Greenland (local name - Kalallit-Nunaat) - the largest island of the Earth, located northeast of the mainland of North America. It is washed by the Baffin Sea in the west, the Labrador Sea in the south, the Greenland Sea in the east (all belong to the Atlantic Ocean basin) and the Arctic Ocean in the north.
The length of the island from north to south is 2690 km, the maximum width is 1300 km. The total area is 2166 thousand square meters. km (of which only 410.4 thousand sq. km are free of ice to one degree or another).
Population
The total population is about 56.3 thousand people. Of these, the indigenous inhabitants of the island - the Greenlanders (Inuit, the people of the Arctic group of the Mongoloid race) - make up about 87%, and the Danes and people from other European countries - 13%. At the same time, the local population is heterogeneous - the inhabitants of the western part of Greenland consider themselves a separate people (it was they who were the ancestor of the term "Greenlander", because, unlike the inhabitants of the eastern part of the island, they do not consider themselves Inuit). Europeans call the locals Eskimos, which is not entirely true - the term "Eskimo" ("raw eater") was born in the languages of the Indian tribes of North America and gradually began to be used to refer to the Inuit tribes of the continental United States and Canada, to which the inhabitants of Greenland do not belong. Almost the entire population of the island lives on a narrow coastal strip between the ice sheet and the sea.
Political state
Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) has been a self-governing territory within Denmark since May 1979, a unique case of parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy. The official head of state is the Queen of Denmark, represented on the island by a high commissioner (appointed by the monarch). The head of government is the prime minister, who is elected by the country's parliament (usually this position is given to the leader of the party or coalition that won the last election).
The legislative body is the unicameral parliament Landstinget (31 deputies are elected by secret ballot on a proportional basis, the term of office is 4 years). Parliament is responsible for all matters domestic policy and legislation (in the jurisdiction of Denmark remained foreign policy, defense, justice and finance). The people of Greenland elect two representatives to the Danish Parliament, the Folketing.
Administratively, the country is divided into 3 districts (landsdele) - Avanna (Nordgrönland), Tunu (Ostgrönland) and Kita (Westgrönland), subdivided, in turn, into 18 municipalities.
Money in Greenland
Danish krone (Dkr , DKK ) equal to 100 era. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50 kroons, as well as coins in denominations of 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 kroons, 50 and 25 ore.
Sights of Greenland
Greenland is one of the most unusual regions of the planet in terms of tourism. The very discovery of the island by Europeans is associated with many legends and legends. According to one of them, the first European to set foot on this land is the legendary Viking Eric the Red, who made his unprecedented trip to the west in IX century AD (he also gave modern name island, although the true meaning of this toponym - Greenland - "Green Land" - raises a lot of questions). According to other legends, Greenland was discovered by the inhabitants of Iceland, who allegedly landed on the eastern coast of the island during II V. n. e. There is also a possibility that in VI V. n. e. Irish monks landed in Greenland, brought to these lands either by the force of a storm, or by the desire to escape from Europe torn apart by sectarian wars. However, it should be noted that in all ancient myths there is a certain Thule Land, which in all respects is very reminiscent of Greenland, and the entire northern region of the Atlantic, called in the Latin manner - Ultima-Thule, served as a bait for sailors and explorers for many centuries.
In 1261, the Norwegians made an attempt to colonize the island, but by the beginning XV centuries, unprecedented cold almost completely destroyed their colonies, stretching in a rare chain along the shores of the island. In 1605, Denmark sent an expedition to the shores of Greenland, designed to secure the island under the rule of the crown, which was successfully done. However, the next two centuries are marked by an influx of missionaries, adventurers and gold seekers from all over Europe to the island, who were replaced by polar explorers who hoped to find a way to the North Pole. A huge contribution to the study of the island was made by the Danish scientist, ethnographer and traveler Knud Rasmussen, who discovered the Inuit culture and many previously unexplored areas of the island to the world.
In 1924, Norway again claimed its rights to Greenland (it is interesting that the basis for the claims was the discovery of traces of the development of the island by Icelandic and Norwegian colonists during II - IX centuries n. e.). These demands were rejected, and in 1953 an international court ratified Danish sovereignty over Greenland. However, by that time the situation had become even more complicated - the fishing fleets of European countries were literally in charge of the island's waters, and the many US military bases that appeared on the island during World War II and the unfolding Cold War spurred the process of militarization of the island and the penetration of European powers here. After the accession of Denmark to NATO and the EU (Greenlanders, as citizens of this country, overwhelmingly voted against these processes), tendencies to separate from the mother country began to grow rapidly on the island. In 1979, the Danish parliament was forced to give Greenland self-government, and in 1985 the island withdrew from the EU. The locals simply did not have the strength to do more - the island still receives powerful financial support from Denmark, and the funds from the US military base in Tula make up a significant part of the local budget. However, the islanders clearly intend to defend their sovereignty, which is expressed both in the intensive development of local self-government and in the ban on the development of minerals on their territory.
Currently, Greenland remains one of the few places on the planet, little affected by human activity, a place of fantastic opportunities for extreme recreation and sports, as well as for eco-tourism. Extensive tundra, picturesque coastline with its fjords and pristine coastlines, monstrous glaciers that "give birth" to icebergs right before the eyes of observers, year-round opportunities for ice-climbing, snowboarding and skiing, unique (albeit scarce) nature, a sea rich in living creatures, silent Inuit with their unique culture and fantastic adaptability to the most severe local conditions - all this constantly attracts more and more tourists here.
Solar Activity
solar radiation in summer period(in winter, the polar night reigns in most of Greenland) is quite dangerous - the sun stands in the sky almost around the clock, and its rays are reflected both from the surface of the glaciers and from the mirror of the sea. It is recommended that you always carry sun protection (including sunscreen and good glasses with glass filters (best effect is achieved with special "polar" glasses with side blinds), hats with a peak or wide brim, as well as light but wide scarves or handkerchiefs that cover the neck not so much from the sun, but from the piercing wind and midges.
Greenland beckons fans of arctic exotics, eager to see the northern lights (Aurora borealis) and incredible polar mirages (Fata Morgana).
Greenland is ideal for a dynamic holiday. The hiking trails are excellently organized and not difficult for most people.
Panorama of Ilulissat
Hiking, dog sled tours, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, wildlife watching and boat trips are popular among guests of the island.
Hunting is strictly regulated, it is forbidden to export animal carcasses. For fishing, you need to purchase a license at the tourist office ($ 13.1 per day, $ 35 per week).
Many travelers come here to meet whales; 8 of their species live in local waters. In summer, whales swim close to the coast and effectively jump out of the water.
Original Greenland holidays are great entertainment for guests of the island. In February, Greenland hosts the “Festival of the End of the Polar Night”, in March, tourists rush to the International Snow Sculpture Festival in Nuuk. The grandiose holiday "Festival of the longest day of the year" takes place on June 21.
