Greenland Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Nuuk (Godthåb).

Geography:

Greenland is the world's biggest island. The surrounding seas are either permanently frozen or chilled by cold currents.

The inland area is covered with ice, stretching 2,500km (1,500 miles) north-south and 1,000km (600 miles) east-west. In the centre, the ice can be up to 3km (2 miles) thick.

The ice-free coastal region, which is sometimes as wide as 200km (120 miles), covers a total of 410,449 sq km (158,475 sq miles), and is where all of the population is to be found. This region is intersected by deep fjords which connect the inland ice area with the sea.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Air Greenland (www.airgreenland.gl). The only direct flights to Greenland are either from Copenhagen, Denmark, or Reykjavik, Iceland.

Note: The Arctic weather conditions in Greenland may cause delays and interruptions in transport services or changes to planned itineraries. Visitors are advised to leave enough time for possible disruptions to flights and check with their airline or tour operator before flying.

Departure Tax

None.

Flight Times

From London - 10 hours (including stopover); New York - 15 hours (including stopover).

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Air Greenland (www.airgreenland.com) serves all towns on the west coast, from Nanortalik in the south to Thule/Qaanaq in the north. The frequency of departure on all routes is variable, and it's advisable to make reservations well in advance.

Getting Around By Road

Dog sledges: These can be hired for the day, or for longer periods. Sledging is possible in all towns on the east coast and on the west coast north of the polar circle. It is important to remember that sledge dogs are usually only semi-tame. This is just one reason why dog sledges should be given right of way at all times. Take particular care, as they are almost totally silent.

Road Classification

The only places that are connected by road are Ivituut and Kangilinnguit. The harsh landscape and weather conditions make road building elsewhere a virtually impossible task.

Air and sea travel are the recommended ways of getting around.

Getting Around By Water

It is generally cheaper to sail than to fly. Arctic Umiaq Line (tel: +299 349 190; www.aul.gl) operates services along the west coast between Qaqortoq and Ilulissat. In addition, all villages are served by local boats connecting them with the nearest town, but space may be limited. Boats in some towns may be available for hire, with a skipper.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Denmark set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Danish Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Denmark follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Denmark, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Denmark are different.

If you're travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

If you're a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport.

At Danish border control, you may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the Danish government's entry requirements.

If you stay in Denmark with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Denmark.

ID for travel from Denmark to Sweden

If you are travelling from Denmark to Sweden, see information on border control requirements.

Visas for Greenland and the Faroe Islands

Greenland and the Faroe Islands are not members of the EU. You do not need a visa to enter for tourism. If you plan to live and work there, you must get a work and residence permit – apply for residence in Greenland or the Faroe Islands.

Border controls at Germany's land borders  

There are temporary border controls in place to travel into Germany. Check the entry requirements for Germany.  

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see:

• TravelHealthPro's Denmark guide
• TravelHealthPro's Faroe Islands guide
• TravelHealthPro's Greenland guide

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Denmark. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

It is illegal to import whale products from Greenland or the Faroe Islands into the UK or EU. You could be fined up to £5,000 or given a prison sentence.

Taking food into Denmark

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.

Taking money into Denmark

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Denmark

Terrorist attacks in Denmark cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.

 Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Crime levels are generally low, but pickpockets and bag-snatchers operate in crowded areas, mainly in Copenhagen.

Thieves use a variety of methods to distract you, particularly on crowded public transport. They sometimes also operate in hotel lobbies, cafes and restaurants.

Keep your personal belongings, including passports and money, safe. Keep an eye on luggage, including in the overhead baggage compartment, when travelling on trains to and from the airport.

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in the following areas of Copenhagen:

• the central station
• Nørreport Station
• the main shopping street, Strøget
• other areas popular with tourists such as Christiania, Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv
• inside Copenhagen Kastrup Airport

Take extra care in Christiania and Nørrebro, particularly late at night. There have been some instances of gang violence in these areas.

