5 Unexpected Things About Living in Greenland - B1

Life on Earth’s largest island reveals surprising traditions, simplicity, and close-knit communities.

Greenland has recently drawn global attention after U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his wish for the U.S. to acquire the territory, which belongs to Denmark.

While Trump emphasized partnership over possession, life in Greenland remains unique in ways that might surprise outsiders. From its language structure to its close-knit communities, Greenland offers a lifestyle that blends tradition, simplicity, and social connection—making it one of the most-distinctive places to live.

Here are some unexpected aspects of living in the world’s largest island, according to locals.

A Single Word Can Mean an Entire Sentence

Greenlandic, the primary language spoken in Greenland alongside Danish, is polysynthetic —meaning a single word can carry the meaning of a full sentence.

In a video shared in February 2025, TikTok user

@inequ_from_greenland said: “In Greenland, we speak Greenlandic and Danish, and a lot of the younger generation is also really good at English. Greenlandic is the primary language used in everyday life, education and communication.

“Unlike other languages, Greenlandic is polysynthetic, meaning that a single word can carry the meaning of an entire sentence,” the poster added. For example, the word “Arparialerpunga” translates to “I am going out for a run.”

There are three main dialects in the country, and each reflects “the different ways people live and adapt across Greenland,” she said.

No ID Cards—Because Everyone Knows Each Other

With a population of just around 57,000, Greenlanders rarely need identification for everyday activities.

TikTok user @qsgreenland, from Qaqortoq in South Greenland, shared in a November 2023 video: “Did you know that we Greenlanders don’t need ID because we are so few? Everyone basically knows each other. So, when you travel domestic, they normally don’t ask for your ID. And the few times they asked for my ID, I get offended, thinking ‘but you know who I am.’”

She added that IDs aren’t required at municipal offices or hospitals. However, this familiarity can make it tricky for underage residents to enter bars, since “everybody knows who your parents are and how old you are,” she said.

No Need for Cars—You Can See Entire Towns in 20 Minutes

Greenland’s towns are small enough that owning a car is often unnecessary.

In a January 2021 YouTube video, local resident Alex Amasa Olsen said: “In Greenland, you can get to pretty much anywhere in a matter of minutes since the distance is in the towns, not between the towns. The towns are so small, and you don’t even have to own a car.”

A local bus ride can take you around an entire town in 20 to 30 minutes, making walking or biking practical and healthy alternatives, Olsen added.

No Global Fast-Food Chains

Don’t expect to find major international fast-food chains in Greenland. A video posted in August 2020 by @pakkutannguaq said the country has no McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, or Starbucks venues.

But There Is Free Healthcare and Education

However, @pakkutannguaq points out that Greenland offers free health care and education to its residents.

The Nordic Co-operation website, which is run by the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers, states: “Most health care services in Greenland are public and thus free for citizens.”

Services include general practitioners, public hospitals, dental care, prescription medicine, and home nursing. If specialized care isn’t available locally, then patients are entitled to transport to a regional or national hospital, provided a doctor prescribes the treatment, the website says.

Education is also free for Greenlandic citizens and Nordic nationals who meet academic requirements, says the Nordic Co-operation.

It notes: “You should be aware that there may be a requirement for Greenlandic language skills, and much of the teaching is in Greenlandic, particularly in vocational education. Irrespective of whether you are applying for admission to secondary school, vocational training or a university course, it is a good idea to contact the institution first, to obtain proper guidance.”