUK Greenland’s capital Nuuk is a city of vitality, surrounded by immense nature and filled with vibrant Greenlanders leading fascinating lives of old traditions, modern twists, and diverse influences. Home to gourmet restaurants, fashion boutiques, and the Northern Lights inspired Katuaq Cultural Center, Nuuk is the center of modern Greenland. However, a stroll through the picturesque Old Harbor shows that history and traditions remain strong in this growing city. “I really like Nuuk. We came to this big place and it is like a cultural Copenhagen with lots of offers.

I was quite surprised!” Nuuk 10.jpg The cultural centre Katuaq in Nuuk is a strong national symbol and it mirrors the northern lights in the winter sky Camilla Hylleberg, All Rights Reserved Nuuk 03.jpg Greenland's capital Nuuk has several cafés and they are popular destinations for the city's younger generations David Trood, All Rights Reserved Nuuk 12.jpg Nuuk is known for its fine dining and a number of restaurants specialize in dishes made from fresh Greenlandic ingredients Camilla Hey, Visit Greenland, All Rights Reserved “I was surprised at how cosmopolitan Nuuk is! I was surprised at the availability of so many different kinds of things and the quality of everything. It was nice!” 0 Nuuk is full of experiences not found anywhere else in Greenland. Marvel at mummies in the Greenland National Museum . Try a tasting flight of local craft beers at Greenland’s largest microbrewery. Learn about urban arctic living and the move toward Greenlandic independence with a city and parliament tour. Evaluate new and old expressions of Inuit culture at the Nuuk Art Museum. Play collegiate at Greenland University and see students preparing as Greenland’s future leaders.

Nuuk 07.jpg Nuuk is the home of higher education in Greenland and the youth in the city take part in shaping the future of the nation Mads Pihl, Visit Greenland, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 A STYLISH ARCTIC METROPOLIS The dining and shopping scene in Nuuk is the most diverse in the country, a veritable melting pot of original Greenlandic character with fresh global influence. Stroll the pedestrian walkway in city center to window-shop at boutiques, souvenir shops , and Nuuk Center. Relax with a cup of strong coffee (and the obligatory piece of cake) in one of the city’s many bustling cafés. And make reservations at one of Nuuk’s fine dining restaurants where the only thing that rivals the intense flavors of Greenlandic delicacies is the chef’s artistic presentation. You can also rent a bike in the sports-shop Pikkori Sport that is located in the centre, and bike around the city. Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, was founded in 1728 by the missionary Hans Egede. Nuuk has approximately 16,800 residents.

There are two hotels in Nuuk – Hotel Hans Egede with a new conference center with seating for 300 and Hotel Nordbo. There is also a Seamen’s Home and a number of small accommodations.

Nuuk 05.jpg The only suburb in Greenland is the picturesque Qinngorput in Nuuk Mads Pihl, Visit Greenland, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Nuuk 02.jpg Northern lights are commonly seen in the night sky from September till April even in the middle of Greenland's capital Nuuk Hans Christian Sivertsen, All Rights Reserved Nuuk 11.jpg Nuuk is the home of the national assembly, Inatsisartut, and it is the seat of government, Naalakkersuisut Camilla Hylleberg, All Rights Reserved Nuuk 08.jpg Several day hikes offer spectacular views of Greenland's capital Nuuk, like here from the top of Store Malene right behind the city Sofia Rossen, All Rights Reserved Nuuk 09.jpg Greenland's capital Nuuk is deeply connected to its landscape and nature dominates the rhythm of the city Mads Pihl, Visit Greenland, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 DISCOVER NUUK FJORD Nuuk Fjord is sometimes overlooked in favor of its icier neighbors to the north, but this intricate water system is the second largest in the world, packed with inlets and islands open for exploration by boat

 or kayak .

Local boat trip operators provide access to this vast backcountry with a small settlement and huts offering the opportunity to stay and explore. Along the way, refreshing waterfalls and probable summer sightings of faithful humpback whales keep eyes and cameras entertained. The solitude and scenery provide a perfect backdrop for hiking, angling for Arctic char, hunting or kayaking. The deep waters of the fjord teem with flavorful cod and redfish, delivering a bounty for both fishing and eating. Like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, the Narsap Sermia glacier flows directly into the fjord filling the headwaters with the sought-after icebergs , afterall. Nuuk has an international airport with year-round direct flights from Iceland, via Air Greenland and Air Iceland. Air Greenland operates domestic flights from Nuuk to every region of the country. The Arctic Umiaq Line coastal ferry docks in Nuuk twice weekly, once headed south and once headed north.

Nuuk 06.jpg Whales are common around Nuuk in the summertime, and they often swing close to the shore Aqqa Rosing-Asvid, All Rights Reserved Grönlandsresor View offer Spring feelings in Greenland This special journey offers you a unique combination of travelling by both domestic flight and coasting vessel along the west coast of Greenland Greenland Travel Flights to/from Greenland included View offer From 3 175,00 EUR Greenland Explorer This comprehensive 15-day exploration of Greenland's spectacular coastline starts in the east and follows the coast around the southern tip of the island Discover the World Flights to/from Greenland included View offer From 8,800.00 GBP Greenland Cruises and Voyages Explore Greenland's spectacular coastline on a variety of adventure voyages. Discover immense fjords, glaciers, icebergs and Inuit culture Discover the World Flights to/from Greenland included View offer From 3,175.00 GBP islands Archives - Islands Islands Visit exotic Nuuk, Greenland for an amazing experience Photo- The capital of Greenland is Nuuk which is also referred to by its Danish name Godthab.

The subarctic climate in Nuuk results in temperatures of -30 C in winter and about 10 C in summer. Rainfall and snow are common at any time of the year. The city of Nuuk was established in 1728 and is often termed as the oldest city in Greenland. Nuuk has a population of around 15000 inhabitants and is considered to be metropolis. The only practical way to get to the capital of Greenland is either through air or by water as there aren’t any rail or roadways connecting the different cities in Greenland. Most tourists prefer travelling by air as Air Greenland and Air Iceland offer flights during the summer and winter months. There is only one airport in Nuuk and it is located within 4 km from the city making it easily accessible. Culture in Nuuk capital of Greenland Nuuk has a great culture as it effortlessly combines the new with the old. There are many historical places like cathedrals and museums in Nuuk which are popular among tourists along with many good Continue reading → Iceland – Small country with big heart Photo from Iceland is a volcanic island situated in the center of the Atlantic edge.

