Greenland is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Physiographically, it is a part of the continent of North America. The largest island in Greenland is also named Greenland, and makes up most of the country’s land area.
Greenland has been inhabited, though not continuously, by indigenous peoples since 2500 BC. There were Norse colonies in Greenland from AD 986 until sometime most likely in the 15th century. In the early 18th century contact between Scandinavia and Greenland was re-established and Denmark established rule over Greenland.
Greenland is, by area, the world’s largest island that is not a continent. With a population of 56,452 it is the least densely populated dependency or country in the world.
Nuuk is the capital and largest city of Greenland, and the seat of government for the Sermersooq municipality. It has a population of 15,469 making it one of the smallest capital cities in the world by population.
Sisimiut is a town in central-western Greenland, located on the coast of Davis Strait, approximately 320 km (200 mi) north of Nuuk. It is the administrative center of the Qeqqata Municipality and the second-largest town in Greenland, with a population of 5,460 people as of 2010.
Ilulissat is a town in the Qaasuitsup municipality in western Greenland, located approximately 200 km (120
mi) north of the Arctic Circle. With the population of 4,546 as of 2010, it is the third-largest settlement in Greenland, after Nuuk and Sisimiut.
Narsaq is a town in the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland. The name Narsaq is Greenlandic for “plain”, referring to the beautiful plain on the shore of Tunulliarfik Fjord where the town is located.
Uummannaq is a town in the Qaasuitsup municipality, in northwestern Greenland. With 1,299 inhabitants as of 2010, it is the eleventh-largest town in Greenland, and is home to the country’s most northerly ferry terminal. Founded in 1763, the town is a hunting and fishing base, with a canning factory and a marble quarry.
Upernavik is a small town in the Qaasuitsup municipality in northwestern Greenland, located on a small island of the same name. With 1,129 inhabitants as of 2010, it is the thirteenth-largest town in Greenland. Due to the small size of the settlement, everything is within walking distance. It contains the Upernavik Museum.
1 comments:
Those towns are quite a lovely sight from afar! A neighborhood filled with colorful houses has this positive and carefree aura. Residents in it seem to always be happier and more gentle. =)
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