Laws and cultural differences

Dress code

It's illegal to wear clothing that conceals your face in a public place in Denmark. There are legal exemptions – for example, face masks for health reasons. If you cover your face in public, you may get a fine of 1,000 krone (around £115). If you do it again, the fine can increase.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not get involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Although Denmark is generally a liberal society, drug use is illegal and the Danish authorities enforce the law. You will not be treated more leniently than residents. Drug dealers can receive heavy sentences. If you are found with illegal drugs thought to be for personal consumption, you may get a fine or prison sentence.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships and marriage are legal in Denmark.

Read advice for LGBT+ travellers.   

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Denmark, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Denmark guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Denmark. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age.  

Cyclists often have the right of way. Always check cycle lanes before turning right. Pedestrians also often have right of way to cross ahead of you if you are turning at traffic lights.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

Bicycles and scooters

Many bicycle accidents happen when pedestrians do not give the right of way to bicycles. There are online guides in English on cycling in Denmark at Visit Copenhagen and the Danish Cyclists' Federation ('Cyklistforbundet').

Electric scooters are subject to road traffic rules. If you hire and use a scooter under the influence of alcohol, you could be prosecuted for drink-driving and you may be fined.

Arctic travel

Greenland is in the Arctic Circle, and most of it is very remote. Emergency medical assistance and search and rescue services are limited in these areas. See Arctic travel safety advice.

Greenland

Travel between towns is by air, sea or dogsled only. Arctic weather can affect travel, and you should be prepared for delays and cancellations.

There is limited tourist accommodation around the international airport in Kangerlussuaq. During busy periods or when there is travel disruption, there may be no beds available unless you have booked ahead.

Supply chains are limited and travel times are long. Make sure you travel with sufficient prescription medication for all of your time in Greenland.

The Faroe Islands

Smaller roads may be unpaved and winding.

The weather can change quickly, and you should prepare appropriately for the activity you are planning.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccinations recommendations for Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what other health risks you'll face in Denmark, Greenland and Faroe Islands.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Greenland. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Denmark does not recognise UK prescriptions. If you need medication, you should speak to a local pharmacist ('Apotek'), who will be able to tell you if you need a prescription from a local GP.

Healthcare in Denmark

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Denmark where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards in Denmark

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Denmark, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Denmark.

Health insurance cards in Greenland

You will not be refused treatment, but an EHIC or GHIC will not cover the costs unless you are resident of a Nordic country, under the reciprocal agreement, or a resident of Denmark. You can find more details about medical assistance available during a temporary stay in Greenland.

You may also have to cover the cost of medical evacuation.

Health insurance cards in Faroe Islands

You cannot use a GHIC or EHIC in the Faroe Islands. The UK has reciprocal agreements with the Faroe Islands, so British nationals can get the same medical treatment they would with a GHIC or EHIC. This arrangement is not a substitute for travel insurance.

If you travel to the Faroe Islands, you should still take your GHIC or EHIC with you. You'll need to provide proof of identity and nationality, such as your UK passport.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Denmark

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police).

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Denmark
• dealing with a death in Denmark
• being arrested in Denmark
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Denmark on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Typhoid	No
Yellow Fever	No
Diphtheria	No
Hepatitis A	No
Malaria	No
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes

Overview:

There are hospitals and dentists in all towns. Although medical services are generally free, medical insurance is advisable, particularly as charges are made for dental treatment. Travellers are also advised to bring their own medicines and prescribed drugs, as these can often be difficult to obtain in Greenland.

Other Risks:

Hepatitis B is endemic. Tuberculosis may occur. Extreme cold during the winter months is another potential risk to travellers. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Currency Information:

Danish Krone (DKK; symbol kr) = 100 øre. Notes are in denominations of kr1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of kr20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 and 25 øre.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards are restricted to the major towns and most hotels. Some major towns, like Ilulissat, have ATMs.