Iceland was given this name deliberately with the sole purpose of driving potential settlers away from settling there and turn them to settle in Greenland as an alternative which was also named erroneously so as to lure people to inhabit it. It has several towns but its capital city is called Reykjavik, a very important and popular tourist attraction center of the Iceland. This country’s heart is about at sixty five degrees north and eighteen degrees west with around thirty seven percent of this country being more than 600 meters above sea level. Iceland neighbors other Scandinavian countries such as Scotland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands which influenced its people’s culture and language. The area of Iceland is roughly 103.1 square miles. Most of the land in Iceland is vacant, barren, dilapidated, rural and exotic. Facts about Greenland — Nordic cooperation Wide page Facts about Greenland The inhabitants of Greenland originate from Central Asia. The country is part of the North American continent, but geopolitically the island is part of Europe. Photographer Silje Bergum Kinsten/norden.org Greenland is the world's largest island and almost eighty per cent of this self-governed area is covered by an ice cap and many glaciers.

The ice-free area is still almost as large as the whole of Sweden but only a very small part of this is arable land. Greenland has less than 57,000 inhabitants of whom about 15,000 live in the capital Nuuk. Greenland is part of the kingdom of Denmark but has a great degree of self-government, which will be further expanded in 2009. This does, however, not include affairs of state which include foreign and security policy and foreign exchange policy. Greenland is not a member of the EU, but has a special fisheries agreement and was accepted as one of the overseas countries and territories with special association with the EU. Sealing and whaling, fishing and hunting are the predominant sources of income in Greenland. The country also has a growing income from tourism as well as some mining. Per capita GDP is about € 25,000 (2006). Total area Greenland travel guide - Wikitravel Time Zone UTC to UTC-4 Greenland (Greenlandic: Kalaallit Nunaat; Danish: Grønland) is the world's largest non-continental island, in the far northeast of North America, largely within the Arctic .

Although it is still part of the Kingdom of Denmark , it was granted self-government effective in 1979, more recently it voted for more autonomy, in effect making it a separate country with formal ties to Denmark. Some inhabitants are now projecting the eventual road to full independence. Copenhagen remains responsible for its foreign affairs and, of course, is a source of investment. The closest neighbouring countries are Iceland to the South-East, Canada to the West and Svalbard in Norway to the North-East. Understand[ edit ] Nuuk Although some maps with flat projections of the globe tend to make Greenland look the size of Africa, it is actually "only" about the size of Mexico . Greenland has the world's lowest population density. It represents some 97% of the area of the Kingdom of Denmark. The Danish territorial claim is rooted in the 10th-century explorations of the Vikings, though administrative power has changed hands several times over the centuries due to developments in Europe. The native Greenlanders, or Kalaallit, are Inuit descendants of nomads from northern Canada.

("Eskimo" is offensive in Canada, Greenland, and in USA.) According to the Icelandic Sagas, Erik the Red chose the name "Greenland" to entice settlers from Iceland . In fact, Greenland has far more ice cover (about 84% of its surface area) than Iceland does, but the southern coasts the Vikings settled are green in summer, and were likely more so during the Medieval Warm Period. Be careful with maps of Greenland, as many Greenlandic names simply reference a particular geographical feature. For example, "Kangerlussuaq" means "Big Fjord" and so is not only the Greenlandic name for Søndre Strømfjord. When visiting a city or village don't be afraid to ask for directions of shops, places to eat or somewhere to sleep, even if you think there might not be any. Most places (even Nuuk ) are small enough for everyone to know where everything is, and therefore no one bothered to put up a sign. Don't be surprised to find a fully equipped supermarket inside a grey factory-like building in the middle of nowhere.

Cities[ edit ] Greenlandic places generally have two names: the (traditional and now official) Greenlandic, or Kalaallisut, and the (once but no longer official) Danish. Greenlandic is abbreviated 'kl;' Danish is 'da.' Get in[ edit ] Passports and visas[ edit ] Although Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, due to its near-independent autonomy it is not a member of the European Union, European Economic Area or Schengen Area. As such, with a couple of exceptions, immigration restrictions are applied to all non-Nordic (Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Icelandic) nationals, including citizens of other EU member states. Visitors[ edit ] Almost all visitors need a passport to enter. National identity cards are accepted for Nordic citizens, and de facto for other EU/EEA citizens (no border control takes place in Greenland, and Air Greenland and Air Iceland accept all EU/EEA ID cards) The following persons have unlimited access to Greenland and do not require a visa for any length of stay: Citizens of Denmark Citizens of other Nordic Passport Union countries: Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

Canadians who are members of certain Inuit First Nations in the territory of Nunavut. The following groups of persons can visit Greenland for up to 90 days in a half year without a visa or any additional permissions: Citizens or permanent residents (regardless of nationality) of any EU/EEA member state not named above or Switzerland. Citizens of Albania*, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Macedonia*, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro*, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia*/**, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan*** (Republic of China), United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, additionally persons holding British National (Overseas), Hong Kong SAR or Macau SAR passports. All others will require a visa. Keep in mind that Schengen area visas issued for visits to mainland Denmark are not valid for Greenland or the Faroe Islands.

