Greenland: The Icy Land Named 'Green' - Unraveling Its Paradoxical Past and Present

• Greenland, the world's largest island, is predominantly covered by ice sheets, with 80% of its 2.16 million sq km area being icy terrain.
• The name 'Greenland' was given by Erik the Red, an Icelander exiled from Denmark, to attract settlers despite its icy landscape.
• Despite its historical icy nature, Greenland is now experiencing rapid ice melt, leading to the emergence of greenery and attracting global attention, particularly from America due to potential new routes and mineral wealth.
• Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, but its geographical ties are with North America; it has a rich history dating back 4,500 years with various settlements.
• The island has no roads or railway system between towns; travel relies on planes, boats, helicopters, and dog sleds. It also experiences the 'Midnight Sun' from May to July.

Why It Matters: Greenland's name is a historical paradox, but climate change is slowly making it live up to its 'green' title.