グリーンランド

大陸	米州
資本金	ヌーク
人口	57,728
GDP	$2.17 億ドル
一人当たりGDP	$37,600
ダイヤルコード	+299
ISOコード（2文字）	GL
ISOコード（3文字）	GRL

Greenland Landscapes

About Greenland

Welcome to Greenland, the world’s largest island and an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, stretching across the vast Arctic expanse between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. This immense land of 2.16 million square kilometers is predominantly covered by the second-largest ice sheet on the planet, with only its coastal regions free of permanent ice. With approximately 56,000 residents scattered primarily along the southwestern coast, Greenland maintains a unique blend of Inuit cultural traditions and Nordic influences. The territory’s name—a stark contrast to its ice-covered reality—originated with Erik the Red’s strategic marketing to attract Norse settlers in the 10th century. Today, this Arctic giant faces the dramatic impacts of climate change while navigating a path toward increased self-governance and sustainable development in one of Earth’s most challenging environments.

地理的特徴と自然の美しさ

Greenland’s geography presents a study in extremes, dominated by the colossal Greenland Ice Sheet that covers approximately 80% of the island and reaches depths of up to 3,000 meters. This ancient ice mass, containing about 10% of the world’s freshwater reserves, creates a stark white interior plateau surrounded by a rugged, fjord-indented coastline where human settlements have developed. The ice-free coastal regions reveal a dramatic landscape of mountains, valleys, and thousands of islands that create one of the world’s most complex coastlines, stretching over 44,000 kilometers.

The island’s northernmost point, Cape Morris Jesup, lies just 740 kilometers from the North Pole, making Greenland the northernmost land mass of substantial size. This extreme northern position results in dramatic seasonal light variations, with areas above the Arctic Circle experiencing the midnight sun in summer and polar night in winter. The southern regions enjoy a subarctic climate, while the far north experiences true polar conditions with extreme cold and minimal precipitation.

Greenland’s National Park, covering the entire northeastern portion of the island, stands as the world’s largest national park at 972,000 square kilometers—larger than most countries. This vast protected area hosts diverse Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and numerous seabird species. The coastal waters teem with marine life, from seals and walruses to several whale species, including the narwhal with its distinctive spiral tusk.

The island’s ice sheet is punctuated by nunataks—mountain peaks that emerge above the ice—while the coastal mountains rise dramatically from fjords, some extending over 100 kilometers inland. Scoresby Sund on the eastern coast forms the world’s largest fjord system, with branches stretching over 350 kilometers. These deep waterways, carved by ancient glaciers, create breathtaking seascapes where towering icebergs—calved from active glaciers—drift majestically through deep blue waters.

Climate change is rapidly transforming Greenland’s landscape, with the ice sheet losing mass at an accelerating rate. This melting creates spectacular but concerning phenomena, including meltwater rivers and lakes on the ice surface and increasingly frequent calving events from major glaciers. The Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases this dynamic process as the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier—one of the most active in the world—discharges enormous icebergs into Disko Bay.

文化遺産と伝統

Greenlandic culture represents a fascinating blend of ancient Inuit traditions and Nordic influences, creating a distinct identity that has evolved through centuries of adaptation to one of Earth’s most challenging environments. This cultural heritage is expressed through language, art, hunting practices, and community celebrations that continue to define Greenlandic identity in the modern world.

The Greenlandic language, Kalaallisut, belongs to the Inuit-Yupik-Unangan family and became the territory’s sole official language in 2009, reflecting the strong movement toward cultural preservation and autonomy. This polysynthetic language, where single words can express what might require entire sentences in European languages, embodies the Inuit worldview and relationship with the Arctic environment. Most Greenlanders are bilingual or trilingual, also speaking Danish and often English, creating a linguistically rich society.

Traditional hunting and fishing remain central to Greenlandic culture, both as economic activities and as expressions of cultural identity. The hunting of seal, whale, muskox, and reindeer continues to follow practices developed over thousands of years, though now incorporating modern technology alongside traditional knowledge. These activities are governed by principles of sustainability and respect for animals that have been passed down through generations.

Artistic traditions flourish in Greenland, with distinctive forms including tupilak carvings—small sculptures traditionally made from bone, horn, or ivory that depict spiritual figures—and the creation of national costumes featuring intricate beadwork and sealskin. Drum dancing and throat singing, traditional forms of expression among Inuit peoples, have experienced revival as part of cultural reclamation efforts. Contemporary Greenlandic artists increasingly blend these traditional elements with modern forms, creating dynamic expressions of evolving identity.

