Population

A little less than 56,700 people live in Greenland. About 50,000 of these were born on the island. With a rate of natural increase of under 10 per thousand, the population is modestly increasing.

The central parts of West Greenland are the most densely populated. Most of the population around 47,000 live in the towns, of which Nuuk is the largest. 60% of West Greenland‘s population live in the six largest towns, the rest in more than 120 settlements, trading posts and sheep stations.

The settlements have only one shop with relatively few goods and few opportunities for paid employment. Conversely, many of the larger towns offer a rich choice in terms of both shopping goods, schools and education, which in turn gives access to a larger number and variety of jobs.

Although the economic significance of the traditional way of life is steadily decreasing, hunting is still a crucial part of Greenlandic identity.

Population (2001) Average life expectancy in years for people born in Greenland: Men: 61.9 Women: 67.9 Fertility rate for women born in Greenland: In towns: 2.2 children In settlements: 2.9 children Average age of first-time mothers born in Greenland: 24.5 years Source: Statistics Greenland.