Some of the most impressive excursions are plane or helicopter tours to the inner glacier of Greenland. From a two-kilometer height, tourists inspect the grandiose ice massif and the lagoon, in which huge snow-white blocks accumulate. If you're lucky, you can see the birth of a new iceberg.
Greenland is an autonomy of Denmark, bordering Canada and Iceland. The island is located in the northeast of the North American continent and is washed by the Atlantic and Arctic oceans.
Greenland is the largest island on the planet, its area exceeds 2,000,000 sq. km, but only 1/5 of the surface is not occupied by the ice cover. If the Greenland glacier suddenly melts, the world sea level will rise by 7.4 meters.
Greenland is a "factory for the production of icebergs", of which up to 15 thousand are formed here annually. Ice monoliths are carried by currents across the oceans, some quickly melt in warm waters, and some make a long journey of several thousand kilometers. One of the Greenland icebergs caused the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.
Fjord IlulissatOn ice-free coasts, the climate is maritime and subarctic, with frequent strong cyclones bringing heavy precipitation. The average winter temperature is 6°, in summer +3 ... +15°. In the region of glaciers the climate is continental arctic, with frosts down to -60°. Snow can fall at any time of the year.
Greenland vegetation is sparse: on the southern coasts there are dwarf willows, mountain ash, birch and juniper, and on the northern shores you can see only lichens.
The fauna is much richer; polar bears, hares, polar wolves and arctic foxes, relic musk oxen and caribou deer live in the vastness of the island. Swans, loons, geese, gulls, snowy owls nest in Greenland. Local waters are rich in fish (over 130 species) and mammals (about 30 species).
The best time for excursions is from May to July, - the period is relatively warm weather and the longest white nights. For fans of winter holidays, the best time to visit the island is April.
The first inhabitants of Greenland were the Inuit (Eskimos), and the discoverer of these lands among Europeans in the 10th century was Eirik the Red, who gave Greenland its modern name, meaning "green land". In those days, the southern coast of the island, where the Icelander landed, was indeed covered with green meadows.
In the 18th century, Denmark granted the island the status of its colony, and since 1979, Greenland has received the right to conduct an independent domestic policy.
Now about 60,000 people live on the island, 90% of which are Inuit, the rest are Danes and immigrants from other countries. The vast majority of the population professes Christianity, some of the natives worship pagan gods.
Queen Margrethe II of DenmarkThe state system of Greenland is a parliamentary democracy within the framework of the monarchy of Denmark.
The Danish krone is the currency of GreenlandThe formal head of the island is the Queen of Denmark, represented by a high commissioner.
The national currency is the Danish krone.
Greenland is located in the zone of four time zones. On most of the island, time is 6 hours behind Moscow time in summer, and 7 hours in winter.
Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, founded in the early 18th century - oldest city on the island and the smallest capital in the world with a population of 15,000 people.
In Nuuk, it is worth visiting the National Museum with a collection of exhibits that give an idea of the life of the aborigines. Kayaks, dog sleds, traditional tools and hunting weapons, products of local artisans are exhibited in the halls of the museum. The main value of the museum is the Inuit mummies, whose age is over 500 years.
Popular with tourists is the Katuak Cultural Center, which houses a cafe, a cinema, a library, and exhibitions.
A notable attraction in Nuuk is a huge, taller than human height, red mailbox where children drop letters to Santa Claus.
The historical part of the city of Sisimiut with old buildings built in the 18th century is interesting. Visitors enter the museum area through an arch made from whale jaws.
During a tour of a local shrimp and crab processing plant, tourists watch production process and try the freshest seafood.
Ilulissat is the third largest settlement on the island with about 5,000 inhabitants. The residents are proud of their countryman, the famous Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen. In the historical part of the town there is his house-museum, where you can see how the traveler lived and get acquainted with the exhibits he collected on expeditions.
In the center of Ilulissat, it is worth visiting the Art Museum and the Museum of Cold.
Fountain of QaqortoqQaqortoq is especially beautiful in summer when its surroundings are covered with wild flowers. The main sights of the town are the square fountain, the only one on the island, and the sculpture "Man and Stone". In the local museum, visitors get acquainted with the history of Qaqortoq. The history of the local church, built in Denmark almost 200 years ago and transported disassembled on a ship, is interesting. The ship was wrecked off the coast of the island, but all the logs survived, and the church was built where it was intended.
The Ausiaita settlement attracts tourists with traditional embroideries and leather goods.
In the village of Kugatsiak, those who wish can watch seal catching.
Santa's houseUummannaq is home to Santa Claus Castle.
Supernavik, the most northern city world, meets guests with invigorating weather even at the height of summer, the air here warms up to a maximum of + 5 °. The local museum has an impressive collection of harpoons and kayaks.
Panorama of Uummannak
In the village of Itillek, located 200 meters from the Arctic Circle, you will stay with the locals, who are only 130 people here, see their way of life and taste a treat adapted for guests. Before entering the Aboriginal dwelling, you need to take off your shoes, and the visit should last no more than 20 minutes.
In Kaggerlussuaq, tourists looking for thrills can spend the night in an ice hotel.
The dwellings of the island inhabitants, built of wood and painted in a single color, are curious. Despite their apparent simplicity, they are comfortable to live in. Cute, bright and well-maintained houses really enliven the landscape.
With a length of 250 km, Skorsbysand Fjord is the largest and longest in the world. The arctic views of the fjord with gigantic icebergs are fascinating.
Unusually beautiful is Disko Bay with huge ice blocks floating against the backdrop of gloomy cliffs.
The Ice Canyon is beautiful - an amazingly beautiful and spectacular combination of bottomless blue water and snow-white walls of the gorge.
Guests of the island go to the shore of Melville Bay to see and capture in the photo a gigantic ice cliff.
All travelers admire Mount Uummannak, consisting of black, white, red rocks, and changing color depending on the lighting.
And on the south coast, tourists marvel at the hot thermal springs, the water in which heats up to 38 °, and this is very close to the icebergs!
Excursions to the Turquoise Lake, one of the most beautiful colored lakes in the world, surrounded by giant ice slopes, are popular.
The Sermermiut Valley is famous for the rarest cold-loving plants, which in this area there are up to 300 species.
IttoqqortoormiutThe cuisine of the local population is unusual for tourists: few people dare to eat a delicacy made from a mixture of partridge droppings and seal oil. Raw whale or walrus meat is also very specific and can cause an unexpected reaction in the body. Aboriginal people are happy to eat such delights as a dish of narwhal fat, walrus brain and fermented plants extracted from the stomach of a deer.
You can safely try the popular local dish of boiled seal meat served with onions and rice.
In cafes and restaurants, you can fully enjoy fish and seafood, which are salted, marinated, boiled, baked in ash. Delicacies include crabs, shark meat, dried fish and local bird eggs.
