Country Information
| Sovereign State | No (Autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark) |
| Country Codes | GL, GRL, 304 |
| Official Name | Greenland |
| Continent | North America |
| Capital | Nuuk |
| Government Type | Devolved parliamentary system within the Danish realm |
| Currency | Danish Krone (DKK) |
| Calling Code | +299 |
| Member Of | Part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s memberships |
| Population | Approx. 56,000 (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | 2,166,086 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Gunnbjorn Fjeld (3,694 meters or 12,119 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Arctic Ocean (0 meters or 0 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | Around $40,000 (varies annually) |
| Life Expectancy | Approx. 71 years (as of 2023) |
| Internet TLD | .gl |
Greenland National Anthem
Nunarput, utoqqarsuanngoravit (You Our Ancient Land)
You Our Ancient Land, eternal patient,
The cape steeped in spirits,
Listen to the word of the High One!
The Harp that sang, still sings!
The will of the Lord is the Law of our land,
With wisdom and truth,
Let our people, the language of the Eskimos,
Be the foundation of our country.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Greenland Flag
The flag of Greenland, known as Erfalasorput (“our flag” in Greenlandic), was adopted on June 21, 1985. It features two equal horizontal bands of white (top) and red with a circle slightly to the hoist side. The flag represents a significant break from traditional Scandinavian flags and is unique for its symbolism and design.
The flag was designed by a Greenlandic artist, Thue Christiansen. The red and white colors are the same as those of the Danish flag, symbolizing Greenland’s ties to Denmark. The circle in the flag is a depiction of the sun setting on the horizon and the ice cap of Greenland. The white portion represents the ice and snow that covers much of the island, while the red symbolizes the sun.
The adoption of the flag was a move towards greater autonomy and a step in defining a distinct Greenlandic identity. It was the first time a Nordic country’s sub-national entity had its own flag, differing from the traditional Nordic Cross design. The flag symbolizes the unique culture and environment of Greenland, as well as its aspirations for greater self-rule.
The design’s simplicity and the symbolism of the sun and ice have made the Greenland flag an emblem of the island’s natural beauty and its cultural heritage. It is a symbol of unity for Greenlanders, representing their resilience and adaptation to the challenging Arctic environment. The flag’s adoption coincided with Greenland’s Home Rule Act, reinforcing the flag’s role in the island’s political and cultural identity.