The Land of Ice and Snow, known as Greenland, is unchartered territory for most travelers.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. It is located to the east of Canada, north of the United States and west of Iceland. It is the world’s largest island and is mostly covered by ice and snow.
Its often referred to as “The Land of Ice and Snow” because of its vast ice sheet, glaciers and snowy landscapes which covers a large area of the island.
The official language spoken is Greenlandic, also known as Kalaallisut or Inuit. It’s part of the Eskimo-Aleut language family. Greenlanders also speak Danish, the country’s former colonial language.
- Ilulissat Icefjord – This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the most spectacular glaciers in the world and is a must-see for visitors.
- Kangerlussuaq – A small town located near the Arctic Circle, offering great opportunities for hiking, fishing, and dog sledding.
- Nuuk – Nuuk is a great place to experience the culture and history of the country. It’s Greenland’s capital and largest city.
- Sisimiut – This town is located on the west coast. Its known for its traditional Inuit culture, as well as its hiking and skiing.
- Uunartoq Hot Springs – Thermal hot springs are located on an uninhabited island and offer a unique adventure to relax and soak in natural hot water.
- Qeqertarsuaq – This small hamlet is located on an island in the Baffin Bay and is known for its stunning landscapes and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Arctic Circle Trail – A challenging hiking trail, lending to experience the Arctic wilderness and see glaciers and fjords.
- East Greenland – The east coast of is home to some of the most remote and rugged landscapes in the country. This is the destination for those looking for adventure and exploration.
What is Greenland’s currency?
The official currency is the Danish krone (DKK). The Danish krone is issued by the central bank of Denmark and is also used in Denmark and the Faroe Islands.
Greenland’s Rubies
Rubies have been found on the island’s west coast, in the Fiskenaesset area, The ruby deposits are high quality and have a unique red color. They are found in a type of rock called metamorphic schist, which formed under high pressure and temperature. These rubies are typically small in size, but they are highly prized for their color and clarity.
How Far is it from the USA?
The distance between the two countries depends on the specific location in the USA, but, it is thousands of miles away. The closest point in the USA to Greenland is the state of Maine, which is located on the northeastern coast of the USA. The distance between the capital city of Maine, Augusta and Nuuk the capital of Greenland is approximately 1,769 miles.
Did you know?
Greenland is home to the only species of dog native to the country: the Greenlandic dog, also known as the Greenland dog or the Qimmiq. These dogs have been used for transportation and hunting by the Inuit people for thousands of years and are considered an essential part of the country’s cultural heritage.
However, due to the introduction of snowmobiles and other modern forms of transportation, the population of Greenlandic dogs has declined in recent decades.
A little history:
Greenland’s history is rich and diverse, dating back to over 4,500 years when the first Inuit arrived on the island. These early inhabitants lived in small, nomadic communities and were skilled hunters and anglers, relying on land and sea resources for survival.
In the 10th century, it was colonized by Norse settlers who established small settlements along the southwestern coast. However, by the 15th century, the Norse colonies had declined and disappeared, likely due to a combination of factors, including changing climate and competition with the Inuit.
In the centuries that followed, the land remained primarily isolated and disconnected from the rest of the world until it was integrated into the Danish kingdom in the 18th century.
Today, Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark with a melded history that reflects the influence of both the Inuit and Danish cultures.