Common drinks are reindeer milk; kaffemic - Greenland coffee with strong alcohol and burnt sugar; specific black tea with milk, salt, fat and spices.
A sufficient number of establishments are open for tourists on the island. Catering serving international cuisine or fast food.
Tipping in Greenland is often included in the bill. A light snack will cost $ 8-10, a hearty meal will cost from $ 30 to $ 40.
Signpost near Kangerlussuaq AirportGreenland banks can be visited on weekdays from 10 am to 4 pm, on Thursdays until 6 pm.
To visit the island, you need to obtain a visa in advance at the relevant institutions of Iceland and Denmark, located in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities of Russia.
Souvenir from GreenlandImport and export of foreign currency is not limited. It is allowed to import no more than 200 cigarettes, 2 liters of wine and 1 liter of strong alcoholic drink, 50 ml of perfume and 250 ml of toilet water.
You can not import fresh food, weapons and animals. A hunting rifle must have a special permit.
You can export handicrafts from walrus bones only by providing a permit issued in shops or at the tourist office. The weight of exported meat or fish should not exceed 11 kg.
Hotels in Greenland are classified from 2 to 5 stars. Luxury hotels are located in Nuuk (Hotel Hans Edege), Ilulissat (Hotel Arctic), and in Sisimiut (Hotel Sisimiut). average cost 2-bed room in a 3 * hotel - $ 150.
Almost every town on the island is ready to provide guests with shelter: hotels; hotels of the B&B format, where guests are completely immersed in local life, dining with the owners; sheep farms and igloos.
To call Russia from Greenland from a mobile phone, dial +299 (Greenland code), then the desired city code and phone number. For communication, you can use the roaming of the TELE Greenkand A / S operator or a pay phone, cards for which are sold at the post office.
Rescue number 911, fire department 113.
WI-Fi is available in hotels and post offices. All over the island you will find internet cafes.
The electrical network is standard, with a voltage of 220 volts. In outlying provinces, electricity is generated by generators and supplied on schedule.
For high-quality photography, stock up on ultraviolet filters and lenses with coated optics. In winter, video and photo equipment must be heated and treated with the appropriate lubricant.
Aurora Borealis in GreenlandThere is no crime and natural disasters on the island. Normal vigilance must be observed for the safety of personal belongings. The most important thing in ensuring one's own health is the selection of clothing and footwear appropriate for the local climate. All things should be warm and reliably protected from wind and precipitation. If you want to go on a hike not as part of an excursion, but on your own, you will certainly need to hire a local guide and record your intended movements at the rescue service or at the tourist office. On the road, be sure to take a plan of the area, a walkie-talkie, drinking water and waterproof things.
Be sure to clean up all trash after a picnic or fishing trip.
No need to photograph local residents without their consent, for filming in the church you need to get permission.
In summer, the sun's rays reflect off the snow and ice and generate strong radiation, so be sure to stock up on sunscreen and dark glasses.
There are a lot of mosquitoes in Greenland, buy the necessary funds in advance.
Some wild animals are carriers of rabies, so do not approach them, in case of a bite, immediately consult a doctor.
Avoid undercooked food, drink only bottled water.
Icebergs of GreenlandThe most popular Greenlandic souvenirs are handicrafts made from animal bones and teeth, stones and wood. Guests of the island are happy to buy frightening figurines of the Topilak spirit. Women like bracelets, beads and rings made from local gems. When buying jewelry, you must be issued a Cites certificate, allowing the export of products abroad. Many tourists buy national costumes, masks and paintings as a keepsake.
Do not purchase whalebone crafts - they are forbidden to be exported.
Delivery of goods to the island is not cheap, so their cost is quite high.
Shops are open on weekdays from 10 am to 5.30 pm, on Saturday until 1 pm. Souvenir shops close later and are open on Sundays.
Roads on the island are laid only in settlements and between Ivvittut and Kangilinguit, their total length is 150 kilometers.
Locals and tourists move around on dog sleds, snowmobiles, water transport, helicopters and light twin-engine aircraft.
old kayakFrom Danish Copenhagen to the cities of Greenland Kangerlussuaq and Narsarsuaq, Air Greenland operates several flights a week.
From Icelandic Reykjavik to the cities of Greenland, Air Iceland planes fly.
Kangerlussuaq airportContrasts: it is green and white, icy and grassy, with a polar day and a polar night, with a night sun and northern silence. In some parts of Greenland there is life, while in others there is complete silence. In the northern part, they are almost immobile in the cold, and in the south there are an abundance of icebergs sliding off the coast. The nature of this island is no less amazing in comparison with, and other islands of the earth.
Greenland has an area of 2,175,600 sq. km. Such largest islands of the Earth as New Guinea, Kalimantan, Madagascar, Baffin Island, have an area many times smaller than the area of Greenland. has a length from north to south of 2690 km., from west to east 1300 km.
The name of the island was given by the Vikings, who arrived in the southwestern part in the 10th century. The coast of the island was covered with green grass in summer, so this new land was called Greenland, translated from the Viking language means green country. Then the Vikings did not yet know that the main part of the island was covered with ice. And, perhaps, it was more accurate to call the island white. The locals call the island Kalallit - Nunaat.
Greenland is located northeast of the mainland. In the north it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Greenland Sea in the east. From the western side, the island is washed by the Baffin and Davis Seas and the Labrador Sea. Danish is separated from the island of Iceland. in the southern part of the island crosses the Arctic Circle. Most of the island lies north of the Arctic Circle.
Greenland stretches between 60 and 82 parallel north latitude. The island lies between 70 and 120 meridian west longitude.
In the northeast, the island is washed by the cold Greenland current, and from the south, a branch of the warm current, the Gulf Stream, approaches. A warm current softens the climate of this northern land from the south and west.
The first Europeans off the coast of Greenland were the Viking Eric the Red. The people who arrived with him founded the first settlements on the west coast. In the 15th century, contact with Europe ceased, and in 1578 Europeans rediscovered Greenland.
In 1721 the island became a Danish colony, and in 1953 it became part of the Danish kingdom. In 1979, Greenland received the status of self-government. The Danish monarch is the head, and the governor represents his power. The main city on the island is Nuuk.
Greenland formed within the ancient Canadian Shield. The shield is composed of gneisses, granites, and quartzites and is overlain by sandy and clayey deposits. The island has minerals: graphite, marble, brown coal, lead and uranium ores.
This map shows the surface of Greenland without the glacier. In the eastern and southern parts there is a large mountain range. In the western part, an ancient crystalline shield comes to the surface. In the center of the north
The eastern part of Greenland is formed by the ridges of younger mountains. This part is separated from the shield by a deep fault. Under the influence of tectonic processes and less pressure from the glacier, the eastern part is higher than the western part. Here are the highest points of the island - Mount Gunbjorn (3700 m) and Trout (3360 m), which are located on the Watkins ridge.