ATMs:

Some major towns, like Ilulissat, have ATMs.

Travellers Cheques:

Cheques in major currencies may be exchanged as indicated in the currency exchange section above. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. However, exchanging traveller's cheques in Greenland has been reported to be problematic.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Thurs 0930-1530; Fri 0930-1500.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Currency Exchange:

Cheques drawn on Danish banks can be cashed at banks and cash can also be exchanged. Postal cheques can be cashed at all post offices. Grønlandsbanken (PO Box 1033, DK-3900 Nuuk; tel: 70 1234; www.banken.gl), has branches in Nuuk, Sisimiut, Oaqortoq, Ilulissat and Maniitsoq. KNI/POST represents the bank in other towns and villages. There is no banking service in Søndre Strømfjord at present.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
DKK	kr

Exchange Rates

5.25

7.43

8.86

7.15

Language

The official languages are Greenlandic, an Inuit (Eskimo) language and Danish. Greenlanders connected with tourism will normally speak English.

Overview:

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2014-December 2015 period.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Epiphany	2024-01-06 00:00:00	0
Maundy Thursday	2024-03-28 00:00:00	0
Good Friday	2024-03-29 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
Great Prayer Day	2024-04-26 00:00:00	0
Ascension Day	2024-05-09 00:00:00	0
Whit Monday	2024-05-20 00:00:00	0
National Day	2024-06-21 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0
New Year's Eve	2024-12-31 00:00:00	0

Overview:

The following goods may be imported into Greenland without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.

• 200 pieces of cigarette paper or cigar ethyl streaks.
• 1L of alcoholic beverages over 22% volume or 2L of fortified wine (up to 22% volume).
• 2.25L of table wine.
• 2L of beer.
• 2L of soft drinks.

• 1L of drinking water.
• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
• Cosmetics and toiletries up to a value of kr1,000.
• 4kg of coffee or tea.
• 4kg of chocolate or confectionery.
• 5kg of meat, meat products or poultry.

Alcohol allowances are for travellers aged over 18 only.

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Banned Imports:

Narcotics, most live animals (other than guide dogs), and pistols or fully- or semi-automatic weapons. To bring a hunting rifle to Greenland, you need to obtain a permit from your airline, but hunting is only permitted on special hunting trips organised by a certified tour operator.

Telephone:

There are no area codes. There are no telephone boxes in Greenland, but calls can be made from hotels.

Mobile Telephone:

Handsets can be hired at TELE Greenland shops (in all cities). A deposit is required. Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to main towns.

Internet:

There are Internet cafes in many towns. Access is available in some public libraries.

Post

Greenland produces its own stamps which are popular among collectors. Post from Greenland takes about four to five days to reach Europe.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1500.

See the sights on a snowmobile

A vehicle for recreation and leisure, snowmobiles are ubiquitous in Greenland, and renting one is a great way to discover the country's beautiful scenery in winter. Not a cheap leisure activity, but one that's guaranteed to give you a huge adrenaline buzz.

Take a dog sled ride

The Inuit have been living with their dogs and using their sledges for thousands of years, and taking a dog-sled trip will give you an insight into their culture. This is a popular activity in Eastern Greenland and north of the Arctic Circle, with tours available for all levels and durations. Best months for this are from February to April.

Don your hiking boots

Hiking is one of Greenland's big draws. The tourist board has published colour-coded hiking maps and guides for Qaqortoq, Narsaq and Narsarsuaq in South Greenland and Ammassalik in the east. The scenery is unremittingly beautiful and accommodation comes in the form of mountain huts, which are available in the Narsaq and Qaqortoq peninsulas, as well as Vatnahverfi.

Discover the world's largest national park

Northeast Greenland National Park has bragging rights to being the world's largest and most northerly national park. Nearly four times the size of the United Kingdom, the park is home musk oxen, polar bears, walruses and myriad other species. The area is ideal for expedition trips in kayaks or on dog sledges. Permits are required to enter the park.

