One of the largest countries in the world, Greenland is largely unknown to the rest of the globe. In truth, a lot of people still hold false impressions of the stunning Arctic nation. For starters, Greenland is much more than just glaciers and ice; after you arrive, you'll learn about the country's rich culture and history. We're going to dispel some common misconceptions about Greenland today so you can learn more about the country and its people.
1 - The world's nation with the smallest population density is Greenland.
1 - The world's nation with the smallest population density is Greenland.
Despite its size, only 56,000 people call it home. Accordingly, you'll encounter 0.03 individuals per square kilometer. There is enough space to be alone, even in the capital city, despite the fact that the population is not evenly distributed throughout the nation and no one lives there.
2 - There are no other settlements nearby.
On Greenland, there are no highways connecting any of the towns or settlements. The fleet of helicopters and Dash-8 propeller aircraft operated by Air Greenland provides essential local transportation as well as convenient shuttle service for tourists not on a cruise.
3 - An ice cap almost completely encircles Greenland.
Maps do not accurately depict the truth that Greenland is almost totally white, with ice covering more than 80% of the island. After Antarctica, the Greenland Ice Sheet is the largest body of ice in the world, covering approximately 1.7 million square kilometers; together, they retain 99% of the world's freshwater supplies. Mount Gunnbjorn, the highest peak on the Greenland ice cap, is 3,694 meters above sea level, and the ice there is nearly 2,000 meters thick at its thickest.
4 - Greenland offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the midnight sun.
In Greenland, there is an annual phenomenon where the sun shines brightly from May 25 to July 25, and there is no moonlight. That much sunshine and pleasant days would last for two months! It's a very amazing natural occurrence that you should witness at least once in your life. You should undoubtedly see this as one of the interesting facts about Greenland.
5 - The Summer Solstice is regarded as a national holiday in Greenland.
Greenland observes the Summer Solstice, or the longest day of the year, on July 21st. Essentially a national holiday, inhabitants take advantage of this time to relax in the sunshine and enjoy a barbecue with friends and family.
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6 - Greenland's name was given as a marketing ploy.
Erik the Red, a murderer from Icelandic who was sent to the island, is actually the person who gave it its name. With the intention of drawing settlers, he gave it the name "Greenland." Nonetheless, scientists assert that more than 2.5 million years ago, Greenland was surprisingly green.
7 - The less-traveled route.
Although it may be difficult to imagine, Greenland does not have any roads or rail tracks that connect its communities to one another. Instead, Greenlanders use dog sleds, snowmobiles, boats, helicopters, and planes for transportation. The majority of people prefer to go by boat.
8 - In Greenland, boats outnumber automobiles.
Greenland's most extensive "highway" system is the ocean and its fjords, which explains why more people there own boats than cars. You won't find a single car in many of the small towns, but there are a tonne of boats moored along the shore.
9 - In Greenland, women are very important to society.
Like all other women around the world, Greenlandic women are strong and empowered. Greenlandic women traditionally go hunting for their own food and travel long distances while carrying rucksacks and weapons. In the region, it's quite typical to see female pilots.
10 - The world's cleanest air and water are found in Greenland.
In Greenland, where there are very few people, cars, and other forms of industry, you can breathe deeply. No filter is necessary; simply open your lungs and drink without restriction from any of the rivers or streams in the nation.