世界各国

Greenland

Introduction to Greenland

The world's largest island, Greenland is about 81% ice-capped. Vikings reached the island in the 10th century from Iceland; 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 European Union) 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.

Government

Capital：

Nuuk (Godthab) 

National holiday：

June 21 (longest day)

Economy

Economy overview：

The economy remains critically dependent on exports of fish and substantial support from the Danish Government, which supplies about half of government revenues. The public sector, including publicly-owned enterprises and the municipalities, plays the dominant role in the economy. Despite several interesting hydrocarbon and minerals exploration activities, it will take several years before production can materialize. Tourism is the only sector offering any near-term potential, and even this is limited due to a short season and high costs. 

GDP：

purchasing power parity -$1 billion (2001 est.)

Agriculture products：

forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep, reindeer; fish

Industries：

fish processing (mainly shrimp and Greenland halibut), handicrafts, hides and skins, small shipyards, mining 

Transportation

Ports and harbors：

Aasiaat (Egedesminde), Ilulissat (Jakobshavn), Kangerlussuaq, Nanortalik, Narsarsuaq, Nuuk (Godthab), Qaqortoq (Julianehab), Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg), Tasiilaq

Merchant marine：

total: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 4,593 GRT/3,640 DWT
foreign-owned: Denmark 1 (2003 est.)
by type: cargo 2, passenger 1

Airports：

14 (2003 est.)