A Short History of Greenland

 

Greenland is the world’s largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Most of it is covered by a huge ice sheet.

Early People

The first people arrived in Greenland thousands of years ago from North America. These early Arctic cultures survived by hunting seals, whales, and reindeer. Later, the Inuit people became the main Indigenous population of Greenland.

The Vikings Arrive

Around 982 CE, the Viking explorer Erik the Red reached Greenland after being exiled from Iceland. He named it “Greenland,” likely to encourage settlers to move there. Viking communities farmed and traded there for centuries.

His son, Leif Erikson, later sailed west and became one of the first Europeans known to reach North America.

Danish Rule

In 1721, Danish missionary Hans Egede established a colony in Greenland, beginning modern Danish control of the island. Greenland later became part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

During World War II, Greenland was protected by the United States while Denmark was occupied by Germany. After the war, Greenland returned to Danish administration.

Greenland Today

Today, Greenland governs many of its own affairs through home rule and self-government, though Denmark still handles defense and foreign policy. The capital city is Nuuk.

Greenland is also important because of climate change. Scientists have observed rapid melting of its massive ice sheet, which may contribute to rising sea levels around the world.