There are many ancient massifs in the eastern part. The shores are heavily indented by deep and long fjords. They are blocked by icebergs that have slipped off the glacier. On the outskirts of Greenland, depressions on the surface of the earth in the form of long furrows, left by sliding glaciers, are visible.
found in cold areas of land and oceans. On land, the largest areas of ice are in the Patagonian Ice Plateau and in Greenland. On the island of Greenland, glaciers occupy 80% of its territory. An ice sheet covers the island in a thick layer. In many places on the island Earth's crust sank under the weight of the ice sheet, and formed concave basins up to 360 meters deep below sea level.
Scientists believe that the glaciers in Greenland formed 150,000 years ago. There are two domes in the ice sheet of the island: northern and southern. The two domes are separated by a depression. The northern ice dome has a height of 3300 meters, and the southern 2730 meters.
In Greenland, the volume of ice is 2.6 million square kilometers. The area of the glacier is 1834 thousand square meters. km. the average ice thickness is 2300 meters. There are many cracks on the surface of the glacier, others reach a depth of up to 30-40 meters. The glacier moves at about 150 meters per year. In the north of the island, the glacier is almost motionless. In the southern part, icebergs break off from the outlet ice, which moves at a speed of 20-40 meters per day. There are a lot of them off the coast of the island, and the fiords are sometimes completely clogged with them. There is snow on the surface of the ice. The area of glaciers is currently shrinking, this is due to global warming on the planet. Island glacier.
The climate in Greenland is subarctic and arctic. Greenland is one of the coldest regions in the world. On the coast of the island is marine, and in the center of the island is continental. The climate-forming factor is its northern position, white surface, cold and warm currents, and the influence of the ocean. A warm current approaches the island from the south, so the climate of the southern part is much warmer and wetter compared to the north.
Average January temperatures are -27 degrees, July +7, +9 degrees. Very rarely, the temperature in summer rises to +21 degrees.
The average rainfall is 100-200 mm per year. Precipitation most often falls in the form of snow. In the east, it snows 103 days a year, and in the western part, 55 days. Fog is common off the coast of Greenland. Winds constantly blow on the island, their speed reaches up to 60 - 70 m / s.
The climate of Greenland is very harsh. It is very difficult for a person to survive in such climatic conditions.
The vegetation of Greenland is sparse and is found only in the southern regions of the island where there are no glaciers. In the northern part of Greenland, arctic deserts are common with small islands of mosses and lichens.
Tundra vegetation prevails in the southern part: mosses, lichens, dwarf birches and willows, creeping shrubs, wild rosemary, blueberries, cloudberries, and herbs. Trees no more than 4 meters high. 46 plant species appeared on the island with the arrival of Europeans. The flora is richer on the west coast. In the summer in Greenland you can see about 5 
00 kinds of plants.
On the island in the plant world has its own world record. The northernmost plant in the world grows here. This is a saxifrage.
The animal world is also not very rich. The island is inhabited by a polar bear, reindeer, arctic fox, musk ox, polar wolf. Birds fly here in summer: gulls, eiders, guillemots, cormorants, white partridges. Around the island a large number of marine life: 30 species of mammals, 120 species of fish. There is an abundance of midges and mosquitoes in the summer.
For the population great importance have seals. There are several types of them: ringed seal, sea hare, spotted and bowhead. In fjords near the coast, ringed seals are often found. Seals are the main object of hunting. People use them for food, hide houses with skins, and sew traditional fur clothes.
Many species of whales live off the coast of Greenland, including the bowhead whale, humpback whale, blue whale, and narwhal. Whales are heavily exterminated, now their fishing is prohibited.
Greenland has a population of 57,611 (1995). The density is very low, only 0.027 h/sq.km. The national composition is represented by Eskimos and Danes. Eskimos 86%, Danes 14%. The national language in Greenland is Danish. The main city is Nuuk with a population of 15,469. The population is engaged in fishing and hunting, making souvenirs for tourists. Fish is an important food item and the main export product to Europe.
This is a white and green land.
In the southern regions, active life, in the north, complete silence.
There is a polar night and a polar day here.
In summer 24 hours a day, in winter 24 hours a day night.
This land has a white vast expanse and blue waters of the ocean around it.
Lack of roads, and the main vehicle is a dog sled, the most convenient in Greenland. For transportation, people use Greenland huskies. In Greenland, dog sled races are organized as a spectacular attraction for tourists. dog sled tours are also offered.
Beautiful bright glow of the northern lights and terrible bottomless cracks in the ice, huge icebergs.
GREENLAND
Greenland
island at north-east the banks of the North. America. In 981 G. Icelandic Eirik Turvaldson, nicknamed Raudi ("ginger") , went in search of a large app. earth. Soon he came up to her and on her south extremity found several areas relatively well protected from the wind and covered with green vegetation. In contrast to the surrounding area, Eirik gave the name Greenland to this place. (Grenland) - "green country". After more than a hundred years, there was a record (1100) that Eirik deliberately gave the name, embellishing reality, in order to attract immigrants. However, it is indisputable that Eirik attributed the name Greenland only to small area on YU. islands, and only in the XV V. it was extended to the whole island. Cm. also Scoresby, Thule, Svalbard.
Geographical names of the world: Toponymic Dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001 .
GREENLAND
the largest island on Earth, between the Atlantic and the North. Arctic oceans. More than 80% of the territory is covered with ice (shield thickness up to 4300 m), in coastal waters - icebergs. The coast is cut by fjords. The climate is arctic and subarctic, on the coast - maritime, in the center - continental. One of the poles of cold sowing. hemisphere (-70 °С). On the coast - the tundra. Fishing, sheep breeding. Part of Danish territory, self-governing since 1979
Brief geographical dictionary. EdwART. 2008 .
