Explore Greenland

Location:
Greenland

Currency:
Danish krone (DKK)

Communications:
The telephone code for Greenland: + 299

About:
Explored and named by Erik the Red (982-985), this isolated land was first settled by hardy souls from nearby Iceland. Later, his son, Leif Erickson, returns to Greenland from Norway, and development continues.

Subsequently claimed by Denmark in 1380, Greenland is geographically considered part of the North American continent, and is the world's largest island, it is about 81% ice-capped. Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and Greenland was made an integral part of Denmark in 1953.

It joined the European Community (now the EU) with Denmark in 1973 but withdrew in 1985 over a dispute over stringent fishing quotas.

Greenland was granted self-government in 1979 by the Danish parliament. The law went into effect the following year. Denmark continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs.