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Friday 29th March
Greenland Information - Page 1
Geography
Greenland, known locally as Kalaallit Nunaat, is a self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark. The island, which is in northern North America between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, is northeast of Canada.

Nuuk is the capital. Other urban areas include Sisimiut, Ilulissat and Qaqortoq.

Greenland's ice cap covers a high percentage the island. The narrow coastline is mountainous, barren and rocky.

The climate is arctic to subarctic.

Environment
Ilulissat Icefjord, on the west coast of Greenland, is on the World Heritage List. Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the world's most active glaciers, reaches the fjord which is covered with icebergs.

A number of sites in Greenland are listed by Ramsar as Wetlands of International Importance. Listed areas include meadows, wet heathlands, lakes, streams, rivers and hot springs. The wetlands are important areas for migratory geese and breeding waterbirds.

Greenland's National Park in Northeast Greenland is the largest National Park in the world. Wildlife found in the park includes the arctic fox, musk ox, polar bear, reindeer and ptarmigan. Marine mammals in Greenland include seals, walruses and whales.

Architecture
Traditional turf huts were built with stones and turf and covered by a driftwood roof supported by wooden beams.

Sealskin tents were used by hunters and gatherers in the spring when they left their homes to find food. Whilst away on hunting trips in the winter the Inuit built igloos, dome-shaped shelters made with blocks of snow.

Norse settlers' ruins can be seen in South Greenland and in Nuuk.

Preserved buildings in Greenland include those in the historical area of the Colonial harbour in Nuuk.

Population
The population of Greenland was estimated at 56,200 in 2018.

Languages
Languages spoken in Greenland are Greenlandic (East Inuit), Danish and English.

Religion
The majority of the people in Greenland are Evangelical Lutherans.

Food
Traditionally food in Greenland has been based on fish, birds and sea and land mammals.

Whale blubber and dried cod are favourite snacks. Soup is made with fish or meat and vegetables.

Seafood includes halibut and prawns. Meat, such as lamb and reindeer, is eaten. Garden and greenhouse vegetables are available.

Angelica and wild berries, such as blueberries and crowberries, are used in savoury and sweet recipes.

Coffee is a popular drink. Large quantities of beer and soft drinks are also consumed.

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