Greenland
(Grønland), the largest island on Earth, between Sev. Arctic and Atlantic oceans, near the north-east. coast of the North. America. Length 2600 km, width up to 1200 km, area. 2176 thousand km². Almost 79% of the area. occupies the Greenland ice sheet (1726.4 thousand km²), the edges of which in many places break off into the sea. Ice-free coastal areas up to 250 km wide (mainly in the southwest and north) are composed of crystalline rocks and represent plateaus up to 400–600 m high and mountain ranges up to 2000 m high. The highest point of the island is Gunbjorn (3700 m ) in the ridge. Watkins to the east. coast. The coast is heavily indented by fjords. Avg. ice sheet thickness 1790 m, max. to the center. h. 3416 m, ice volume approx. 2365 thousand km³ (12% of all land ice). If the glacial cover of G. melted, then the level of the World Ocean would rise by 7.5 m. Two domes are expressed in the relief of the ice sheet: the center. 3231 m high and south. 2850 m high. Large glaciers slide down narrow valleys; in their terminal parts they sometimes move at a speed of 5–7 km/year ( Jakobshavn , Rinka, Karayak). Many ice streams reach the sea and form icebergs (13-15 thousand annually). Individual ice domes lie outside the ice sheet. The climate is subarctic and arctic. Avg. January temperatures from -7 ° C in the south to -47 ° C in the north and in the center. part of the ice sheet (minimum approx. -70 °С), July, respectively, from 10 to -12 °С. Precipitation in the south is 800–1000 mm per year, in the north 150–250 mm, and on the ice sheet 300–400 mm. Tundra is on the coast, crooked forests are in places in the extreme south, and arctic desert is in the north. In G. live sowing. deer, musk musk ox, polar bear, arctic fox, polar wolf, etc., many birds. The island is open approx. 875 by the Icelander Gunbjorn, and in 981 another Icelander, Eirik Turvaldson, nicknamed the Red, set off again in search of this land and, having found several areas covered with green vegetation, gave this place the name Greenland, i.e. "green country", which in the XV century. was extended to the entire island. Since 1721, the colonization of G. by Denmark began; since 1953, the island belongs to Denmark, has been self-governing since 1979. The Greenlanders are engaged in fish and fish processing, sheep and reindeer husbandry. Main us. points are located in the southwest. coast: Gotthob (adm. center), Julianehob, Holsteinsborg. Population approx. 60 thousand people (1998). On SW. islands - Greenlandic national a park .
Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Yekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of Acad. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .
Greenland
the largest island on Earth, between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, off the northeastern coast of North America. Part of ter. Denmark (since 1953); has been self-governing since May 1979. Pl. 2176 thousand km², us. OK. 60 thousand people Adm. center - Gotthob. Length islands 2600 km, lat. up to 1200 km. Almost 79% of the area of Greenland is occupied by the Greenland Ice Sheet. In many areas, the edge of the ice sheet breaks off into the sea, but in some places the coast is ice-free. Such areas are wide. up to 250 km stretch along the coast (especially in the southwest and north), are composed of crystalline rocks and represent high plateaus. up to 400–600 m and mountain ranges high. up to 2000 m. The highest point of the island is Mount Gunbjorn (3700 m) in the ridge. Watkins to the east. coast. The coast is heavily indented by fjords.
Greenland ice sheet 1726.4 thousand km² occupies the entire interior of the island. Wed shield thickness 1790 m, max. to the center. part - 3416 m. Ice volume approx. 3 million km³ is 12% of the total volume of land ice. If the ice sheet in Greenland melted, then the level of the World Ocean would rise by 7.5 m. Two domes are expressed in the relief of the ice sheet: the center. (height 3231 m) and south. (height 2850 m). Large glaciers slide along narrow valleys; in their end parts they sometimes move at a speed of 5–7 km per year (glaciers Jakobshavn, Rinka, Karajak). Many ice streams reach the sea and form icebergs(13-15 thousand annually). Separate glacial domes with a total area. 76 thousand km² lie outside the ice sheet.
The climate is subarctic and arctic, on the coast of the sea, in the center. parts of the shield are glacial. Wed January temperatures on the coast from -7 ° C in the south to -36 ° C in the north, in July from 10 ° C in the north to 3 ° C in the north-west. To the center. parts of the ice sheet cf. January temperature -47 °C, July -12 °C. In winter it is ok. -70°C. Annual precipitation is 800–1000 mm in the south, 150–250 mm in the north, and 300–400 mm on the ice sheet. Tundra is on the coast, crooked forests are in places in the extreme south, and arctic desert is in the north. In Greenland live: sowing. deer, musk musk ox, polar bear, arctic fox, polar wolf, etc.; many birds. On S.-E. islands - Greenland nat. a park. Greenlanders are engaged in fishing and fish processing, sheep and reindeer husbandry. Main us. points are located in the southwest. coast: Gotthob, Julianehob, Holsteinsborg. The island is open approx. 875 Icelander Gunbjorn, and in 981 a resident of Iceland Eirik Raudi, nicknamed Red, went a second time in search of this land and, having discovered several areas covered with green vegetation, gave this place the name Greenland, that is, a green country. In the 15th century this name was extended to the whole island.
Geography. Modern illustrated encyclopedia. - M.: Rosman. Under the editorship of prof. A. P. Gorkina. 2006 .
Greenland
the largest island of the Earth, located northeast of mainland North America, between 59 ° 45 "and 83 ° 39" N. latitude. In the past, a colony, and since 1979 a self-governing territory within Denmark. The length of the island from north to south is 2690 km, the maximum width is 1300 km. The total area is 2175.6 thousand square meters. km. The Canadian island of Ellesmere is separated from the northwestern coast of Greenland by a strait 19 km wide. The Danish Strait, 320 km wide, separates Iceland and the southeast coast of Greenland. The distance from Greenland to Svalbard is 440 km, the Greenland Sea stretches between them. In the west, Greenland is separated from Baffin Island by the Baffin Sea and Davis Strait. The main city is Nuuk (Gothob).
Geographic features. Approximately 83% of the area of Greenland is occupied by an ice sheet. Only coastal areas are suitable for settlements. The total area of ice-free land is estimated at 410.4 thousand square meters. km. A broken band of such lands borders the island; its average width is 80 km, and its greatest width is in the southwest and north of Greenland (up to 200–259 km). In many places it is cut by fjords. The highest surface of the ice sheet is 3230 m above sea level. (at 73° N), and its maximum thickness is 3400 m (at 72° N). The ice cover gradually decreases towards the coasts, where icebergs calve at the ends of outlet glaciers. A collision with one of these giant icebergs in 1912 led to the tragic death of the Titanic. The coast of Melville Bay in western Greenland is an almost continuous high ice cliff.
The mountains stretch along the eastern and western coasts of the island and act as a barrier to the ice sheet. Most high mountains are located on the east coast. Mount Forel north of Angmagssalik in southeastern Greenland reaches 3360 m. The highest point Mount Gunnbjorn (3700 m) is located somewhat to the north. The eastern coast, like the western one, is strongly dissected; lowlands stretch along the coast and are confined mainly to the tops of the fjords. The ice-free lands in northern Greenland are low and rugged. In some places, ice shelves approach the coast of the Arctic Ocean, having a connection with the ice sheet.
The climate of the coastal regions of Greenland is changeable. It is the mildest on the southwest coast. Average temperatures in July in Qaqortoq are 9.6°C, in Nuuk 8.3°C, and in January, respectively -7.8°C and -10.7°C. In summer, sometimes the temperature is slightly above 21°C, but often even in midsummer temperatures stay around 0°C. The coldest temperatures are on the east coast. In Pituffik, the average January temperature is -27°C. Here, strong katabatic winds often blow from the surface of the ice sheet at a speed of up to 70 m/h. In winter, the bays and fjords, even on the western coast north of Disko Island, freeze over. The southwestern coast of Greenland receives quite a lot of rainfall. The average annual precipitation in Qaqortoq is 1080 mm, in Nuuk - 660 mm, in the far north - only 100-200 mm. In summer, the coast is often foggy.
