Concept in Definition ABC

The territory Greenland is a huge island that is located in the northern hemisphere in the Atlantic Ocean. Its extension exceeds 2,100,000 square kilometers and the population It does not reach 60,000 inhabitants, of which a third live in Nuuk, the capital. A large part of its territory is covered in snow throughout the year.

Administratively it is part of Denmark and it is a free state associated with the Danish government. This implies that its inhabitants have their own legislation, but they are politically linked to another state.

Other data of interest

There are significant oil and gas reserves. On the other hand, there are also minerals and diamonds. In this sense, it is a territory to be exploited and with great possibilities. However, Greenpace has denounced the oil extraction actions, as these could aggravate the climate change all over the planet.

From a historical point of view, its discoverer was the Norwegian explorer Erik the Red, who in the 10th century founded the first settlement on the island.

The Danish government provides the basic infrastructure and services. It should be noted that all buildings have heating and are adapted to low temperatures.

All food and consumer goods are brought from abroad, since there are only fish manufactures in the country.

In Greenland the land belongs to the whole community because the right ownership of the land. There are no roads and the only means of travel is by plane, boat or sled.

The Inuits are the original settlers of Greenland

Popularly known as Eskimos, the Inuits are a very unique ethnic group. They have strong community and family ties. They are normally shy and temperament calm. This indigenous people has known how to adapt to the harsh climatic conditions of their environment.

In their origins they were nomads, the men engaged in hunting and the women tanned skins. Among them the exchange of wives and the sacrifice of the weakest members of the community. Formerly, a woman's fat was considered a very positive attribute, since it was understood to be a sign of good health and fertility.

According to some chronicles, at the beginning of the 19th century the Inuit thought that they were the only inhabitants of the planet. Over time they acquired the traditions Westerners and became sedentary.

Despite their adaptation to Western schemes, they retain some of their traditions: the kiss rubbing the nose, the building igloos in isolated territories or hunting polar bears and seals.

Photo: Fotolia - Adwo