Go whale watching

Many different species of whale can be found along Greenland's coasts. Try the area around Qeqertarsuaq, Aasiaat and Qasigiannguit, where, with a bit of luck, you might spot gigantic fin whales. Depending on the season, you may also get to see minke, beluga and humpback whales.

Scale the heights of Nanortalik

Greenland's southernmost town, Nanortalik, is surrounded by the so-called Nanortalik Skyscrapers; the steep peaks and sheer mountain faces that rise from shimmering fjords. The area is a paradise for climbers and hikers but Ketil Mountain and Ulamertorsuaq should only be attempted by experienced hands. If you've not a head for heights, then the fishing and kayaking is also good here.

Explore the macabre Greenland National Museum

One of Nuuk's major attractions, this morbid museum is home to the mummified remains of a group of women and children, who were thought to have died in about 1475 when their boat capsized. The museum is in the oldest part of the city where buildings date back to 1728.

Admire the architecture of Qaqortoq

The largest town in South Greenland is home to a small Inuit Museum, which includes an exact copy of a turf house. The town square is surrounded by some of the most well-preserved buildings of the colonial era, dating back 200 years. Examples of a unique art project called Stone and People, where sculptures are carved into granite, can also be found throughout the town.

Travel back to the Viking Age

Narsarsuaq and Qassiarsuk in southern Greenland are situated in the area first settled by the Viking Eric the Red 1,000 years ago. Many ruins from this epoch still survive and these Viking vestiges are popular with history buffs and hikers.

Marvel at the icebergs of Disko Bay

North Greenland, and in particular the area around Disko Bay, is one of the most popular destinations for travellers. That's thanks largely to the magnificent icebergs, which, during the summertime, glisten in the midnight sun.

Soak up the scenery in Ilulissat

Ilulissat (meaning "iceberg") is the gateway to Disko Bay and the whole of northern Greenland. Ilulissat boasts many modern as well as traditional buildings surrounded by breath-taking scenery. The explorer Knud Rasmussen was born here in 1879 and the house where he grew up has been transformed into the interesting Knud Rasmussen Museum.

Befriend the locals in Nuuk

An ever-popular destination for visitors, Nuuk ranks as one of the world's smallest capitals. With a population of about 15,000, the "city" was founded in 1728 by Norwegian missionary Hans Egede as the very first town of Greenland. Its colourful, wooden houses are overlooked by the snow-capped Sermitsiaq Mountain, which provides a beautiful backdrop to the town.

Overview

Alcohol, tobacco, fruit and vegetables are expensive. Special purchases include bone and soapstone carvings, skin products and beadwork. "The Board" is the local term for Kalaaliavaq, the markets that can be found in all Greenlandic towns. Here you can buy the day's harvest such as seal, whale, musk, reindeer, fish and berries straight from the hunter, fisherman or picker. They are usually situated close to the town's port.

Opening Hours

Mon-Thurs 1000-1730, Fri 1000-1800 and Sat 0900-1300. Smaller grocery shops and kiosks may open for longer.

Overview

Most hotels have restaurants of a good standard, where Danish food and Greenland specialities are served. Prices are similar to Denmark.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Service charge is usually added to the bill. Tips are not expected.

Hotels

There are hotels in the major towns, but no public accommodation in Scoresby Sund, Thule or Upernavik. All reservations should be made in advance; contact Greenland Tourism or Greenland Tourism in Copenhagen (see Contact Addresses) for information.

Grading: A star-grading system is in place. Hotels are classified by Greenland Tourism, and gradings are roughly equivalent to those in Denmark.

Camping Caravaning

There are no official campsites, but most places have specific areas for pitching tents. Camping is permitted everywhere except on ruins and on cultivated land in south Greenland. Booking is not essential. Local tourist offices have the latest information and will be able to advise on the nearest site.

