Greenland at a glance

Greenland is far more than ice, with most of its Inuit population living along the coasts where culture, economy, and environment are closely connected.

Greenland has recently received increased international attention. Beyond this, the island itself is far more than the common image of a vast, empty expanse of ice.

Around 80 percent of the island is covered by the Greenland Ice Sheet, one of the largest bodies of ice on Earth. This immense ice mass plays a crucial role in the global climate system, particularly through its influence on sea levels. Changes in the ice sheet are closely monitored, as even small shifts can have worldwide consequences. Yet along the narrow coastal margins, where mountains, fjords, and tundra emerge from beneath the ice, most of Greenland’s population lives.

With a population of roughly 56,000 people, Greenland is one of the least densely populated places on the planet. Communities are scattered along the coastline, often separated by great distances and difficult terrain. There are no roads connecting towns, and travel is mainly by boat or plane, and in some regions by snowmobile or dog sled during winter.

The majority of Greenland’s population is Inuit, and Inuit culture forms the foundation of life on the island. It shapes language, traditions, and everyday practices. The Greenlandic language, Kalaallisut, is widely spoken and reflects a deep connection to the environment. Hunting and fishing traditions, adapted to modern life, continue to play an important role in many communities.

Fishing remains the backbone of the economy, particularly the export of shrimp and halibut. At the same time, Greenland is undergoing gradual social and economic change. Urban centers such as Nuuk are growing, infrastructure is developing, and international connections are increasing, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

Although geographically part of North America, Greenland is politically linked to Denmark and has a high degree of self-government. Decisions about natural resources, economic development, and environmental protection are increasingly shaped within Greenland itself.

Far from being an empty, frozen wilderness, Greenland is a place where natural extremes and human life coexist. Ice, ocean, and land form a dynamic system that influences both local livelihoods and the global climate. Looking beyond the ice reveals a region that is not only remote, but also deeply connected to the wider world.