https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/greenland/factsheets/
Images of Greenland taken from the CIA World Factbook
Introduction
Background
Greenland, the world's largest island, is about 80% ice-capped. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland; Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and Greenland became part of the Danish Realm in 1953.
Geography
Area
total : 2,166,086 sq km
land: 2,166,086 sq km
Climate
arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters
Natural resources
coal, iron ore, lead, zinc, molybdenum, diamonds, gold, platinum, niobium, tantalite, uranium, fish, seals, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas
People and Society
Population
total: 57,751 (2024 est.)
Ethnic groups
Greenlandic 88.1%, Danish 7.1%, Filipino 1.6%, other Nordic peoples 0.9%, and other 2.3% (2024 est.)
Languages
Greenlandic, Danish, English
Religions
Evangelical Lutheran, traditional Inuit spiritual beliefs
Population growth rate
-0.08% (2025 est.)
Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy (Parliament of Greenland or Inatsisartut)
Capital
name: Nuuk
Executive branch
chief of state: King FREDERIK X of Denmark (since 14 January 2024), represented by High Commissioner Julie Praest WILCHE (since May 2022) (2024)
head of government: Prime Minister Jens-Frederik NIELSEN (since 28 March 2025)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Kenneth HØEGH, Head of Representation (since 1 August 2021)
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Consul Susan A. "Suzi" WILSON (since August 2025)
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, self-governing Danish territorial economy; non-EU member but preferential market access; dependent on Danish financial support; exports led by fishing industry; growing tourism and interest in untapped mineral deposits; relies on hydropower for fuel
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$4.04 billion (2023 est.)
$4.005 billion (2022 est.)
$3.926 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$71,000 (2023 est.)
$70,700 (2022 est.)
$69,300 (2021 est.)
Exports
$1.357 billion (2023 est.)
$1.286 billion (2022 est.)
$1.122 billion (2021 est.)
Exports - partners
Denmark 50%, China 23%, UK 5%, Japan 5%, Germany 3% (2023)
Exports - commodities
fish, shellfish, processed crustaceans, ships, precious stones (2023)
Imports
$1.7 billion (2023 est.)
$1.657 billion (2022 est.)
$1.635 billion (2021 est.)
Imports - partners
Denmark 58%, Sweden 19%, Spain 8%, Iceland 7%, Canada 2% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, ships, garments, plastic products, furniture (2023)
