Discover Greenland: The World’s Largest Island

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Greenland holds the title of the largest island in the world by area.

Its vast size, dramatic landscapes, and unique climate make it an intriguing region that plays a significant role in understanding global environmental changes. Located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Geography of Greenland

Covering an impressive area of 2,166,086 square kilometers (836,330 square miles), Greenland is situated east of Canada and northwest of Iceland, with the narrow Nares Strait separating it from the Canadian part of North America.

Greenland’s geography is defined by its rugged mountains, deep fjords, and coastal plains. The eastern and western coasts feature towering cliffs and spectacular fjord systems, while the interior consists of vast ice fields and glaciers.

This dramatic topography creates stunning landscapes that attract scientists, adventurers, and travelers alike. The island is divided into several regions, with the capital city, Nuuk, located on the southwestern coast.

Other significant settlements include Ilulissat, known for its breathtaking icebergs, and Sisimiut, the second-largest town. These communities provide insight into the life and culture of Greenlanders, who have adapted to the harsh Arctic environment.

Greenland’s Flora & Wildlife

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is often imagined as an endless expanse of ice and snow. But beyond the frozen landscapes and calving glaciers lies a surprisingly rich, albeit resilient, web of life.

The flora of Greenland is sparse yet remarkably adaptive. In the short, intense summer months, the tundra bursts into a patchwork of colour. Arctic poppies, dwarf willows, and saxifrages cling low to the ground, exploiting every ray of sunlight. These hardy plants have evolved to survive wind-scoured plains and nutrient-poor soils, playing a vital role in stabilising the permafrost and supporting a delicate ecosystem.

Greenland’s fauna, equally tenacious, ranges from the iconic to the elusive. The polar bear, apex predator of the Arctic, prowls the sea ice in search of seals, while musk oxen—shaggy and prehistoric in appearance—graze in small herds across the interior. Arctic foxes and hares flit across the landscape, ever alert for food or predators.

Off the coasts, rich marine life flourishes. Narwhals, often called the “unicorns of the sea,” patrol deep fjords, while humpback whales breach dramatically in ice-choked bays. Greenland’s waters also host seabirds in vast numbers—little auks, kittiwakes, and guillemots nest in craggy cliffs, feeding on the nutrient-rich bounty of the North Atlantic.

Yet, Greenland’s unique biodiversity faces mounting pressure. Climate change is warming the Arctic at more than twice the global average, reshaping habitats and altering migration patterns. Melting ice is opening new passages for ships—and with them, new risks to wildlife.

Conservation efforts, both local and international, are intensifying. Indigenous communities, whose traditional knowledge of the land is invaluable, are increasingly at the heart of these initiatives. Greenland may be remote, but the story of its flora and fauna is inseparable from the wider narrative of our planet’s changing climate.

In this fragile frontier, survival is a daily triumph—and every species, no matter how small, is a thread in a tapestry of life that has endured for millennia.

Unique Geographical Features

Greenland’s geography is stunningly diverse, from vast ice fields to narrow fjords that carve through rugged mountains. While many think of Greenland as one giant sheet of ice, the island is full of dramatic terrain and surprises.

One of the most striking features is the Greenland Ice Sheet, covering about 80% of the island. This vast, shimmering expanse is one of only two ice sheets in the world, with Antarctica being the other.

Stretching over 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles) from north to south, the ice sheet can be up to 3,000 meters (9842 feet) thick in places! It’s not just a frozen wasteland, though—it’s an area bustling with life beneath the surface, from subglacial lakes to hidden rivers of meltwater that scientists have only recently discovered.

Beyond the ice, Greenland’s coastlines are lined with fjords, long and narrow inlets flanked by towering cliffs that dive straight into the cold Atlantic waters.

Some of the most famous fjords, like those near the town of Ilulissat, showcase massive icebergs that break off from the glaciers and drift silently out to sea. These fjords offer surreal beauty and, in some places, are so deep that they’re among the world’s largest by volume.

In the south, unusual landscapes appear that look almost tropical (despite the cooler temperatures). Green valleys with hardy Arctic flora, like mosses and wildflowers, thrive in short summer bursts.

Disko Island, a large island off the western coast, even has hot springs—a rarity in Greenland—thanks to geothermal activity beneath the island. These springs are warm enough for swimming, though the Arctic air requires a quick return to dry land!

Natural Phenomena

The largest island in the world by area is not just about landscapes; it’s also home to some of the most jaw-dropping natural phenomena that draw visitors and scientists alike.

Icebergs and Glacial Calving

Greenland’s glacial calving is a powerful reminder of its dynamic ice landscape. Glaciers like the one near Ilulissat break off massive chunks of ice into the ocean, creating icebergs of all shapes and sizes.

These icebergs can be huge, with some towering as high as multi-story buildings. They drift through the fjords and out to sea, gradually melting, and some are swept as far south as Newfoundland by ocean currents.

Each iceberg is unique, sculpted by time, waves, and wind into various forms, creating surreal scenes against the icy-blue waters of Greenland’s coast.

