Greenlandic facts for kids

Greenlandic refers to anything connected to Greenland, its people, or its unique culture. It most often means the Greenlandic language, which is spoken by most people living there. Sometimes, it can also mean the Danish language as it's spoken in Greenland.

What is Greenland?

Greenland is the world's largest island, located between the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. This means it has its own government that makes many decisions, but it's still part of Denmark. Most of Greenland is covered by a huge ice sheet, which is a thick layer of ice that never melts. Because of this, most people live along the coasts where the climate is a bit milder.

Who Lives in Greenland?

The people of Greenland are mainly Inuit, who are the indigenous people of the Arctic. They have lived in Greenland for thousands of years and have a rich history and culture. There are also people of Danish descent and other nationalities living there. The total population is quite small, around 56,000 people.

Greenlandic Culture and Traditions

Greenlandic culture is deeply connected to the Arctic environment. Traditional activities like hunting and fishing are still important, though modern life has also brought many changes. Storytelling, traditional music, and art, especially carvings from bone or antler, are key parts of their heritage. The kalaallit (Greenlandic Inuit) have a strong sense of community and a unique way of life adapted to the harsh Arctic conditions.

The Greenlandic Language

The official language of Greenland is Kalaallisut, which is an Eskimo-Aleut language. It's known for its very long words, where many parts are added together to form a single word that can mean a whole sentence in English! For example, the word Nalunaarasuartaatilioqatigiiffissualiorfinnialikkersikkaluarnera means "My attempting to start building a big radio station." Danish is also widely spoken, especially in schools and government, as Greenland has historical ties to Denmark.

Why is Language Important?

Language is a big part of a country's identity. For Greenlanders, their language, Kalaallisut, is a vital link to their past and their unique culture. It helps keep their traditions alive and connects generations. Learning and speaking Kalaallisut helps preserve the rich heritage of the Inuit people.

Greenland's Government and Politics

Greenland has its own parliament, called the Inatsisartut, and its own government, called the Naalakkersuisut. These bodies make laws and decisions for Greenland. The head of government is called the Premier. Greenland has been gaining more control over its own affairs from Denmark over the years, a process known as self-governance. This allows them to make decisions about things like education, healthcare, and natural resources.

How Greenland is Governed

The political system in Greenland is a parliamentary system, similar to many European countries. People vote for representatives to sit in the Inatsisartut. The party or coalition of parties that wins the most seats forms the Naalakkersuisut. This system ensures that the government represents the will of the people.

Important Political Topics

Some of the big topics in Greenlandic politics include managing their natural resources, like fish and minerals, and dealing with the effects of climate change. The melting ice sheet is a major concern, as it affects their environment and traditional ways of life. Discussions about future independence from Denmark are also a significant part of their political landscape.

Greenland's Environment and Climate Change

Greenland's environment is unique and fragile. The massive ice sheet covers about 80% of the island. This ice sheet is incredibly important for the global climate, as it stores a huge amount of fresh water. However, it is melting at an alarming rate due to global warming.

Impact of Melting Ice

The melting ice contributes to sea level rise around the world, which can affect coastal communities everywhere. For Greenlanders, the melting ice also changes their hunting and fishing grounds, impacting their traditional livelihoods. It also opens up new shipping routes and access to resources, which brings both opportunities and challenges.

Protecting Greenland's Nature

Efforts are being made to understand and protect Greenland's unique environment. Scientists from all over the world come to Greenland to study the ice, climate change, and its effects on wildlife like polar bears, seals, and whales. Protecting this incredible natural environment is crucial for both Greenland and the rest of the planet.