You will need a separate visa, which can be applied for at any Danish diplomatic post or embassy along with your Schengen visa for Denmark or Iceland if you are transiting through one of those countries. If you are flying through Nunavut, you would need a Canadian temporary resident or transit visa. Employees and students[ edit ] If you're planning work or study in Greenland, you'll need an appropriate permit, although some types of work (teaching, consulting, artists, installation technicians, and a few others) as well as short term research are exempt from needing a work/ study permit if the time spent in Greenland is less than 90 days. For more information see [1] . Formalities[ edit ] There are no border checks when entering/exiting Greenland, and customs screenings are usually "behind the scenes", so if you have anything to declare or need your passport stamped (eg for a residence permit) you will need to seek out border staff yourself. Expedition Permits[ edit ] If you stay on the typical tourist paths you do not need any permissions, but any expeditions (including any trips to the national park , which by definition are expeditions) need a special permit from the Danish polar centre.

If travelling with an agency they will usually take care of the paperwork for you. If you are entering or travelling through Thule Air Base, you also need a permission from the Danish department of foreign affairs, since it is a US military area (except for children under 15, Danish police and military, US military or US diplomats). See Qaanaaq for details. By plane[ edit ] Trans-oceanic service to Greenland either lands at Kangerlussuaq (IATA: SFJ) (Danish: Søndre Strømfjord, English: Sondrestrom), or Narsarsuaq (IATA: UAK) the only airports in the country which can accept anything larger than a turboprop. The capital Nuuk (IATA: GOH) is also seeing an increasing amount of international traffic from Iceland and Canada in the summer. SAS ceased its operations to Greenland in 2009 and Atlantic Airways sometime before that. Except on the Reykjavik-Nuuk route, where there is some competition, getting to Greenland is expensive, although sometimes travel agents are able to get discounts through agreements with Greenland Tourism.

Two airlines currently provide scheduled service to the country: Air Greenland [2] , the flag carrier offers several options for reaching Greenland: Year-round, a daily return between Copenhagen and Kangerlussuaq with a second daily return in the summer season contracted out to Danish carrier JetTime. From Kangerlussaq, you can reach any other city or settlement in the country, including the capital Nuuk, through Air Greenland's domestic network. Seasonally, Air Greenland has several departures each week between Copenhagen and Narsarsuaq, operated by JetTime. June through September, two weekly returns from Keflavik Airport in Iceland (Icelandair's hub) to both Nuuk and Narsarsuaq. With plentiful flights between the United States and Iceland, this is by far the easiest way to get to Greenland from North America. It's also the most affordable as it's the only route Air Greenland has any competition on. Also June through September, starting in 2012, twice weekly service between Iqaluit in Canada and Nuuk.

Through codeshare agreements with FirstAir, it is possible to purchase a ticket originating in Ottawa (YOW) from around DKK 10,000 ($2,500 return). Air Greenland only sells tickets through its own website and travel agents, fares are not advertised on Expedia, Priceline, or any consolidator website. Despite minority ownership by SAS, Air Greenland is not part of the Star Alliance network nor has codeshares through SAS or any other major carrier. Interlining baggage and a single reservation may be possible - consult your travel agent. Air Iceland [3] operates year-round flights from Reykjavik to Kulusuk , Ittoqqortoormiit and Nuuk and additionally to Narsarsuaq and Ilulissat during the summer months. Bear in mind that Air Iceland is not the same carrier as Icelandair, operates out of the downtown Reykjavik airport (domestic and Greenland flights only), rather than the international airport at Keflavik, which Icelandair uses. Since 2016, however, most Air Iceland flights to Greenland have begun departing from Keflavik.

If you are vacationing in Iceland, one popular day excursion is to fly from Reykjavik to Kulusuk , where traditional handicrafts are on sale, before returning to the comparative comforts of Iceland. There are also numerous charter outfits serving Greenland from Europe and North America, and frequently if you're on a package tour to Greenland from North America a chartered flight is included. Scientific and technical personnel travelling from North America for research purposes typically fly into Kangerlussuaq aboard New York Air National Guard C-130s. Greenland's airports are very private aviation friendly if the weather is right, the name of Greenland's airport service is Mittarfeqarfiit. Realistically, there is no ferry service from Europe or North America. Greenland view from Cruise Ship There are cruise ships from both continents that visit Greenland: Oceanwide Expeditions [4] explores the most remote places in and around the Arctic region with their own ships and expedition crew. Passengers are taken to remote locations such as Disko Bay, Scoresby Sund, Aasiaat and Maniitsoq. Exploring the Greeland coastline, passengers can enjoy the wildlife and dramatic views of Greenland scenery.

Hurtigruten and Silversea have cruises to Greenland going from Iceland. Aurora Expeditions [5] has various tours to the Arctic region with their own ship Polar Pioneer and expedition crew. Locations include Greenland, Iceland, Spitsbergen & more Sometimes large luxurious cruise ships stop in South Greenland when crossing the Atlantic, for example Holland America Line and Oceania Cruises Get around[ edit ] There is no road or rail system. The easiest way to get around Greenland is by plane, particularly Air Greenland. For about nine months of the year, Arctic Umiaq Line a passenger ship provides service to destinations between Qaqortoq and Ilulissat along the west coast. Icebergs and glaciers (especially the Ilulissat Icefjord) Animal life - Whales, seals, walruses, musk oxen, reindeer/caribou and polar bears. The Midnight sun - In the northern 2/3 of Greenland, the sun stays above the horizon for days or even several weeks in the summer.

In the remainder, the weeks around the summer solstice (June 21, a national holiday) see the sun dip below the horizon for only a short while each night, with the sky never getting truly dark. (Of course the reverse is true in the winter.) Talk[ edit ] The official language - Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) - is actually that of the more populated western coast. The eastern dialect is slightly different. Both are highly challenging languages to learn, as words are very long and often feature "swallowed" consonants. Try uteqqipugut or Ittoqqortoormiit on for size. The good news is that almost all Greenlanders are bilingual Danish speakers, and many will even have a functional command of English. Greenlandic words may come in handy for travellers wanting to experience the "real Greenland", though. Greenlandic is different enough from Inuktitut, the language of the Canadian Inuit who share similar historical roots to the Greenlanders, that the two peoples have difficulty understanding each other. However, attempts are being made to unify the Inuit language, and Greenlandic - with its existing libraries of translated Shakespeare and Pushkin - seems like the most natural option.