The Northern Lights

One of Greenland’s most enchanting phenomena is the Northern Lights or aurora borealis. Thanks to its high latitude, Greenland has some of the best vantage points in the world to catch this shimmering spectacle of green, purple, and pink lights.

The lights are most visible from September to April and are often at their brightest in Kangerlussuaq or near Ilulissat. The auroras are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s atmosphere, creating a dance of colors that seems to sweep across the night sky.

This spectacle not only attracts travelers from around the world but also has a deep cultural significance for Greenlanders, who’ve been inspired by the auroras for centuries.

Midnight Sun and Polar Night

Greenland experiences midnight sun and polar night, two phenomena unique to the Arctic.

During the summer months, areas above the Arctic Circle enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight. This phenomenon is called the midnight sun, and in places like Qaanaaq in the far north, the sun doesn’t set at all for several months, creating an endless day. Locals and visitors alike find it exhilarating, though it can take some getting used to when trying to sleep!

Conversely, in winter, Greenland’s polar night takes over, with entire days plunged into darkness. This season has its charm, with only a few hours of twilight and the chance to see a beautifully starlit sky.

The Sounds of Greenland

One lesser-known phenomenon in Greenland is the sounds of the ice. As temperatures shift, the ice sheets and glaciers crack, pop, and sometimes even boom in a way that sounds almost like thunder.

These sounds are called “icequakes,” and they’re part of the natural process of the ice shifting and moving. For those lucky enough to experience it, it’s an eerie yet thrilling soundscape that brings the vastness of Greenland’s wilderness to life.

The World’s 5 Largest Islands by Area

Rank	Island	Area (sq. km)	Area (sq. mi)	Country/Countries
1	Greenland	2,166,086	836,330	Denmark (Autonomous)
2	New Guinea	785,753	303,381	Indonesia, Papua New Guinea
3	Borneo	748,168	288,869	Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei
4	Madagascar	592,796	228,880	Madagascar
5	Baffin Island	507,451	195,928	Canada

Frequently Asked Questions About Greenland

Is Greenland a country?

Yes. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It has its own government and controls most domestic matters, but Denmark handles foreign affairs, defense, and monetary policy.

Why is the world’s largest island so special?

Greenland is the world’s largest island and is covered mostly by ice. It is important for climate research, has unique Arctic ecosystems, and is home to Indigenous Inuit culture. Its geopolitical position also makes it strategically significant.

Why does Denmark own Greenland?

Greenland became a Danish colony in the 18th century. It became a full part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953 and gained home rule in 1979. In 2009, it moved to self-government status, but remains part of the Danish realm.

Is the world’s largest island part of the United States?

No. Greenland is not part of the United States. It remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, although the U.S. maintains a military presence through the Thule Air Base in northern Greenland.

Is it a rich or poor country?

Greenland is considered a lower-middle-income economy. Its main industry is fishing, and it receives substantial financial support from Denmark. It has limited infrastructure and high import costs, but decent living standards for its population.

Why do people live in Greenland?

People live in Greenland primarily due to ancestral ties (Inuit populations have lived there for thousands of years), cultural identity, and employment. It is their homeland, and many Greenlanders have strong community and family roots there.

Do any airlines fly to the world’s largest island?

Yes. Air Greenland operates flights between Greenland and Denmark, as well as within Greenland. Icelandair also offers seasonal routes. Most flights go through Copenhagen or Reykjavik.

What language is spoken there?

The official language is Greenlandic (Kalaallisut). Danish is also widely spoken, and many people, especially in tourism or government, speak English as well.

Who lives there?

The majority are Greenlandic Inuit. There are also ethnic Danes and a small number of other international residents. The population is around 56,000, concentrated along the ice-free coastal areas.

What kind of animals live on the largest island in the world?

Greenland is home to Arctic foxes, polar bears, musk oxen, reindeer, whales, seals, snowy owls, and seabirds, thriving in its icy tundra and coastal waters.

Can I move to Greenland?

Yes, if you are from Denmark or an EU/Schengen country, the process is more straightforward. Citizens from other countries may need residence or work permits. However, job opportunities are limited and the climate is harsh.

Is Greenland expensive to live in?

Yes. Due to its remote location, most goods are imported, making food, fuel, and housing relatively expensive compared to other countries.

What jobs do people have there?

Employment is concentrated in fishing, public services (education, healthcare, government), construction, tourism, and some mining. The job market is small and competitive.

Can I buy a house in Greenland?

It is possible but complicated. Much of the housing is publicly owned or controlled by municipalities. Foreigners may face restrictions, particularly if they are not residents.

Does the world’s largest island have a military?

No. Greenland does not have its own military. Denmark is responsible for defense. However, Greenland hosts the American Thule Air Base under agreements with Denmark.

Are Greenlanders friendly?

Yes. Greenlanders are generally known for being welcoming, respectful, and resilient, especially given the isolated and extreme environment they live in.

What is the coldest month there?

February is typically the coldest month, with temperatures in the interior and northern regions often falling below -30°C (-22°F).

What to do in Greenland?

Activities include dog sledding, northern lights viewing, whale watching, glacier exploration, hiking, kayaking, and cultural visits to Indigenous communities and heritage sites.