GREENLAND
greenland, situated in the arctic
area between america and europe (see map), is the
largest island on the planet. it is covered by a huge
ice sheet, 80% of its area, the biggest one outside
antarctica. the population is about 55000, so it is the
least densely populated country in the world.
greenland's south-western coast was settled from 986
onwards by norwegians and icelanders, when 14 viking
boats led by erik the red arrived. these settlements
vanished during the 14th and 15th centuries, probably as
a result of harshened climate, famine and conflicts with
the inuit.
the island of greenland was originally claimed by
norway. yet when the kingdoms of denmark and norway
merged, denmark became the factual owner of it.
nowadays greenland is an autonomeous country
within denmark, and strives for larger self-government.