There are four languages in Greenland: Western Greenlandic or Kalaallisut, Eastern Greenlandic or Tunumiisut and the Thule Inuit of Greenland and Danish as a second language. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Like the rest of the Kingdom of Denmark, the official currency is the Danish krone (DKK). In tourist heavy areas, other currencies such as Icelandic króna, euros, pounds sterling and US dollars may also be accepted (but always ask first). Greenland is still largely a cash economy. With improvements to the infrastructure over the past few decades, the number of merchants accepting credit or debit cards are steadily growing, although many still do not. As a general rule, unless you're dealing with hotels or mainland chains with a presence on the island (e.g. supermarkets), don't automatically expect that credit cards are accepted - carry some cash as a backup. Every settlement has at least one ATM and if all else fails banks may be able to give you a cash advance from your credit card. Tourists to Greenland sometimes buy: Inuit art and crafts Duty-free -- most flights land at Kangerlussuaq, one of those lovely places on earth where you can buy duty-free after landing.

Stock up on cheap booze, smokes and everything else at prices far lower than the rest of Greenland. Important: Greenland is not a member of the EU, so although you may be travelling from Denmark, the custom rules are the same as for a trip out of the EU. Supermarkets[ edit ] These are the names to look for, if you need to buy groceries: Pilersuisoq - Chain of larger supermarket usually found in small villages. Has a little bit of everything. Pisiffik - Chain of larger supermarkets present in the cities. Spar - Dutch supermarket chain with a few shops in Greenland. Brugsen - Danish supermarket chain with a few shops in Greenland. Food[ edit ] Food in Greenland is generally not that different from American or continental European tastes. Restaurants carry typical European fare. Local food can be purchased at local markets in each town. Many Greenlandic restaurants combine traditional foods (locally-caught fish, shrimp and whales; also muskox and reindeer) with more familiar dishes. Expect to find whale meat at a Thai restaurant and caribou in a Chinese joint.

Nuuk also has several burger bars and a couple of very high-end restaurants, most notably Nipisa, which specializes in (very expensive) local delicacies. Prices are high everywhere, but servings are generally large, especially with fries. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] A local speciality is Greenlandic coffee. Its creation in some places is pure performance and it hits hard: its coffee laced with liberal amounts of kahlua, whisky and Grand Marnier. One of the best places to buy is at the Sukhumvit Thai Restaurant, for about CAD22. Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] Accommodation in Greenland tend to be pricey. World class hotels exist in all of the more visited areas (Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk, Hotel Arctic - with its igloo rooms - and Hotel Hvide Falke in Ilulissat), but cheaper options exist. Try for the Seaman's Home hotel in Maniitsoq, Nuuk, Sisimiut and Aasiaat. There was a good Seaman's Home in Qaqortoq, but it is now permanently closed, leaving as the main option only the much pricier (but very nice) Hotel Qaqortoq.

Narsarsuaq also has a good (and not quite as expensive) hotel, as well as a much more economical hostel. For less expensive options, you can check with the Nuuk Tourism office for its hostel program, where locals have rooms they will rent out for a third the price of the town's hotels. It's a great way to experience the real Greenland, although knowing a few words of Danish or Greenlandic is very helpful as your hosts may or may not understand English. Additionally, since there is no private property ownership in Greenland you can also camp in any field or plain for free if you're equipped to handle the elements. Work[ edit ] Skilled workers (K-12 teachers and doctors in particular) are always needed, knowledge of Danish or Greenlandic (preferably both) are necessary, although the University of Greenland in Nuuk does offer some programs in English. Foreigners, including most EU/EEA nationals (Greenland is not part of the EU/EEA) require a work permit in advance, which needs to be vetted and approved both by the Danish immigration authorities and the Government of Greenland. Danish citizens and other nationals of the Nordic Passport Area (Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland) are exempt.

Certain types of short-term work (teaching, performing, installation technicians, construction, among others) for less than 90 days does not require a work permit, nor does short-term research. See If you have residency (permanent or temporary) in Denmark, you do not have any automatic immigration privileges in Greenland, although you can visit for up to 90 days without a visa even if you are a citizen of a country that would normally require one. Keep in mind that under Danish immigration law, time spent in Greenland is considered time outside of Denmark for residence permit purposes, and a long visit or work assignment in Greenland (eg 6 months or more) could cause your permit to lapse. Contact the immigration department if this may apply to you. (Note that for purposes of applying for Danish citizenship, time spent in Greenland fully counts as it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.) Stay safe[ edit ] Crime, and ill-will toward foreigners in general, is virtually unknown in Greenland. Even in the towns, there are no "rough areas." So long as the visitor uses basic common sense and etiquette, he or she should be fine. Stay healthy[ edit ] During the northern summer, the days in Greenland are very long.

Always make sure that you get as much sleep as you're used to, as sleep deprivation can lead to all manner of health problems. During the summer, also watch out for the Nordic mosquitoes . Although they are not dangerous as they do not transmit any diseases, they can be irritating. Phone[ edit ] Tele Greenland is the only telephone and internet provider. Mobile phones have coverage in all larger villages, including 3G internet access. Note that roaming charges are international (as Greenland is outside the EU), and much higher than someone from EU would pay inside EU. Internet[ edit ] Thanks to undersea fibre optic cable links to Europe and broadband satellite, Greenland is well connected with 93% of the population having internet access. Your hotel or hosts (if staying in a guesthouse or private home) will likely have Wi-Fi or an internet connected PC, and all settlements have an internet cafe or some location with public Wi-Fi. Ask around if you need help finding it.

Radio[ edit ] Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (Radio Greenland) broadcasts one national radio station with a wide variety of news, music, cultural, and entertainment programs, primarily in Kalaallisut (Greenlandic) but some features (particularly news) are also in Danish. In Nuuk only, a second frequency re-broadcasts Danmarks Radio from Copenhagen. Television[ edit ] Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa broadcasts KNR TV nationwide, with a similarly broad selection of programs in both Greenlandic and Danish. Many settlements have a secondary commercial television station - such as Nuuk TV and Sisimiut TV with locally produced news, current affairs and entertainment programs. Nuuk TV also offers Nuuk TV Digital an encrypted over the air digital network available by subscription. 40 channels are available, comprised of Danish terrestrial networks (DR Television), Canal+ movie channels, and several Danish and international cable networks, such as CNN, Discovery, etc... If you're staying in Nuuk and your hotel or guesthouse has Nuuk TV digital, some of these channels are in English. Terrestrial TV networks do not broadcast around the clock.

