Background: The world's largest island, about 84% ice-capped, Greenland was granted self-government in 1978 by the Danish parliament. The law went into effect the following year. Denmark continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs.

NOTE: The information regarding Greenland on this page is re-published from the 2001 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Greenland Introduction 2001 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Greenland Introduction 2001 should be addressed to the CIA.