continuous permafrost over northern two-thirds of the island
Climate:
arctic to subarctic; cool summers, cold winters
Agricultural:
forage crops, garden and greenhouse vegetables; sheep, reindeer; fish.
Economy:
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.
Industry:
fish processing (mainly shrimp and Greenland halibut), handicrafts, furs, small shipyards
Ethnicgroups:
Greenlander 88% (Inuit and Greenland-born whites), Danish and others 12% (January 2000)
Vaccination requirements:
No vaccination requirements for any international traveller.
