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Towns
Greenland is the world’s largest non-continental island with more than 2.166.086 km2, whereof only 410.448 km2 are ice free, which means not covered by the Greenland ice sheet. The country’s inhabitants are spread along this ice-free area, which refers to the coastal areas. Out of 56,542 people, less than 3.000 live along the entire East coast of Greenland. In East Greenland there remain currently only 2 separate inhabited areas, one is the Ammassalik region and the other one is Ittoqqortoormiit. Ittoqqortoormiit has currently 324 inhabitants while the Ammassalik region is home to around 2.500 residents. In East Greenland around 72% of people live the 2 main towns, while the remaining 28% lives spread across the settlements, which vary in size from 59 to 234 inhabitants. Between the two towns of Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit in East Greenland, there lies a vast expanse of approximately 800 uninhabited kilometers, with no direct national connection by air or sea.
In Greenland, the term “town” refers to larger communities or urban centers that act as key administrative, economic, and cultural hubs. Unlike smaller settlements, towns are characterized by more developed infrastructure and essential services, such as schools, healthcare, shops, and reliable transportation links. While Greenland’s towns are more urbanized compared to smaller settlements, they still maintain strong ties to the island’s rich cultural and traditional heritage. Many towns are deeply influenced by Greenlandic Inuit culture, with a profound respect for the land, the sea, and the customs passed down through generations. As modern developments and technologies continue to shape these towns, they remain dynamic spaces where contemporary life seamlessly integrates with Greenland’s unique cultural identity.
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