In the extreme south of Greenland there is a birch crooked forest (forest tundra). In these areas it is possible to grow some vegetable crops and herd the sheep. On the western coast, tundra vegetation is common, in places there are thickets of shrubby willow. Most of the coast of northern and eastern Greenland is a polar desert.
The fauna of Greenland itself is not rich. Reindeer, polar bear, arctic fox, ermine, hare and lemming live here. Sometimes there are wolves. The musk ox population is now greatly reduced. On the coastal rocks - bird colonies.
In the waters of Greenland common halibut, striped catfish, cod, sea bass, flounder and other fish species. Plentiful shrimp. In addition, there are several species of seals, beluga whales, narwhals and walruses.
Population. In 1998, 59.3 thousand people lived in Greenland. Most of the population is concentrated on the west coast. Only 8% of the population are Europeans, mostly Danes, the rest are Greenlandic Eskimos (self-name - Inuit). 38.2% of Greenlanders are Lutherans.
official languages- Greenlandic and Danish. In the Greenlandic language, there are three very different dialects - West Greenlandic, East Greenlandic and North Greenlandic. The basis literary norm the West Greenlandic dialect was established.
In eastern Greenland, the population is sparse and concentrated in the areas of the trading posts of Angmagssalik and Itokortormiit (Scoresbysund). Along the southwestern coast, settlements are found from the southern tip of Greenland (Cape Farewell) to Upernavik on the east coast of Baffin Bay. The administrative center of Greenland, the city of Nuuk, is home to 13.3 thousand people (1996). In northwestern Greenland, the polar Eskimos live, who have experienced less of the influence of civilization compared to other natives. In this area there are small trading posts Kanak (Thule) and Eta.
Economic and social conditions. Greenland has limited natural resources, and Denmark annually allocates large subsidies to it (427.2 million dollars in 1995). Most of the inhabitants are engaged in seal fishing, shrimp and cod fishing. Sheep breeding, organized on the initiative of the Danish government in 1913, was developed in areas with a milder climate in the south and southwest of Greenland. In small settlements, natives live in huts lined with turf or stone, while in larger towns and cities, standard frame houses have been erected.
Under laws passed in 1950-1951, Greenland became open to foreigners who received permission from the Danish government, and Greenlanders acquired the right to emigrate. Fish canning factories, refrigerators, shipbuilding workshops and other industrial enterprises have been set up in Greenland. The schools have established technical training for Aboriginal people. The state monopoly has been abolished, although at the same time new restrictions have been introduced for Danish citizens on business and trade. Under Danish law, all persons living in Greenland benefit from free medical care. The work of doctors is paid by the state. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 7 and 16. Education is conducted mainly in Greenlandic. The island has several weekly and monthly periodicals in Danish and Greenlandic.
The economic basis of the life of the population is marine fishing. Large whales were once abundant in coastal waters, but their population was on the verge of extinction as a result of the predatory activities of Dutch, English, American and Scandinavian whalers. Currently, fishing for marine mammals is the main source of income for only 2.5 thousand inhabitants of Greenland. The most important is the seal fishery, the skins of which, after processing, are supplied to the domestic market and exported. In northern and eastern Greenland, the importance of sea fishing and land hunting as the basis of the aboriginal food is preserved.
In some areas in the extreme south, sheep and vegetable growing are developed.
In Greenland's exports, 85% (by value) are shrimp and fish (including salted cod), with the former predominating in the composition of exports. In addition, wool is exported. The main sales markets are the countries of the European Union and Japan.
Greenland is rich in mineral resources. Graphite, coal, lead, zinc, cryolite and marble have been mined in the past, but development of the deposits has now been curtailed, mainly due to unprofitability. In the mountains of Greenland, precious stones are found: garnets, rubies, moonstone, as well as a very rare tuttupit.
International tourism is of great importance in Greenland. However, while the number of tourists does not exceed 5,000 people a year.
Story. Greenland was discovered by Scandinavian pioneers in the 10th century. The Norwegian navigator Eric the Red spent three years there, exploring the southwestern coast, and in 984 gave the island the name Greenland (translated as “green country”) to show its attractiveness for a settlement. In 986, Erik founded two colonies near the modern city of Qaqortoq (Yulianehob). They flourished for a while, but probably ca. 1500 disappeared for an unknown reason. The last written reports of the Old Norse colonies in Greenland date back to 1408. Scandinavian explorers landed on the deserted east coast of the island in 1472, and Dutch sailors saw it in 1539. The English navigator Martin Frobisher, who was searching for the Northwest Passage, saw Cape Farvel in 1576, and in 1578 he landed on the southwestern coast of Greenland. The English sailor John Davies mapped most of the east coast during his voyages in 1585 and 1587. Davis Strait, which borders the island to the west, is named after him.
In the 17th century Dutch traders made numerous attempts to establish trade with the natives of Greenland. The Danes only became involved in this trading activity in 1721, when the missionary Hans Egede founded a permanent settlement on the west bank. In 1729 Greenland was declared a Danish colony, its administration was in Copenhagen. From 1776 trade with Greenland was declared a Danish monopoly. In 1825 the Greenland Commission was established. On May 10, 1921, Greenland was declared a territory of Denmark, and the mooring of foreign ships on its coast was prohibited. Norway put forward territorial claims to a part of eastern Greenland between 71°30" and 75°40" N, but in 1933 this issue was resolved in favor of Denmark.
The Americans showed interest in Greenland as early as the beginning of the 18th century. American whaling ships entered the Davis Strait in 1732 hunting for the bowhead whale. In 1737, twelve ships were specially equipped in Provincetown (Massachusetts) for whaling in this strait. However, in 1741 whaling expeditions were forced to curtail their activities due to the opposition of French and Spanish privateers.
Rear Admiral Robert Peary began exploration in the Arctic with a voyage to inland Greenland in 1886. He crossed northern Greenland in 1891–1892 and subsequently used the island as a base for expeditions to the North Pole. Since then, many travelers and scientists have visited Greenland. Among them was a professor at the University of Michigan, William Herbert Hobbs, who in 1926-1931 conducted aerological research there, which greatly contributed to the development of polar meteorology. In 1939, two expeditions - German and British - penetrated into the hard-to-reach inland regions of the island with altitudes of 2400-3050 m to conduct meteorological and glaciological studies. In the second half of the 1950s, an international glaciological expedition led by P.-E. Victor worked in Greenland, which made a great contribution to the study of the ice sheet.
Currently, Greenland is used as a base for US submarines, aircraft, radar and radar installations and weather stations. The main US air base is located in Kanak (Tula) on the northwest coast of Greenland.
Immediately after the German invasion of Denmark during World War II, the United States and Denmark entered into an agreement granting the United States rights to establish bases in Greenland. Subsequent negotiations within NATO in 1951 culminated in the conclusion of an agreement on the joint use of these bases by both countries. At the same time, the sovereignty of Denmark was invariably recognized, and special rules were developed for the presence of American troops in Greenland. In 1986, the area of two American radar bases was halved, and the vacant land was returned to the locals.
