The Random Pick

Greenland: Flag and Facts

Greenland's flag is split into a white top half and a red bottom half, with a disk set slightly left of center that is red on top and white below.

Capital
Nuuk
Region
North America
Population
57,751 (2024)
Languages
Greenlandic
Currency
krone
Area
2,166,086 km² (836,330 sq mi)
People
Greenlandic
Calling code
+299
Highest point
Gunnbjorn Fjeld 3,694 m
Independence
none (extensive self-rule as part of the Kingdom…)
National symbols
polar bear
Borders
No land borders
Status
Territory (not a sovereign country)

About Greenland

The design shows the sun reflecting off a sheet of ice. Its red and white match the Danish flag, a nod to Greenland's ties to the Kingdom of Denmark. The polar bear is the national symbol.

It is the world's largest island, and about 80% of it lies under ice. An icecap covers everything except a narrow, rocky, mountainous strip along the coast. Inuit migrants came from North America in waves starting in 2500 BC, and Vikings arrived from Iceland in the 10th century. Denmark started colonizing in the 18th century, and the island formally became part of the Danish kingdom in 1953. It joined the European Community in 1973 but left in 1985 after a dispute over fishing limits. Home rule came in 1979, and voters backed self-government in 2008.

Did you know?

  • By area, Greenland is a bit over three Texases.
  • Only about 57,751 people live on the island.
  • Gunnbjorn Fjeld, the highest peak, reaches 3,694 meters.

Want to test yourself? The random flag generator has a quiz mode, and the full flags of the world page shows every flag at once.

Questions about Greenland

What is the capital of Greenland?

Nuuk, with about 18,000 residents.

When is Greenland's National Day?

21 June.

More countries in North America

Sources

Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

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