Greenland

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is about 80% ice-capped, with 2,166,086 sq km of land (about 1,710,000 sq km ice-covered). Inuit arrived from North America between 2500 BC and the 11th century; Vikings reached it in the 10th century. Danish colonization began in the 18th century, and the island became part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It joined the EC in 1973 but withdrew in 1985 over fishing quotas, remaining in the EU’s OCTA. Home rule came in 1979 and expanded in 2009, though Denmark retains control of foreign, security, and financial policy. Population: 57,713. The 31-member Inatsisartut meets twice yearly.