Control Greenland until 1953 was carried out by the National Commissioner and the Council for Greenland Affairs, elected by the inhabitants of the island, and coordinated by the administration of Greenland Affairs in Copenhagen. In 1953, the colonial regime in Greenland was abolished, and under the new Danish constitution, Greenland became part of Denmark and received two seats in the Danish parliament. In 1979, following a referendum, local government was transferred to Greenland. The Council for Greenland Affairs was abolished and instead a parliament was created, which elects the executive body of local government - the Landsting. Denmark remained in charge of foreign policy, defense, justice and finance. The people of Greenland elect two representatives to the Danish Parliament, the Folketing. All Greenlanders, upon reaching the age of 18, have the right to elect a legislative body - the Landsting, which controls internal affairs. The leader of the majority party becomes prime minister, heading the cabinet of ministers, the Landsture, who is elected from the Landsting. In Greenland, after the introduction of self-government in 1979, two political parties- Siumut (Forward) and Atassut (Cohesion). The first of these advocates the expansion of autonomy, especially in the field of economy and the use of natural resources, the second - defends the preservation of the state community with Denmark. Siumut's representatives have served as prime minister in the Greenland government: Lutheran pastor Jonathan Motsfeldt (1979–1991 and 1997–present) and Lars Emil Johansen (1991–1997). There is also a left-wing socialist Inuit atagatigiit (Inuit Brotherhood) party that demands complete separation from Denmark. In the elections to the Landsting in 1995, Siumut received 12 seats, Atassut - 10, Inuit atagatigiit - 6, other groups - 3.
The national holiday of Greenland is celebrated on June 21 as the day of the granting of autonomy. Its official name is Ullortunek (the longest day).
LITERATURE
Greenland. Digest of articles. M., 1953
Ignatiev G.M. Greenland. M., 1956
Vozgrin V.E. Greenland and the Greenlanders. M., 1984
Encyclopedia Around the World. 2008 .
GREENLAND
An island that is part of Denmark with the right of self-government. Most of Greenland lies within the Arctic Circle. It is separated from the Canadian Arctic Archipelago by the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay, and from Iceland by the Denmark Strait. Greenland is the largest island in the world: from north to south it stretches for 2655 km, and from west to east for 1290 km. The area of Greenland is about 2,175,600 km2, of which about 1,834,000 km2 is glacier.
The population of Greenland (estimated in 1998) is 59,300, which gives a population density of less than 1 person per km2. ethnic groups: Greenlanders (Eskimos and descendants of the first settlers) - 86%, Danes - 14%. Language: Danish (state), Eskimo dialects. Religion: Most of the population is Lutheran. The capital is Nuuk (formerly Gotthob). Largest cities: Nuuk (12600 people), Sisimut (Holsteinsborg) (4839 people). In a referendum in January 1979, the Greenlanders voted for self-government, in April of the same year a local parliament was created. However, the general leadership of the country is carried out by Denmark. The head of state is Queen Margrethe II. The Danish leadership on the island is represented by the governor (rigsombudsman). The head of government is Lare Emil Johansen. The monetary unit is the Danish krone. Average life expectancy (as of 1995): 61 years. The birth rate (per 1,000 people) is 15.8. Mortality rate (per 1000 people) - 6.9.
Greenland is almost completely covered in ice, except for a narrow strip along the coast. The thickness of the ice in the center of the island reaches 3000 m. The climate is very cold, although in the summer in the south the average temperature rises to 9 ° C. The fauna of Greenland is more American than European: musk ox, wolf, lemming and reindeer. There are also polar bear, polar fox, polar hare and ermine. Rare tourists are attracted by the picturesque mountains near Nuuk.
Encyclopedia: cities and countries. 2008 .
Greenland
Greenland (Grenland) - the world's largest island, washed by the waters of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, is a possession of Denmark (cm. Denmark), since May 1979 enjoys internal self-government. Territory, with total area in 2176 thousand square meters. km, administratively divided into three inspectorates. The population of Greenland is over 56.9 thousand people. A significant part of the Greenlanders are descendants of mixed marriages of Eskimos and European settlers, primarily Danes. Ethnically pure groups of Eskimos remained only in the remote northern regions of Greenland. 90% of the population lives on the southwest coast of the island. The official languages in Greenland are Greenlandic and Danish. The Greenlandic literary language was created in the middle of the 19th century on the basis of the Inuit dialect. The dominant religion in Greenland is the Danish Lutheran Church. The administrative center is Gotthob (Nuuk) with a population of 14.8 thousand people.
More than two-thirds of the island is located north of the Arctic Circle, its dimensions are 2650 km long and 1200 km wide. Over 80% of the territory is occupied by a cover glacier with a thickness of up to 3400 m. The volume of the ice mass is 2.6 million cubic km. It is the largest glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Under the weight of its own mass, the ice moves towards the coast and sliding in separate blocks into the ocean. Off the coast of Greenland, 13-15 thousand icebergs are formed annually. The Jakobshavn Glacier moves 30 meters per day and is one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world. The highest point in Greenland is Mount Gunbjorn (3700 m). The climate in Greenland differs significantly in its coastal and continental parts. The climate of the coast is maritime subarctic and arctic, on the glacier - continental.
On the southern coast of the island, the average temperature in January is -8 °C, July 10 °C, on the northern coast, respectively -22 °C and 8 °C. In the interior of Greenland in February, the average temperature is -47 ° C, in July -12 ° C. Tundra vegetation is common only on the southern coast. Many birds live in Greenland, reindeer, musk ox, polar bear, arctic fox; walruses and seals are found in coastal waters. Greenland National Park is located in the northeast of the island.
Story
Greenland was settled by the ancestors of the Eskimos from North America starting from the 4th millennium BC. Around 875, the island was discovered by the Scandinavians, who called it the "green country" - Greenland. Between 980 and 985, the Norwegians, led by Erik the Red, founded the first European settlement in the New World. It was called Brattahlid (Brattahlid) or Tunigdliarfik (Tunigdliarfik). The Scandinavian colony in Greenland existed until the end of the fourteenth century, but due to the general deterioration of the climate in the North Atlantic, European settlers were forced to leave the island.
In the 16th century, Greenland was rediscovered by Europeans. In 1721, the Norwegian missionary Hans Egged declared Greenland to belong to the Danish king (Denmark and Norway were at that time in a dynastic union). In 1729, the island officially became a colony of Denmark, which tried to protect its polar acquisition from contacts with other states. In 1774, a state monopoly was established on trade with Greenland, which remained until 1951. During the Second World War, when Denmark was occupied by the troops of Nazi Germany (cm. Germany), Greenland was taken under the protection of the US army (cm. USA). In 1946, the United States offered to sell the island to the Danes, but was refused. The United States received permission to maintain a military base in Tula, the most important radar and meteorological station, in the north of Greenland.