KNR Television has a breakfast news program from 6am-11am, closes down until 4pm and then signs back on for the evening program until midnight or 1am, hours are expanded slightly on weekends and may be expanded further for football or other sports coverage. The local commercial stations only broadcast in the evening. Nuuk TV Digital, however, is on the air 24 hours a day. Respect[ edit ] The word "Eskimo" is considered pejorative by many Arctic peoples, especially in Canada. While you may hear the word used by Greenland natives, its use should be avoided by foreigners. Use the correct term "Inuit" and when specifically referring to people in Greenland, Kalaaleq, "a Greenlander." Greenland Map, Map of Greenland, Flags and Geography of Greenland - Worldatlas.com Print this map Greenland History Greenland (about 80% ice covered) is the world's largest (non-continent) island, and it dominates the North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe It is geographically considered part of the North American continent. Its sparse population is confined to small settlements along the coastlines, with nearly one-quarter of the population living in the capital city of Nuuk.

The culture of Greenland has much in common with Inuit traditions, as the majority of people are descended from those indigenous peoples that inhabit the Arctic regions. People in Greenland today continue the Inuit tradition of ice-fishing and there are annual dog-sled races, however, fishing and hunting by traditional methods has been increasingly replaced by the use of firearms and modern technology. First explored by the Vikings, and named by Erik the Red (982-985), this isolated land was initially settled by hardy souls from the nearby island of Iceland. Later, his son, Leif Erickson, returned to Greenland from Norway, and development continued... Subsequently claimed by Denmark in 1380, 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 in June 2009. Denmark, however, continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs, security, and financial policy in consultation with Greenland's Home Rule Government. So, Greenland is still considered a part of Denmark, and not recognized as an official independent country. In fact, it's a constituent country; a country that remains a part of another entity, such as a sovereign state. In this case, the country of Denmark Greenland's economy remains critically dependent on exports of shrimp and fish and on a substantial subsidy - about $650 million in 2009 - from the Danish Government, which supplies nearly 60% of government revenues. Greenland for some is a tourism mecca as it offers unlimited spaces and challenges for anglers, hikers, kayakers and mountain climbers. In addition, dramatic glaciers are easily discovered. See Also Reykjavik Contact Reykjavik The volcanic island with hot springs, geysers, glaciers and powerful waterfalls. The city of Reykjavik is full of life day and night.

Facts Oldest parliament in the world Many active volcanoes Close to the Golden Circle Practical Iceland, Reykjavik The capital never sleeps – whatever the time of year. City and cosy charm, nightlife and wellness – Reykjavik is Iceland’s highlight. Experience the attractions of hot springs, the mist above the glaciers and dormant volcanoes. Even dogsled trips are available in the region. If you have more time, we recommend a whale safari and a ride on horseback in the fantastic scenery on the wonderful Icelandic horses. Summer in Reykjavik is lively and unique. The sun hangs in the sky more or less 24 hours a day, and the local population enjoy the summer light to the full. Trendy haunts are open 24-7, and if you’re not sleeping during the day, there are museums to suit all tastes. Health resorts, wellness treatments and geothermal springs are other defining characteristics of the capital. The Blue lagoon is a balm for body and soul with its mineral salts and algae. Out into the world Reykjavik is quite unique. Enjoy a couple of relaxing days before continuing your journey elsewhere in the world.

Or fly directly with Air Greenland from Nuuk to Keflavik International Airport. From here the gateways are open to the USA, Asia and Europe. Did you know? Reykjavik means the smoking bay – or the smoke cove. The world’s oldest parliament, Thingvellir, is found in Iceland. The Icelandic Vikings gathered here in former times. In the middle of the city is Tjörnin, which is one of Iceland’s biggest breeding grounds for water birds. The fabled Snæfellsnes glacier is also known as the place at which Jules Verne chose to begin his ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’. If you love art, then make sure you visit the Center for Icelandic Art. Here you can see video works and presentations of the best contemporary Icelandic artists. CONTACT US Where is Greenland? / Where is Greenland Located in The World? / Greenland Map - WorldAtlas.com What is the capital of Greenland? Located in the continent of North America , Greenland covers 2,166,086 square kilometers of land, making it the 12th largest nation in terms of land area. Greenland is a dependant territory of Denmark.

The population of Greenland is 57,695 (2012) and the nation has a density of 0 people per square kilometer. The currency of Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK). As well, the people of Greenland are refered to as Greenlandic. The dialing code for the country is 299 and the top level internet domain for Greenlandic sites is .gl. Greenland does not share land borders with any countries. To learn more, visit our detailed Greenland section. Quick facts Greenland | history - geography | Britannica.com Greenland Alternative Titles: Grønland, Kalaallit Nunaat Greenland self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark with one legislative house (Parliament [31])2 Head of state High Commissioner (for Denmark): Mikaela Engell; Prime Minister (for Greenland): Kim Kielsen Capital Literacy: percentage of population age 15 and over literate Male: (2001) 100% (2010) 26,020 1Called Grønland in Danish, an official language of Greenland prior to June 21, 2009.

2A referendum approved in November 2008 endorsed the gradual expansion of Greenland’s autonomy from Denmark; the Greenland government assumed greater responsibility for local matters on June 21, 2009. Greenland, the world’s largest island , lying in the North Atlantic Ocean . Greenland is noted for its vast tundra and immense glaciers. Map of Greenland highlighting the major geographic regions and the locations of human settlement. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Although Greenland remains a part of the Kingdom of Denmark , the island’s home-rule government is responsible for most domestic affairs. The Greenlandic people are primarily Inuit ( Eskimo ). The capital of Greenland is Nuuk (Godthåb). Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Land More than three times the size of the U.S. state of Texas , Greenland extends about 1,660 miles (2,670 km) from north to south and more than 650 miles (1,050 km) from east to west at its widest point.

Two-thirds of the island lies within the Arctic Circle , and the island’s northern extremity extends to within less than 500 miles (800 km) of the North Pole . Greenland is separated from Canada ’s Ellesmere Island to the north by only 16 miles (26 km). The nearest European country is Iceland , lying about 200 miles (320 km) across the Denmark Strait to the southeast. Greenland’s deeply indented coastline is 24,430 miles (39,330 km) long, a distance roughly equivalent to Earth’s circumference at the Equator. Tasiusaq, southern Greenland. Signpost in Kangerlussuaq, Green., showing the town’s proximity to the North Pole. Greenland Tourism A submarine ridge no deeper than 600 feet (180 metres) connects the island physically with North America . Structurally, Greenland is an extension of the Canadian Shield , the rough plateau of the Canadian north that is made up of hard Precambrian rocks. Connect with Britannica Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest Greenland’s major physical feature is its massive ice sheet, which is second only to Antarctica ’s in size.

The Greenland Ice Sheet has an average thickness of 5,000 feet (1,500 metres), reaches a maximum thickness of about 10,000 feet (3,000 metres), and covers more than 700,000 square miles (1,800,000 square km)—over four-fifths of Greenland’s total land area. Layers of snow falling on its barren, windswept surface become compressed into ice layers, which constantly move outward to the peripheral glaciers ; the Jakobshavn Glacier, often moving 100 feet (30 metres) a day, is among the world’s fastest glaciers. The remaining ice-free land area occupies the country’s coastal areas and consists largely of highlands; mountain chains parallel the island’s east and west coasts, rising to 12,139 feet (3,700 metres) at Gunnbjørn Mountain in the southeast. These highlands notwithstanding, most parts of the rock floor underlying the Greenland Ice Sheet are in fact at or slightly beneath current sea levels. Icebergs on the Ilulissat Icefjord, western Greenland, March 2013.

It was the first World Heritage … Joe Capra—Scientifantastic (A Britannica Publishing Partner) Kangerdlugssuaq Glacier, eastern Greenland. Nautical Exploration and Aviation: Fact or Fiction? Long, deep fjords reach far into both the east and west coasts of Greenland in complex systems, offering magnificent, if desolate, scenery. Along many parts of the coast, the ice sheet fronts directly on the sea, with large chunks breaking off the glaciers and sliding into the water as icebergs . Iceberg in the waters off Greenland. Greenland Tourism The climate of Greenland is Arctic , modified only by the slight influence of the Gulf Stream in the southwest. Rapid weather changes, from sunshine to impenetrable blizzards, are common and result from the eastward progression of low-pressure air masses over a permanent layer of cold air above the island’s icy interior. Average winter (January) temperatures range from the low 20s F (about −7 °C) in the south to approximately −30 °F (about −34 °C) in the north.

Summer temperatures along the southwestern coast average in the mid-40s F (about 7 °C) during July, while the average in the far north is closer to 40 °F (about 4 °C). Greenland experiences about two months of midnight sun during the summer. Average annual precipitation decreases from more than 75 inches (1,900 mm) in the south to about 2 inches (50 mm) in the north. Large areas of the island can be classified as Arctic deserts because of their limited precipitation. Ilulissat (Jakobshavn), Green. North America In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, scientists posited that global warming was profoundly affecting not only Greenland’s climate but also its physical geography. A number of scientists noted that Greenland’s vast ice sheet was shrinking at a highly increased rate. In 2012, for example, satellites revealed that at midyear 97 percent of the ice sheet showed some signs of melting, whereas in most years the melt affected only about half of the ice sheet.

Researchers were uncertain, however, if the abrupt ice loss represented a long-term trend, but in 2016, as global warming pushed the planet toward the hottest January, February, March, April, and May in its history (according to NASA ), Greenland also experienced a series of record early spikes in the melting of its ice sheets. The country’s plant life is characterized mainly as tundra vegetation and consists of such plants as sedge and cotton grass. Plantlike lichens also are common. The limited ice-free areas are almost totally devoid of trees, although some dwarfed birch, willow, and alder scrub do manage to survive in sheltered valleys in the south. Several species of land mammals—including polar bears, musk oxen, reindeer , Arctic foxes, snow hares, ermines, and lemmings—can be found on the island. Seals and whales are found in the surrounding waters and were formerly the chief source of nourishment for the Greenlanders. Cod, salmon, flounder, and halibut are important saltwater fish , and the island’s rivers contain salmon and Arctic char. People Nearly nine-tenths of Greenlanders are principally of Inuit, or Eskimo , extraction.

They are very strongly admixed with early European immigrant strains. More than one-tenth of the people are Danish, most of them born in Denmark . Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The official languages of the island are Greenlandic (also known as Kalaallisut, an Inuit language belonging to the Eskimo-Aleut language family) and Danish (a Scandinavian , or North Germanic, language); English is also spoken. Paamiut (Frederikshåb), Green. Greenland Tourism Evangelical Lutheranism is the official religion. It is followed by nearly two-thirds of the population; about one-third of Greenlanders follow other forms of Christianity. Traditional beliefs, including shamanism , are still practiced by a small minority. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The population of Greenland is widely dispersed. The large majority of people live in one of the island’s 18 municipalities. The remainder live in villages. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Ilulissat (Jakobshavn), Green. Greenland Tourism Because of emigration levels, Greenland’s population growth rate was about zero at the start of the 21st century.