Music plays a significant role in modern Greenlandic culture, with the territory developing its own distinctive sound that combines traditional Inuit drum rhythms with contemporary influences. The band Nanook exemplifies this fusion, creating popular music with lyrics in Kalaallisut that addresses both traditional themes and modern challenges. The annual Nuuk Nordic Culture Festival showcases this vibrant cultural scene, bringing together performers from across the Arctic region.

Community remains at the heart of Greenlandic life, with traditional values of cooperation and sharing continuing to influence social organization. National Day on June 21—the summer solstice—represents the most important annual celebration, featuring traditional clothing, foods, speeches, and cultural performances that reinforce collective identity and pride in Greenlandic heritage.

歴史の旅

Greenland’s history spans thousands of years, from the earliest Paleo-Eskimo cultures to its current status as an autonomous territory navigating relationships with Denmark and the wider world. This historical journey reflects remarkable human adaptation to extreme conditions and the complex interactions between indigenous peoples and European arrivals.

Archaeological evidence indicates human presence in Greenland dating back approximately 4,500 years, with successive waves of migration from present-day Canada. The Thule culture, ancestors of modern Inuit, arrived around 1200 CE, bringing sophisticated hunting technologies including the kayak, umiak (open skin boat), and toggling harpoon that revolutionized survival capabilities in the Arctic environment.

European contact began with Norse settlement around 985 CE, when Erik the Red led colonists from Iceland to establish settlements in southwestern Greenland. These Norse colonies survived for nearly 500 years, developing a farming and trading economy before mysteriously disappearing in the 15th century—possibly due to cooling climate conditions, conflict with Inuit peoples, or economic isolation as trade with Europe declined.

Danish-Norwegian colonization began in 1721 when missionary Hans Egede established a settlement near present-day Nuuk, searching for the lost Norse colonies but instead initiating a new era of European presence. Danish control was formalized in the following decades, with trading posts established along the coast and Lutheran Christianity gradually spreading among the Inuit population.

The 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant changes as traditional Inuit lifestyles were increasingly influenced by European trade, religion, and governance. The 1953 constitutional change incorporated Greenland as a county within Denmark rather than a colony, granting Greenlanders Danish citizenship and representation in the Danish parliament.

The movement toward greater autonomy gained momentum in the late 20th century, leading to the establishment of Home Rule in 1979, which created a Greenlandic parliament (Inatsisartut) and government with authority over domestic affairs. This process culminated in the 2009 Self-Government Act, which recognized Greenlanders as a distinct people under international law, established Kalaallisut as the official language, and created a pathway for eventual independence if the Greenlandic people choose this direction.

現代の経済状況

Today’s Greenland has developed a mixed economy that balances traditional activities with modern sectors, while navigating the unique challenges of Arctic development and increasing self-sufficiency. The territory’s economic structure reflects both its natural resources and the constraints imposed by geography, climate, and small population.

Fishing represents the backbone of Greenland’s economy, accounting for over 90% of exports. The cold, nutrient-rich waters surrounding the island support valuable commercial species including shrimp, Greenland halibut, cod, and snow crab. Royal Greenland, the territory’s largest company, processes and markets these marine resources globally. Sustainable management of these fisheries remains crucial for long-term economic stability.

Tourism has grown significantly as a second economic pillar, with visitors drawn by Greenland’s spectacular landscapes, unique culture, and Arctic wildlife. The sector focuses on high-value experiences rather than mass tourism, including expedition cruises, helicopter tours to the ice sheet, dog sledding adventures, and northern lights viewing. Infrastructure development, including airport expansion projects, aims to support continued growth while maintaining environmental and cultural integrity.

Mining has historical significance and potential future importance, with current operations extracting rubies and pink sapphires at Aappaluttoq. Exploration continues for deposits of rare earth elements, uranium, oil, and gas, though development must balance economic benefits against environmental concerns and the wishes of local communities. The 2009 Self-Government Act established Greenlandic ownership of subsurface resources, ensuring that benefits from future extraction would remain primarily within the territory.

