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Travel and Explore Greenland
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Greenland holds a reputation as one of the most unique places on this planet. Located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, many people associate the land with its icy surface. Yet Greenland also stands out as a country of contrasts—it is the largest island in the world, yet it is also the least densely populated; it is officially its own country, yet still somewhat dependent on the ancient connection Denmark still holds on it. These, however, are only a couple of reasons that Greenland fascinates the rest of the world.
CHILLY PAST
Scientists discovered that Paleo Eskimos lived in the area during prehistoric times, but the Icelanders and Norwegians were the first to colonize Greenland in 986. The other cultures living there eventually surrendered to Norwegian rule in the 13th century. However, many of the settlers and indigenous people alike famished in the 14th and 15th centuries due to what is now known as the Little Ice Age.
Interest in Greenland reemerged in 1721 when the Danish-Norwegian missionary, Hans Egede, arrived there on an expedition referred to as the Danish Colonization of the Americas. Over the next couple of centuries, Denmark strengthened it's rule over Greenland. Only in recent history has Greenland made steps to separate itself. In 1979 Greenland was granted "home rule" by the Parliament of Denmark. However, it wasn't recognized as a separate people under international law until 2009. Greenland continues to recognize the Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, as its head of state, however it is officially it's own country within the Kingdom of Denmark.
SMALL POPULATION, BIG ATTRACTIONS
With a population of approximately only 57,600 people, visitors may not need to worry about large crowds. Plus, about 15,000 of those people live in the country's capital of Nuuk. Since the majority of the island's area is covered by ice, almost everyone lives near the coast. These coastal towns also make sense since Greenland's biggest economic resource is the fishing industry.
The official language is Greenlandic and most people are Evangelical Lutheran Christians. With the cold climate (average temperatures range around 16°F to 45°F), there's no surprise that ice fishing is favorite past time. Many natives also enjoy dog sled racing, kayaking, and association football (a.k.a. soccer). Guests, however, may be more likely to marvel at the distinctive local beauty.
Greenland is known for its Northern Lights (Aurora Borelis) when the sky gives off a beautiful green glow during early autumn. Visitors are also amazed by by the "Midnight Sun," which is when the sun does not set from the end of May until the end of July in central Greenland. Greenland also boasts of the largest national park in the world. While travelers can fly to Greenland from Denmark or Iceland, cruises remain the most popular route for people to visit. |
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