On our planet there are many different countries that differ in language, culture and other characteristics. But there are very few that are located on the islands, and are either separate countries or broad autonomies. The area of Greenland allows us to consider it the largest isolated state today, located on the largest island of our planet. But this is not the only circumstance that stimulates tourists.
Basic information
Where is Greenland located? Its shores are washed immediately by two oceans: the Arctic and the Atlantic.
The island is located close to the Eurasian continent. Theoretically, Greenland is an integral part of Denmark, but in fact it is a large autonomy that has fairly broad rights in the field of self-government. The basic information is as follows:
- The total area of Greenland is 2 166 086 square meters. km, but of all this "wealth" only 340 thousand km ₂ are suitable for life, since there is no ice on them.
- The island is home to 57 thousand inhabitants, 90% of whom are Inuit, the “titular” nation, whose representatives have lived here since time immemorial. Therefore, the population of Greenland is quite homogeneous.
- The capital is located in the city with the unusual name for the European Nuuk.
- Since 2009, the official language has been Greenlandic, before which it was supplemented by Danish.
- Greenland flag - red and white circle on the same background. The color scheme repeats the symbolism of Denmark.
- The only official currency is Danish krone.
If you want to call someone in Greenland, then the phone code is (+299).
When was it opened?
But when was this amazing island, capable of competing with the Antarctic in its weather hospitality, first discovered?
The first known mention dates back to 875. Discovered the island of the Icelander Gunbjörn. It is interesting that he only described his find, but did not leave any exact maps or other indications, since he did not go ashore. Then few people knew where Greenland was located, and this discovery did not cause much interest. Times were turbulent then, the Vikings gradually conquered new territories ...
Only in 982, another Icelander, Erik Rowdy, first came ashore of this amazing land. It was he who gave the name to the island. Thus, the active development of this area began.
Island colonization
In 983, the first Icelandic colonies were founded, which lasted until the middle of the 15th century! True, in fairness it should be added that the climate in those days was, oddly enough, milder. Therefore, the “green country” Greenland was called not by chance, because the summer lasted longer and the air temperature was higher.
So there were many who wanted to “move to permanent residence”. For four centuries (from the 13th to the 17th), this land belonged to Norway, but later came under Danish jurisdiction. In 1814, the Danes finally terminated the union (something like a unity agreement) with the Norwegians, and became the sole owners of the island. In 1953, Greenland was officially given the status of “Part of the territory of the Kingdom of Denmark”, but the inhabitants of the “green country” themselves do not really agree.
An interesting and mysterious history of the colonization of the island by the Vikings. From 983 until the mid-12th century, they were very active, organizing many of their settlements. But then suddenly something happened, soon the settlements became desolate, and the Vikings moved away from these shores. What happened?
Until recently, a lot of hypotheses were put forward, up to the most absurd. But a few years ago, the curtain of mystery was able to open climatologists. As mentioned earlier, from the 10th to the 11th century AD, the climate on the island was much milder, the warm period lasted longer, and in some places on the coast, according to ancient manuscripts, wheat was still ripening. Then there was a sharp cooling, because of which the Vikings preferred to leave here.
The political management of this unrecognized country is carried out by parliament and the prime minister. In addition, the population of Greenland has the right to choose two representatives who voice the interests of the islanders in the Danish parliament.
Formal Acquisition of Independence
A referendum held on November 25, 2008 secured independence for this territory. The fact is that the population of the island spoke in favor of numerous and significant changes in legislation. In particular, it was then that Greenland became the only language, and the judicial and executive authorities acquired complete independence. Today, we can rightfully assume that the flag of Greenland flutters over an independent country. However, independence also brought negative consequences - Denmark has ceased to subsidize more than $ 600 million annually in the island's economy.
Officially, all the provisions of the referendum entered into force in mid-2009, and since then the entire area of Greenland is actually a full and relatively autonomous state. It is noteworthy that relations with the European Union do not develop with local residents.
Formally, the island still continues to be part of Denmark, but it is not a member of the EU. Since its inception, the islanders have sharply opposed the prospect of joining a united Europe. The explanation is simple: most likely, Greenland in this way defends the independence of its own fish resources, which, otherwise, could be claimed by Norway and Denmark right away. The political situation in these parts is rather complicated, and in some aspects even tense.
Economics and tourism
The economy of present Greenland is based on fishing. Of course, there is hope for mining, since there are deposits of polymetallic ores on the island . Here are just tourism, which some supporters of the complete independence of this territory very much hope in, is underdeveloped. The main reason is the harsh climate, and the cost of the excursion does not cause much enthusiasm among tourists. So Greenland is a young country, but hardened by difficulties.
Air traffic and other transport
In a place with a complex name Kangerlussuaq is the largest airport in the area, based in the vicinity of the US Air Force base during the Cold War. Despite the apparent modesty, the size of the airport allows even international flights to be accepted.
In addition, you can get to the island using the services of ferries from the Hurtigruten cruise company . Cities in Greenland itself are also interconnected by an extensive ferry network. If you need speed, you should use the services of the small carrier Air Greenland, which owns several aircraft and a couple of dozen transport helicopters.
Roads for cars on a huge island - nothing at all, about 150 kilometers (and those in cities). In general, Greenland is not a car country. In total, about three thousand cars are registered here, mainly SUVs and off-road vehicles.