Traditional hunting and handicrafts continue to provide livelihoods, particularly in smaller settlements where formal employment opportunities are limited. These activities not only generate income but also maintain cultural practices and provide country foods that remain important in Greenlandic diets and identity.

Despite economic development, Greenland continues to receive an annual block grant from Denmark that constitutes approximately one-third of GDP and funds essential public services. Reducing this dependency through sustainable economic growth represents a key goal of the Self-Government authorities, though geographic challenges—including a small, dispersed population and high transportation costs—create persistent structural challenges.

国際関係とグローバルポジション

As an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland occupies a unique position in international affairs, with increasing self-representation in areas of direct interest while Denmark retains authority over defense and foreign policy. This arrangement creates a complex diplomatic landscape that continues to evolve as Greenland asserts greater autonomy.

Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic has taken on renewed geopolitical significance as climate change opens new shipping routes and access to resources. The territory has become an important voice in Arctic governance through participation in the Arctic Council, where it shares representation with Denmark and the Faroe Islands but increasingly advocates for its distinct interests regarding environmental protection, indigenous rights, and sustainable development.

Relations with the United States have historical depth and contemporary importance, centered on the Thule Air Base in northwestern Greenland—America’s northernmost military installation. The 1951 defense agreement between Denmark and the US has been a source of occasional tension, particularly regarding the historical forced relocation of Inughuit people to establish the base. In 2019, then-President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in purchasing Greenland briefly brought international attention to the territory’s strategic value, though the proposal was firmly rejected by both Greenlandic and Danish authorities.

Greenland has developed its own relationships with other Inuit regions across the Arctic through the Inuit Circumpolar Council, which represents approximately 180,000 Inuit from Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and Chukotka (Russia). This transnational cooperation focuses on environmental protection, cultural preservation, and the rights of indigenous peoples in international forums.

Climate diplomacy has become increasingly central to Greenland’s international engagement, as the territory experiences warming at a rate twice the global average. Greenlandic representatives have become powerful voices at UN climate conferences, providing firsthand testimony about the impacts of climate change on Arctic communities and ecosystems while advocating for both mitigation measures and support for adaptation.

Economic diplomacy has expanded as Greenland seeks investment and development partnerships beyond Denmark. Relationships with the European Union (though Greenland withdrew from the EU’s predecessor in 1985), Iceland, and increasingly Asian nations including China and South Korea have focused on fisheries, tourism, and potential resource development.

ご存知でしたか？

• Despite being the world’s largest island, Greenland has no roads connecting its towns and settlements—transportation between communities relies entirely on boats, helicopters, and planes?

• The Greenland Ice Sheet contains enough water that, if completely melted, would raise global sea levels by approximately 7.4 meters (24 feet)?

• Ilulissat, Greenland’s third-largest town, has more sled dogs than human residents, reflecting the continuing importance of traditional transportation methods?

• The Greenlandic language has around 50 words to describe snow and ice in their various forms, reflecting the cultural importance of these elements in daily life?

• Despite its massive size, Greenland has only one university—Ilisimatusarfik (University of Greenland) in Nuuk—which focuses on subjects particularly relevant to Greenlandic society and development?

結論

Greenland stands as a remarkable example of cultural resilience, environmental adaptation, and political evolution in one of Earth’s most challenging landscapes. This vast Arctic island, with its spectacular icebergs and fjords, its vibrant Inuit heritage, and its complex relationship with Denmark, offers a fascinating study in contrasts—between traditional lifeways and modern aspirations, between local governance and global significance, between vulnerability to climate change and determination to shape a sustainable future.

As Greenland navigates the 21st century, it faces both extraordinary challenges and unique opportunities. The rapid transformation of its physical environment through climate change creates immediate threats to traditional practices while potentially opening new economic possibilities. The ongoing journey toward greater self-determination continues to reshape political structures and international relationships. Throughout these changes, the resilience and adaptability that have characterized Greenlandic society for millennia remain evident in its approach to an uncertain future.

For visitors fortunate enough to experience this remarkable land, Greenland offers not only breathtaking natural beauty but also the opportunity to witness a society actively engaged in preserving its cultural heritage while embracing the complexities of modern Arctic identity. From the midnight sun illuminating massive icebergs to the warm hospitality of small coastal communities, from ancient hunting traditions to cutting-edge climate research, Greenland presents a world where past and future, nature and humanity, challenge and opportunity converge in extraordinary ways.