Fact Finder - Geography

Fact
The Great White North: Greenland's Geography
Category
Geography
Subcategory
Capitals Continents and Countries
Country
Greenland (Denmark)
Description
Greenland is the world's largest island that is not a continent. Located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, it is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Nuuk is the capital. About 80% of Greenland's surface is covered by a massive ice sheet, which is the second-largest in the world after Antarctica's. If this ice sheet were to melt completely, global sea levels would rise by about 7 meters. The ice-free land is found mainly along the coast and is characterized by deep fjords, rugged mountains, and a tundra landscape. Greenland's geography is part of the North American continent, though it is politically and culturally associated with Europe. The population is primarily Inuit and lives in small settlements along the coast, as the interior is uninhabitable. The economy is heavily dependent on fishing and subsidies from Denmark. The island is also home to the world's largest national park, Northeast Greenland National Park.