According to the constitution of 1953, Greenland received the status of an overseas amt (province) of Denmark. On May 1, 1979, the island received internal self-government, a legislative body was elected - Landsting, and a Greenlandic government - Landsstyure was formed. The population of Greenland is divided into 18 communes, which have their own municipal authorities, elected for a term of four years. The Danish government on the island is represented by a governor (rigsombudsman). Greenland has two seats in the Danish Parliament (Falketing). With regard to Greenland, the competence of the Danish government is increasingly limited to purely foreign policy functions. Since 1979, the use of the Greenlandic language has been expanding, especially the use of Inuit forms of place names (Greenland in Inuit - Kalaallit Nunaat). Since 1984, Greenland has withdrawn from the EEC, retaining the status of "associate member".
Economy
The climate of Greenland is unfavorable not only for Agriculture but also the conduct of economic life in general. Only 15% of the island's area is free from continental ice (342 thousand sq. km). The basis of the economy of Greenland fisheries, which employs 25% of the working population. The Greenlanders have a significant fishing fleet (440 vessels). Fishing for sea animals (50 thousand skins annually), mainly seals, is carried out. Sheep and reindeer husbandry is developed in the south of the island. In the life of the Eskimos, traditional forms of farming are of paramount importance.
Deposits of many minerals have been discovered on the island, including zinc, lead, copper, nickel, iron, uranium, molybdenum, thorium, chromium, gold, silver, coal. Oil reserves have been discovered in the sea. In 1989, the richest deposit of gold-bearing ores was discovered. But the development of mining is slowed down too high cost ore mining. Nevertheless, cryolite, zinc, lead and silver are mined. 83% of Greenland's exports are fish products, primarily processed shrimp. Greenland is the world leader in shrimp production. Another 11% of exports are zinc and lead ores. Main exporters of Greenland products: Denmark (30%), Japan, France, United Kingdom, Sweden. 65% of imports come from Denmark.
One fifth of the Greenland budget is intended for the development of fisheries (construction of trawlers, re-equipment of the fish processing complex, expansion of shipyard capacities). The island maintains a gap in the standard of living of natives and immigrants from Denmark. At the same time, the social protection system is being improved, gradually approaching the standards adopted in Denmark. The currency used in Greenland is the Danish krone.
Encyclopedia of Tourism Cyril and Methodius. 2008 .
This article is about the island, about the autonomous territory of Denmark, see Greenland (administrative unit). Greenland grenl. Kalaallit Nunaat dat. Grønland Coordinates: ... Wikipedia
The largest island on Earth, located northeast of mainland North America, between 59°45 and 83°39 N. latitude. In the past, a colony, and since 1979 a self-governing territory within Denmark. The length of the island from north to south is 2690 km, ... ... Collier Encyclopedia
- (Grønland, literally green country) an island in the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, northeast of North America. G. the largest island in the world, part of the territory of Denmark. The area is 2176 thousand km2. Population 47 thousand people. (1970). … … Big soviet encyclopedia
- (Gronland, lit. green country) an island in the North. Ledovit and Atlantic. approx., to S. N. from Sev. America. Area 2 176 t. km 2 (most of 1834 t. km 2 is covered continental ice), us. 30.6 t. h. (1960), Tues. h. ok. 23 thousand Eskimos, the rest ... ... Soviet historical encyclopedia
- (Grønland), an island in the Arctic Ocean, the largest in the world. Territory of Denmark (since 1953); enjoys self-government since May 1979. 2176 thousand km2. The population is over 56 thousand people (1996), including about 90% Greenlanders (Eskimos). ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary
Greenland- an island near the north. east coast of the North. America. In 981, a resident of Iceland, Eirik Turvaldson, nicknamed Raudi (red), went in search of a large west already known to the Icelanders. earth. Soon he came up to her and to her south. discovered ends... Toponymic Dictionary
GREENLAND- An island that is part of Denmark with the right of self-government. Most of Greenland lies within the Arctic Circle. It is separated from the Canadian Arctic Archipelago by the Davis Strait and Baffin Bay, and from Iceland by the Denmark Strait. Greenland is the largest ... ... Cities and countries
GREENLAND- (Gronland), pl. 2176 thousand km2. Us. 53.7 thousand people (1989). Official Eskimo languages (Greenlandic dialect) and Danish. Adm. Gotthob center. According to the constitution of 1953, Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which uses the internal autonomy. Adm. power on about ve ... ... Russian Pedagogical Encyclopedia
Greenland is the country of northern lightning and eternal ice. The huge island is washed by two oceans: the Arctic and the Atlantic. The debate about which country Greenland belongs to has been going on for a long time. At the moment, her land is controlled by Denmark, and the island is an autonomous region of this country.
“Land of greenery” is such a literal translation of the name of the island, which surprises all historians. In fact, with its fabulous snowy landscapes, captivating the eyes of everyone who comes to rest for the first time. During their stay on the island, every vacationer will be able to see and appreciate:
The interest of tourists to Greenland has not decreased for many years. Tours lure you not only with the uniqueness of natural spaces, but also with the absence of traces of human activity. Especially Greenland fell in love with lovers of winter sports.
Virgin tundra, huge glaciers (listed by UNESCO), amazing wildlife attract vacationers - this is Greenland. Which country considers the snow-ice territory its own has been of interest to many for several years. The island is recognized as an autonomy of the Kingdom of Denmark, and claims to it by the Norwegian authorities have long been rejected. Legends and myths have been preserved in the history of the state. According to one version, the settlements were formed by the Vikings, who knew how to survive among the snows and icy mountains.
The territory of the island is more than 2 million kilometers, 80% is covered with an ice sheet, reaching a thickness of 3 kilometers.
The population of Greenland is the Eskimos living on a narrow coastal strip free from ice. The population of the island is about 60 thousand people.
Symbol - Polar bear, decorating the coats of arms of the Danish kings.
Mount Gunbjorn at 3,700 meters is the highest point in Greenland, while the main elevations do not exceed 1.5 km in height.
Near the island is the largest accumulation of glaciers. This is where it once came off ice block which caused the sinking of the famous Titanic.
The southern part of the island is green. Alder, mountain ash, juniper and many birch trees grow here.
The animal world is not diverse. The main inhabitants of the island are bears, deer, hares, arctic foxes and ermines. Sea bass, flounder, and catfish predominate among marine inhabitants. Partridges and seagulls can be found near the water.
Tourism in Greenland began to develop relatively recently. The number of tourists does not exceed 5,000 people a year. Many tour operators are gradually including a visit to the ice country in their offers.
For those who have ever visited this wonderful land, it does not matter at all which country Greenland belongs to. The icy land with its nature and extraordinary landscape will never be forgotten, it will make you want to come here more than once.
