6 facts about Greenland

6 facts about Greenland.

Quick Facts:

• Greenland is approximately the size of Western Europe.
• Around 80% is permanently covered by a massive ice cap known as the Inland Ice/Greenland Ice Sheet.
• The population is dispersed across the ice-free archipelago, which features numerous beautiful fjords and mountains.
• The majority live in West Greenland's lower part, with a small portion in the northern Thule area and two demarcated areas on the rugged east coast.
  

What is Greenland famous for?

When most people think of Greenland, the first thing that comes to mind is its massive ice cap, Inuits, or polar bears.

What follows is a list of facts about Greenland and its truly unique culture and geography that you may or may not be aware of. Enjoy!

1. Greenland Glacier

The inland ice sheet covers an area of 1.8 million km2.

Volume, 2.7 million km3 of ice - the equivalent of about 7% of all fresh water on the planet - estimated to cause a 7-meter rise in global sea level if the ice sheet melts.

The inland ice reaches a height of 3,300 meters above sea level and is more than 3,500 meters thick.

2. Glaciers and icebergs

There are glaciers all over Greenland that actively produce icebergs at various times of the year, primarily in the summer.

The Sermeq Kujalleq glacier at Ilulissat Icefjord, which is also the most visited, is the most productive.

Icebergs can be found all over Greenland, each one unique in shape, color, and size.

3. The populace

Greenland has a population of about 55,000 people, with 90% living in 16 towns and the rest in small settlements.

4. Greenland's capital, Nuuk

Nuuk, the capital, has a population of about 18,000. (2018).

5. Greenlandic

Greenlandic is the official language, with Danish and English serving as second languages. Greenlandic, or Kalaallisut, is related to Inuit languages spoken in Canada and Alaska.

6. Greenland's flag and its significance

Greenland's current flag was adopted on June 21, 1985. Thue Christiansen, a Greenlandic native, created it. The flag is called Erfalasorput, which translates to "our flag" in Greenlandic.

The flag is red and white, symbolizing the country's relationship with Denmark.

The flag is divided by a horizontal line and has a circle slightly to the left of its center. The circle represents the sun and its warmth as it returns in midsummer.