Greenland is located in Northern America, and its capital is Nuuk. It has a population of approximately 56,836 and covers an area of about 410,450 km². Its official currency is the Danish krone (DKK).
What stands out
People & place
0.1 /km² across 410,450 km²
Greenland has a recorded population of 56,836 and a reported surface area of 410,450 km².
Economic snapshot
$3.33 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $3.33 billion and GDP per capita at $58,499 for 2023. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Greenland, the world's largest island that is not a continent, stretches across the Arctic Circle with icy fjords, towering glaciers, and a resilient Inuit heritage that shapes its modern identity.
Dominated by the Greenland Ice Sheet, which covers about 80% of the landmass, Greenland boasts dramatic fjords, rugged coastlines, and the towering peaks of the Watkins Range. The ice sheet's meltwater feeds into the world's coldest ocean currents, while its coastal areas experience milder conditions that support limited vegetation and wildlife such as polar bears, musk oxen, and seals.
Greenlandic culture blends ancient Inuit traditions with Danish influences. Residents celebrate festivals like the National Day on June 21, marked by drum dances, kayaking, and traditional drum music. The cuisine highlights local ingredients—seal, whale, reindeer, and hearty dishes like suaasat (a fish or meat stew)—reflecting a deep connection to the sea and land.
A pivotal moment in Greenland's history occurred in 1721 when Danish missionary Hans Egede established a settlement at Nuuk, initiating centuries of Danish colonization that shaped the island's political and cultural landscape, eventually leading to home rule in 1979 and further autonomy in 2009.
Key facts
Greenland is the world's largest island, covering about 2.16 million square kilometers, yet it has a population of just over 56,000 people.
Approximately 80% of Greenland's surface is covered by the massive ice sheet, making it a critical indicator of global climate change.
The capital, Nuuk, is the world's northernmost capital city with a population exceeding 18,000 residents.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Greenland has a recorded population of approximately 56,836 people.
How big is Greenland?
Greenland covers an area of about 410,450 km².
What is the population density of Greenland?
Greenland has a population density of roughly 0.1 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Greenland?
Greenland has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $3.33 billion as of 2023.
What is the GDP per capita of Greenland?
Greenland has a GDP per capita of approximately $58,499.
What currency is used in Greenland?
Greenland uses the Danish krone (DKK), with the symbol Kr..
Where is Greenland located?
Greenland is located in Northern America, Americas.
What is the native name of Greenland?
The native name of Greenland is Kalaallit Nunaat.
What are people from Greenland called?
People from Greenland are referred to as Greenlandic.
What is the phone calling code for Greenland?
The international dialing code for Greenland is +299.
What is the internet domain for Greenland?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Greenland is .gl.
What time zone is Greenland in?
Greenland spans 4 time zones including America/Danmarkshavn, America/Nuuk, America/Scoresbysund and 1 more.
What is Greenland known for?
Greenland, the world's largest island that is not a continent, stretches across the Arctic Circle with icy fjords, towering glaciers, and a resilient Inuit heritage that shapes its modern identity.
Northern America