Greenland is not only a place of dramatic history—it is also the largest island on Earth, stretching more than 2.1 million square kilometres between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Seen on a world map or a detailed globe, Greenland dominates the northern hemisphere, reminding us how geography has shaped every chapter of its story.
Human life in Greenland began over 4,500 years ago, when Arctic peoples migrated from North America across frozen seas. These early cultures, followed later by the Inuit, learned to survive in one of the harshest environments on the planet. The island’s massive ice sheet—covering about 80% of its surface—forced communities to live mainly along the coast, where hunting seals, whales, and fish provided food, fuel, and clothing.
Greenland entered European history in 982 AD when Viking explorer Erik the Red sailed west from Iceland. Looking at Greenland’s position on a globe, it is easy to see why it became a stepping-stone between Europe and North America. The Vikings established settlements along the southwestern coast, farming the narrow green fjords and trading walrus ivory with Europe. But as the climate cooled during the Little Ice Age and trade routes declined, these Norse colonies vanished by the 1400s, leaving Greenland once again to the Inuit.
In the 18th century, Denmark claimed Greenland as a colony. Because of Greenland’s sheer size and strategic Arctic location, it later became important during World War II, when the United States built airbases to control North Atlantic routes. Today, Greenland sits at the crossroads of climate change, shipping lanes, and global politics—its melting ice revealing new sea routes and valuable mineral resources.
Despite its vast territory, Greenland has a small population of around 56,000 people, most of whom live along the coast. In 1979, Greenland gained Home Rule from Denmark, followed by Self-Government in 2009, allowing it to control most domestic affairs while Denmark still handles defense and foreign policy.
To truly appreciate Greenland’s scale and importance, seeing it on a globe makes a powerful difference. Many people are surprised by how large it really is compared to countries like France or Germany. That’s why accurate educational globes, such as those from Topglobe.co.uk, help turn abstract geography into something you can see, touch, and understand.
From ancient Inuit hunters to Viking explorers and modern Arctic geopolitics, Greenland’s story is written across the world’s biggest island—an island whose size, location, and icy beauty continue to shape our planet today.
