GREENLAND

Located near the North Pole, Greenland is the world’s largest island.

Location, land and climate

Greenland is situated towards the north-east of North America. It is a part of Denmark. Greenland is separated from the northern islands of Canada through the Baffin Bay and the Davis Strait. Map 4.1 shows the location of Greenland. Greenland has an area of about 21.5 lakh square kilometres. Almost 80 per cent of the island is always covered with ice and snow. Thus, the island looks white. Icebergs are a common phenomena here.

Greenland’s climate is arctic. The long and cold winter lasts for nine months. Chilly winds blow along with heavy snowfall. For many weeks, the Sun does not rise. Summer, on the other hand, are cool and short, lasting for only a couple of months. The coastal areas are very bright and sunny in summer.

Flora and fauna of Greenland

Very few plants such as mosses, lichens, grasses and bushes grow here due to the arctic climate. Greenland does not have forests or crops due to the harsh climate.

The animals found here either have thick and furry coats or can withstand the extreme cold. Some examples are polar bear, whale, seal, musk ox and white-tailed eagle. Huskies are used for pulling sledges and hunting.

Inuits

Inuits or Eskimos are the original inhabitants of Greenland. Eskimos wear clothes made of seal skin. They usually wear parkas, a special warm jacket with a hood to cover their heads. They also wear boots made of seal skin to keep themselves warm.