Big cities
Nuuk (in the distant past, the city was called Gothob) is the capital of Greenland, which was founded in 1728 by Danish missionaries. This is the largest city of the island, which meets the local government. Residents of this amazing place joke that the summer residence of Santa Claus is also located here. Given the location of Greenland on the map, there is a bit of truth in this statement.
Ilullissat (former name - Jacobshavn), is located on the shores of the bay with the "incendiary" name Disco. But this place is harsh, since clean water is rarely seen due to the abundance of icebergs. By the way, at least 1/10 of all icebergs that can be seen in the coastal waters of Greenland are born in these parts. Perhaps this city is perhaps the only one that has the opportunity to boast a regular influx of tourists.
This is due to the unreal beauties of the local icy mountains, which attract spectators from all over the world. Many tourists just because of this and found out where Greenland is located on the map.
Kangerlussuaq is founded near the glacier of the same name. It is here that the largest airport in Greenland is located. Literally in the city, you can constantly see whole herds of deer. Also on the streets often see polar hares and foxes. If you drive just 25 kilometers to the side, you can see the beautiful Russell Glacier.
Kakortok (the old name of the city sounds like Julianehlob) was founded in 1775. Most recently, archaeologists have stumbled upon the remains of a Viking settlement with a church dating back to the beginning of the tenth century. In the town of Unartok you can swim in the hot thermal springs, as well as admire the exhibition of sculptures made of local stone.
Umanak is one of the most unique settlements in the snowy lands here. It lies far beyond the Arctic Circle, but at the same time there is the maximum number of bright days. From May to August, the sun does not set in these places at all, and therefore tourists have a lot of free time that can be spent on a thorough examination of the surroundings. In a small town there is a wonderful museum, which contains many artifacts that tell about life in Greenland.
sights
It is easy to guess that almost all local attractions are of natural origin. For example, only here you can evaluate the size and grandeur of icebergs, one of which caused the death of the legendary Titanic. In general, Greenland is covered with ice by about 80%, and its thickness reaches three kilometers. Given that the area of Greenland in square. km is 2 166 086, it is easy to understand how much cyclopical amount of frozen snow is here!
Scientists have calculated that if only local ice melts (not to mention Antarctica), then the level of the oceans will rise by at least seven meters. And it seems that everything is going to this. But due to warming, scientists regularly manage to make unexpected discoveries: in 2005, researchers were able to find a new piece of land, which was called the “Heated Island”. It is located a couple of hundred kilometers from the coast of Greenland. Scientists suggest that over the past 20-30 years, the ice bridge that connected it to the island has simply melted.
In the easternmost part of Greenland is Mount Gunnbjorn. Its peak is piled above the island for more than 3.5 kilometers. And this is only the part that goes beyond the centuries-old ice layer! Nearby is the world's longest fjord, Scoresby Sound. This strait bites into the land immediately for 350 kilometers!
Sermeq Kujaleq Glacier. Perhaps only for his sake you can visit the "green country". In 2004, UNESCO officially included this "ice" in the list of World Heritage Sites. But why such an honor? Given that the area of Greenland in square. km is quite large, with 80% of this being ice, is there much attention to one glacier? It turned out not, since it is really unique.
Its area is more than three thousand square kilometers, and annually more than 40 thousand cubic meters of ice breaks off from the waters of Disco Bay. The glacier itself looks like a grandiose river of pure ice, which creeps along the surface of Greenland at a speed of about 40 centimeters per day. When the tip of the ice formation reaches Disco, the ice of Greenland breaks off from it.
Climate in Greenland
The climate here is severe - arctic and marine subarctic. In the center of the island, it is replaced by the Arctic continental. Difficulties are added by cyclones, because of which the weather can change almost instantly. Here the temperature “jumps” constantly, and the winds change direction several times per hour. Since ice in these parts covers an area larger than the whole of Great Britain, its exorbitant severity causes subsidence of the crust, so that the central parts of the island are 360 meters below (!) The surface of the sea. Therefore, Greenland, whose climate is severe and unstable, prefers strong-spirited and hardy people.
Weather characteristics
Winter is characterized by constant cyclones and heavy rainfall. However, the temperature is quite acceptable: in December, it rarely drops to -8 ° C. In January, on the coast - from −7 ° C. The situation is different at the southern end, where −36 ° C is constantly recorded in winter. In February, the weather does not pamper at all, reaching −47 ° C (the absolute minimum is −70 ° C). Simply put, in some regions of Mars it can be much warmer!
It is best to visit these places from May to June. If you really want winter, but the temperature below -50 degrees does not appeal, a trip can be planned for mid-April. In the spring it is simply wonderful: there are no frosts as such, and a northern tan is guaranteed. Air temperature rarely drops below -10 ° C. What tourists will appreciate the largest island - Greenland - in the summer?
Also snow, which in June is not rare here. In summer, the weather here becomes completely unpredictable. Frequent winds reaching speeds of 60-70 m / s. The best time to visit the island is from mid-July to early September. The days are getting longer, and the tundra is turning into an incredibly beautiful place: millions of flowers bloom here, delicious berries appear.
Still, for what period to plan the "opening" of Greenland? The answer is obvious: it all depends on the weather preferences of tourists.