Other

History

The first European settlements of Greenland were established on the west coast in the 10th-century. Responsibility is usually credited to Eric the Red, reputedly the son of a Norwegian chieftain banished from his home in Iceland for murder. The colonists accepted Norwegian sovereignty around 1260, which lasted until the marginal lifestyle of the settlements finally led to their collapse in the 16th-century. The territory was then unoccupied by Europeans until Denmark took possession of it during its own phase of colonial expansion in the early 18th century. It became an integral part of the Danish realm in 1953. A referendum in 1979 approved internal autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark: Copenhagen retains control of defence, foreign policy and constitutional matters. Subsequently, a new 21-member parliament was set up, since expanded to 31 seats. In 1982, in another referendum, the population voted by a narrow majority to leave the EC (as it then was) which they had joined as part of Denmark in 1972. Greenland is now an overseas territory in association with the EU, which provides certain trade privileges and access to EU aid. Another source of conflict between Greenland and Denmark has been the presence of a major American military radar installation at Thule in the north, which may be involved in a future US missile defence system. While most of the population would prefer it removed, the Danish Government says that it is bound by treaty obligations. The issue led to the collapse of Greenland's coalition Government in March 1987. This was an alliance of the social-democratic Siumit (Forward) the political party which grew from the nationalist opposition movement to European membership back in the 1970s and the leftist Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA, Inuit Brotherhood), which seeks full independence. These two, plus the conservative Atassut (Solidarity) party, are the main political parties. Coalition governments have controlled the Government for the last 20-odd years. These have been generally stable, but 2003 has proved to be an exception. The December 2002 election had returned Siumut as the largest party, forming a coalition Government with IA under the premiership of Siumut leader Hans Enoksen. However, the Government fell after a month under farcical circumstances, relating to the activities of a faith-healer apparently hired to purge Government offices of evil spirits. Siumut and Enoksen remained in power, with Attasut as its coalition partner, but this Government was also short-lived. It collapsed after eight months following a dispute over miscalculation of the territory's budget. The Inuit Brotherhood later rejoined Siumut in Government. With Siumut winning 10 of the 31 available seats in the November 2005 election, they will again need to form a coalition to remain in government.

Religion

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Denmark majority, with small groups of Roman Catholics and other Protestant denominations.

Social Conventions

Life is generally conducted at a more relaxed pace than is usual in northern Europe, as exemplified by the frequent use of the word immaqa - 'maybe'. Until recently, foreign visitors were very rare. The name of the country in Greenlandic is Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning 'Land of the People'.

Photography: Throughout the country there is a ban on taking photographs inside churches or church halls during services. A UV or skylight filter and a lens shade should always be used. In winter, the camera must be polar-oiled. It is advisable to bring your own film. Film cannot always be developed in Greenland.

Best Time To Visit:

Greenland has an Arctic climate, but owing to the size of the country there are great variations in the weather. As the climate graph shows, winters can be severe and the summers comparatively mild, particularly in areas which are sheltered from the prevailing winds. Precipitation, mostly snow, is moderately heavy around the coast. The north of the country, and much of the interior, enjoys true Arctic weather, with the temperature only rising above freezing for brief periods in the summer.

Conditions in all parts of the country can become hazardous when there is a combination of a low temperature and a strong wind. Local advice concerning weather conditions should be followed very carefully. Nevertheless, the summer months are suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities.

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Required Clothing

Good-quality windproof and waterproof clothes, warm layers and moulded sole shoes at all times of the year; also some slightly thinner clothes - it is important to be able to change clothing during a day's climbing as temperatures can vary greatly during one day. Sunglasses and protective sun lotion are strongly advised. In July and August, mosquitoes can be a problem, especially inside the fjords and so a mosquito net can prove indispensable. Extra warm clothes are necessary for those contemplating dog-sledge expeditions. Extra clothes are not always available for hire in Greenland.

Dialing Code:

+299

Area(sq km):

2166086

Population:

56.770

Population Density(per sq km):

0

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

112