2,166,086 sq km (836,330 sq miles).
Population:57,728 (2014).
Population density:0.03 per sq km.
Capital:Nuuk (Godthåb).
Government:Self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Head of state:HM Queen Margrethe II since 1972.
Head of government:Prime Minister Kim Kielsen since 2014.
Electricity:220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style plugs with two round pins are used, sometimes with a third grounding pin.
Remote Greenland is the world's biggest island, and the sea that surrounds it is either permanently frozen or chilled by the mainly cold currents. In the centre of the country, ice can be up to 3km (2 miles) thick. It is no wonder that most of its population huddles around the ice-free coastal region. Indeed, the name 'Greenland' is itself a bit of a misnomer.
Those wondering why anyone would want to inhabit such unforgiving terrain are ignorant of the beautiful sights that Greenland grants. The arctic nights in the winter concoct a wondrous continuous twilight and, in the far north of the country, complete darkness, coupled with the spectacular Northern Lights.
The profusion of snow creates the perfect conditions for activities such as dog sledging and tour cruises, which interweave in and out of Greenland's dazzling array of fjords, mountains, islands and icebergs. The wildlife does not disappoint, either: there are abundant opportunities to view creatures such as whales, seals and birds.
Most visits to Greenland are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 020 7008 1500.
Website: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
