About Greenland

Greenland is the world’s largest island, located in the North Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe. The history of Greenland is closely tied to its harsh environment and the arrival of human populations to the region.

Greenland’s early history is shrouded in mystery, as there is little archaeological evidence to suggest how and when the island was first settled. The earliest known inhabitants were likely the Saqqaq people, who lived in Greenland from around 2500 BCE to 800 BCE. They were followed by the Dorset culture, who lived on the island from around 500 BCE to 1500 CE. The Thule people, ancestors of the modern-day Inuit, arrived in Greenland in the 13th century and established settlements along the coast.

Greenland’s modern history began in 1721, when a Norwegian missionary named Hans Egede established a settlement on the island. Egede’s mission was to convert the Inuit people to Christianity, but he also hoped to establish a trading relationship with the region. The settlement, which became known as Godthab (now Nuuk), served as the capital of Greenland and the center of the island’s Danish colonial administration.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, Greenland’s economy was largely based on hunting and fishing, and the island remained isolated from the rest of the world. In the mid-20th century, however, Greenland began to experience a period of rapid modernization and development. In 1953, Denmark granted Greenland home rule, giving the island greater autonomy and control over its own affairs.

Today, Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with its own government and parliament. The island’s economy is largely based on fishing, tourism, and mining, particularly for rare earth minerals. Climate change is also having a significant impact on Greenland, as rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt and sea levels to rise. Despite these challenges, Greenland remains a unique and fascinating place, with a rich history and culture that continues to evolve and thrive.