Life expectancy is comparable to the world average, with males typically living into their mid-60s and females generally living into their early 70s. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Economy Greenland’s economy has long been based on fishing . Seal hunting, once the mainstay of the economy, declined drastically in the early 20th century and was supplanted by the fishing , canning, and freezing of cod, shrimp , and other marine life. The island’s dependence on the fish industry, which is susceptible to problems of overfishing and fluctuating prices, became a growing concern in the late 20th century. Greenland therefore attempted to diversify its economy, and much emphasis was placed on the tourist industry. Since the 1990s, revenue from tourism has grown significantly. The government, which receives substantial financial aid from Denmark, continues to play a leading role in the economy. Nearly half the labour force works in the public sector. Inuit fishermen near Ilulissat, Green. Uriel Sinai/Getty Images Dried fish, northern Greenland. Manfred Horender/Greenland Tourism Agriculture is possible on about 1 percent of Greenland’s total area, in the southern ice-free regions.

Hay and garden vegetables are the main crops grown. Commercial sheep farming began in the early 20th century. Reindeer also are raised for meat, and polar bears are sometimes caught for their meat and pelts. However, sea mammals—seals, walruses, and whales—are still the most important source of meat. Deposits of cryolite , lead, zinc , silver, and coal were mined at various times in the 20th century, and the island’s first gold mine opened in 2004. Exploration has uncovered deposits of iron, uranium , copper, molybdenum, diamonds, and other minerals. Climatic and ecological considerations had long limited the exploitation of these resources; however, global warming has not only melted sea ice and made oil and natural gas exploration more accessible but also opened tracts of land for mineral exploitation. The manner in which increasingly interested foreign firms were allowed to undertake exploration and mining became a pivotal political issue in Greenland in the early 21st century. Oil drilling in the Arctic waters around Greenland began in mid-2010.

Licensing agreements were delayed, however, as environmental concerns grew in response to BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that year. Scotland-based Cairn Energy began drilling in 2010 but has yet to discover commercially viable sources of oil or natural gas off Greenland. In the late 20th century the island opened its first hydroelectric power plant. Besides supplying domestic needs, fish (mainly halibut) and crustaceans (mainly shrimp) constitute Greenland’s principal exports. Seal pelts are tanned and used domestically as well as exported, but, due to import bans on seal fur, the international price level is at a minimum. Greenland’s chief trading partner is Denmark, although it does conduct trade with other countries as well. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Roadways in Greenland are limited to short stretches within town limits. Although dogsleds and snowmobiles are used on ice-covered coastal areas and inland, shipping and air service are the principal means of transport. Greenland has a sophisticated digital telecommunications network, as well as a military communications network associated with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the North American radar defense system.

The rates of cellular telephone and Internet use rose during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, though usage rates remained lower than those in nearby Canada and in the Nordic countries. Inuit hunter and his 13-dog team, in the “fan hitch” configuration; near Baffin Bay in … © Layne Kennedy/Corbis Manfred Horender/Greenland Tourism Government and society In 1979 the Danish government granted home rule to Greenland. Under this agreement, Greenland remained part of the Danish realm, and each Greenlander was a Danish citizen, enjoying equal rights with all other Danes. Denmark retained control of the island’s constitutional affairs, foreign relations, and defense, while Greenland maintained jurisdiction over economic development, municipal regulations, taxes, education, the social welfare system, cultural affairs, and the state church. Mineral resources were managed jointly by Denmark and Greenland. It was perhaps this last point that inspired Greenlanders to vote overwhelmingly in 2008 to increase their autonomy from Denmark, and Greenland is now officially designated a self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark.

Under the expanded home rule agreement, which took effect on June 21, 2009, Greenland retained a greater percentage of oil and mineral revenue. It also managed virtually all domestic affairs, including criminal justice , and Greenlandic supplanted Danish as the official language of government. Denmark, in collaboration with Greenlandic political leaders, continued to manage the island’s foreign relations and defense. The centre of power in Greenland is the Landsting, a parliament elected to four-year terms by all adults age 18 and older. A number of parties have been represented in the Landsting. Among them are Siumut , a social democratic party that favours self-determination while maintaining close relations with Denmark; the Demokratiit party, created by a breakaway faction of Siumut; Atassut, a more conservative party that has supported Greenland’s historical relations with Denmark; and Inuit Ataqatigiit, which calls for full independence from Denmark. The Landsting elects the prime minister as well as the other members of the Landsstyre, a council that assumes the island’s executive responsibilities. The prime minister is typically the leader of the majority party in the parliament.

Greenland’s voters also elect two representatives to the Danish parliament (Folketing). An official known as the high commissioner represents the Danish government in Greenland. Using financial grants from Denmark, Greenland’s government provides its citizens with a wide range of welfare services. Free health care is available to the island’s people as well. These social services have greatly improved Greenlanders’ health and living conditions. Nine years of education are free and compulsory for Greenlandic children. The island’s school system historically had an insufficient number of teachers who were native Greenlandic speakers, and consequently it hired many Danish-speaking and Danish-educated teachers. By the end of the 20th century, however, the number of native Greenlandic-speaking teachers was increasing. Greenlandic is the principal language of instruction in the schools, but Danish also continues to be taught. Greenland offers a large selection of vocational and teacher-training programs, and there is a small university, Ilisimatusarfik (founded as the Inuit Institute in 1983). Nevertheless, many students attend university outside Greenland, especially in Denmark.

Cultural life Despite the Western influence exerted by the Danish presence in Greenland and, more recently, by increased access to international mass media, the practice of traditional Inuit ( Eskimo ) cultural activities is still of importance. Folk arts such as soapstone carving and drum dancing remain popular, as do kayak building and sailing. The island features a number of museums, including the Greenland National Museum and Archives in Nuuk. Katuaq Cultural Centre, also in Nuuk, hosts concerts, art exhibits, and other cultural events. Numerous sports are played in Greenland: football (soccer) is very popular, as are skiing , badminton, handball, table tennis, tae kwon do, and volleyball. Kalaallit Nunaata Radio (KNR), the island’s broadcasting company, offers radio and television programs in Greenlandic and Danish. Katuaq, the cultural centre of Greenland, in Nuuk.

