Greenland
Region
🌍 Americas
Population
👥 56
Currency
💱 krone
Languages
🗣️ Greenlandic
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 28 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Greenland
Continent
America
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Greenlandic
Independence
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and does not have a separate independence date.
Top-Level Domain
.gl
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+299
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC-04:00, UTC-03:00, UTC-01:00, UTC+00:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Nuuk
ISO Alpha-2
GL
ISO Alpha-3
GRL
UN Code
304
Geographic Coordinates
72,-40
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
2,166,086#13 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
56,945#209 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
0.14
Highest Point (m)
3,694 meters (Gunnbjørn Fjeld)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (sea level)
Land Use
Primarily glaciers and ice cap; small areas suitable for grazing and hay production
Irrigated Land
Irrigation is not applicable in Greenland due to its climate and land use.
Coastline Length
44,087 kilometers
Climate
Arctic; cold winters and cool summers
Natural Resources
Fish, seals, zinc, cryolite, iron ore, lead, uranium, hydropower
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
Greenland has no major rivers; however, it has meltwater streams and glacial rivers.
Major Lakes
Greenland has many lakes, including glacial and meltwater lakes; however, no single lake dominates.
Government Type
Parliamentary democracy (self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark)
Administrative Divisions
5 municipalities
Legal System
Based on Danish law
Chief of State
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (represented by the High Commissioner)
Head of Government
Prime Minister (currently Múte Egede)
Cabinet
The Government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut)
Elections
Elections for the Inatsisartut (parliament) are held every four years.
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch includes the High Court of Greenland, and the Supreme Court of Denmark serves as the final court of appeal.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Parliament (Inatsisartut)
Major Political Parties
Inuit Ataqatigiit, Siumut, Demokraatit, Atassut
CurrencySource: REST Countries
krone
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
3.33#178 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
4.49#179 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
58,498.97#25 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
16.56
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
18.45
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
60.99
Inflation Rate (%)
The inflation rate in Greenland fluctuates; recent data is unavailable.
Labor Force (people)
Greenland's labor force is around 28,000 people.
Unemployment Rate (%)
The unemployment rate in Greenland fluctuates; recent data is unavailable.
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Information on Greenland's public debt is unavailable.
Budget
Greenland's budget is managed by the Greenlandic government, supported by revenues and block grants from Denmark.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
1.36#163 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
1.7#167 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on Greenland's foreign reserves is unavailable.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found online or at local banks.
GDP by Sector
The economy is primarily based on fishing, tourism, and related services.
Major Industries
The major industries are fishing (shrimp and fish processing), mining, tourism, and handicrafts.
Major Export Partners
Denmark, Iceland, and Germany are major export partners.
Major Import Partners
Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are major import partners.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)
The literacy rate is estimated to be approximately 99%.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
12
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
9.3
Net Migration Rate
The net migration rate is approximately -1 per 1,000 population.
Median Age
The median age in Greenland is approximately 38 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
88.57#38 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is relatively stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
70.3#149 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is very low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)
Health expenditures are a significant part of Greenland's budget, supported by the government.
Ethnic Groups
The majority of the population is Inuit (Greenlandic), with a smaller percentage of Danes and other Europeans.
Religions
The predominant religion is Christianity (primarily Lutheran).
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Greenlandic
Education
Education System
Education is free and compulsory from ages 7-16, with primary, secondary, and vocational options.
School Life Expectancy (years)
Data varies; generally around 15 years.
Government Education Spending
Government spends a significant portion of its budget on education.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
No major universities in Greenland; higher education is largely pursued abroad.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Inuit culture dominates, with strong traditions in hunting, fishing, and community.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Ukiortaaq (2026-01-01)
- Kunngit pingasut ulluat (2026-01-06)
- Sisamanngortoq illernartoq (2026-04-02)
- Tallimanngorneq tannaartoq (2026-04-03)
- Poorskip ullua (2026-04-05)
- Poorskip-aappaa (2026-04-06)
- Tussiarfik (2026-05-01)
- Qilaliarfik (2026-05-14)
- Atuanngiffik (2026-05-15)
- Piinsi (2026-05-24)
- Piinsip-aappaa (2026-05-25)
- Ullortuneq (2026-06-21)
Popular Music
Includes Greenlandic music, with influences from folk and pop.
Traditional Food
Includes seal, whale, caribou, and fish.
Sports
Popular sports include dog sledding, skiing, and soccer.
Major Festivals
Include National Day celebrations and various cultural events.
Famous People
Includes Greenlandic artists, politicians, and athletes.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Features traditional settlements and historical sites.
UNESCO Sites
Not applicable.
Annual Tourist Visits
—
Tourism Overview
—
Top Tourist Attractions
—
Famous Cities
—
National Parks
—
Protected Areas
—
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
—
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
—
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index is not readily available.
Medical Cost
Medical services are generally provided by the government and are accessible to residents.
Number of Hospitals
Greenland has a few hospitals and a network of smaller health clinics.
Universal Healthcare
Healthcare is primarily government-funded and accessible to all residents.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are provided through a network of hospitals and clinics, with specialized care often requiring travel to Denmark.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, including air ambulance services for remote areas.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
—
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
—
Emergency Number (Fire)
—
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
—
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
—
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
No railways.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
Air travel is the primary mode of transportation between settlements. Boats and dog sleds are also used.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Nuuk International Airport (GOH), Aasiaat Airport (JEG), Ilulissat Airport (JAV), Kangerlussuaq International Airport (SFJ), Kulusuk Airport (KUS), Neerlerit Inaat Airport (CNP)
Ports
—
Public Transit
—
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
69.48#134 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10.45#20 of 202
Air Quality Index
Data scarce; generally good due to low industrial activity.
Water Pollution Level
Generally low; potential localized issues near settlements.
Renewable Energy Usage
Significant hydropower potential; increasing wind and solar adoption.
Environmental Issues
Climate change impacts (melting ice sheet), waste management, pollution from shipping.
Natural Hazards
Melting ice, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides.
Waste Management
Limited infrastructure; waste disposal challenges due to remoteness.
Environmental Agreements
Participates in international agreements related to climate change and environmental protection.
UN Membership
—
Diplomatic Missions
Danish diplomatic missions represent Greenland internationally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Arctic Council, Nordic Council.
Major Treaties
Applicable treaties through Denmark.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa policies generally follow Denmark's arrangements.