Greenland Tourism Kristjan Fridricksson/Greenland Tourism History The Inuit ( Eskimo ) are believed to have crossed to northwest Greenland from North America, using the islands of the Canadian Arctic as stepping stones, in a series of migrations that stretched from at least 2500 bce to the early 2nd millennium ce. Each wave of migration represented different Inuit cultures . Several distinct cultures are known, including those classified as Independence I (c. 2500–1800 bce), Saqqaq (c. 2300–900 bce), Independence II (c. 1200–700 bce), Dorset I (c. 600 bce–100 ce), and Dorset II (c. 700–1200). The most recent arrival was the Thule culture (c. 1100), from which the Inugsuk culture developed during the 12th and 13th centuries. In 982 the Norwegian Erik the Red , who had been banished from Iceland for manslaughter, settled on the island today known as Greenland.

Returning to Iceland about 985, he described the merits of the newly discovered land, which he called Greenland, and in 986 he organized an expedition to the island that resulted in the development of two main settlements: the East Settlement, near present-day Qaqortoq (Julianehåb), and the West Settlement, near present-day Nuuk (Godthåb). These settlements may have reached a population of 3,000–6,000 on about 280 farms, suggesting that temperatures at that time may have been as warm or warmer than they are today. Christianity arrived in the 11th century by way of Erik’s son Leif Eriksson , who had just returned from the recently Christianized Norway. A bishop’s seat was established in Greenland in 1126. Beginning sometime in the 13th century, the Norse (Scandinavian) settlers began to interact with the expanding Inuit Thule culture that had appeared in northern Greenland about 1100. But in the 14th century the Norse settlements declined, perhaps as a result of a cooling in Greenland’s climate. In the 15th century they ceased to be inhabited.

Ruins of Hvalsey Church, built by medieval Norse settlers, near Qaqortoq (Julianehåb), Green. Greenland Tourism During the 16th and 17th centuries, Dutch and English whalers frequently traveled in the seas around Greenland, and occasionally they interacted with the local population. However, no further attempt at colonization was made until 1721, when Hans Egede , with the permission of the united kingdom of Denmark - Norway , founded a trading company and a Lutheran mission near present-day Nuuk, thus marking the real beginning of Greenland’s colonial era. In 1776 the Danish government assumed a full monopoly of trade with Greenland, and the Greenland coast was closed to foreign access; it was not reopened until 1950. During this period Denmark tried gradually to acclimatize the Greenlanders to the outside world without exposing them to the danger of economic exploitation. Greenland fell under the protection of the United States during the German occupation of Denmark in World War II and was returned to Denmark in 1945. Following the war, Denmark responded to Greenlanders’ complaints over its administration of the island.

The monopoly of the Royal Greenland Trading Company was abolished in 1951, and, after Greenland became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953, reforms were undertaken to improve the local economy, transportation systems, and the educational system. Denmark granted home rule to the island on May 1, 1979. At the start of the 21st century, there was growing support in Greenland for greater control of its foreign affairs. This arose partly in response to a 2004 agreement allowing the United States to upgrade its missile defense system at Thule Air Base . Inuit who had been forcibly removed from the area surrounding the base in the 1950s sued for the right to return, airing their grievances at the European Court of Human Rights . Some Greenlanders were wary of continued U.S. involvement because the United States had stored nuclear bombs on the island during the Cold War without Greenland’s knowledge, despite a Danish ban on such weapons; additionally, in 1968 a U.S. military aircraft carrying four hydrogen bombs had crashed near Thule .

There were calls for an independent Greenland, and parties campaigning for greater autonomy scored electoral victories in the first decade of the 21st century. In November 2008 more than 75 percent of Greenlanders who voted approved a nonbinding referendum calling for greater autonomy. The proposal, which was formulated by legislators in both Greenland and Denmark, had the tacit approval of the Danish government even before the referendum was held. It would increase the responsibilities of Greenland’s government in foreign affairs, immigration, and justice, among other areas, while also granting it the rights to the potentially lucrative hydrocarbon and mineral resources that have become increasingly accessible as a result of the island’s melting ice cap. It was widely believed that this potential revenue would free Greenland from its economic dependence on Denmark, which many saw as the final stumbling block to complete independence. Snap elections held in June 2009 saw Siumut removed from power for the first time since home rule was granted in 1979. The opposition Inuit Ataqatigiit captured more than 40 percent of the vote, and party leader Kuupik Kleist worked quickly to form a coalition government prior to the expansion of home rule later that month.

In elections in 2013 Siumut returned to power at the head of a coalition presided over by Greenland’s first female prime minister, Aleqa Hammond, whose government placed a moratorium on granting licences for oil exploration and began requiring royalty payments from foreign concerns before they began mining. (Kleist’s government had planned to allow foreign firms to defer payments until some startup costs could be recouped.) Hammond’s government also announced its willingness to allow the mining of some radioactive minerals, notably uranium, which had previously been prohibited. In October 2014, with her government having narrowly escaped a vote of no confidence, Hammond temporarily stepped down amid accusations of having misused government funds and was replaced by Kim Kielsen. When the parliamentary opposition engineered a snap election at the end of November, Kielsen led Siumut to the polls, where it captured about 34 percent of the vote, compared with about 33 percent for the chief opposition party, Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA).

Both parties were awarded 11 of the 31 legislative seats, but Kielsen arranged a new governing coalition with two smaller partners, the Demokratiit party (four seats) and the Atassut Party (two seats). Greenland - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up) The largest island in the world, Greenland is a land of bitter cold and midnight sun, a place where the northern lights can be seen year-round, and where ancient folk traditions exist in harmony with modern life. The island lies in the North Atlantic Ocean, within the Arctic regions. More than four fifths of Greenland lies buried under an ice sheet that has an average depth of 5,000 feet (1,500 meters). Its people live only on the rocky coastal fringe, chiefly in the southwest. The capital of Greenland is Nuuk. The city is also referred to by its Danish name, Godthab. Greenland is part of the country of Denmark but is mostly self-governing. Area 836,330 square miles (2,166,086 square kilometers). Population (2016 est.) 55,800. Article Contributors

Question: Which island's capital is Nuuk?
Answer: Greenland