Talk:Greenland/Archive 3

Greenland is the world's largest island
"Greenland ... is the world's largest island" - is it though?

It all depends on how the word "island" is defined.

The link on "largest island" also suggests otherwise - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_islands_by_area

The text should be updated to be clear on context and meaning. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2A02:AB88:CBE:DA00:A889:8ADB:87DF:1174 (talk) 10:01, 24 June 2021 (UTC)


 * The note (d) after the text states that "Australia and Antarctica, both larger than Greenland, are generally considered to be continental landmasses rather than islands." In the body of the article, it states that "Greenland is the world's largest non-continental island", which again emphasises the point. I'd say that was sufficient. Many geographical terms are more convention than anything else. If the consensus amongst geographers changes, and it becomes the norm to describe continents, or even the Afro-Eurasia landmass as an island we will no doubt have to update the article. AndyTheGrump (talk) 10:20, 24 June 2021 (UTC)


 * An island is whatever people want to call an island, because the Earth itself doesn't come out and say what it is. If we humans want to classify the ever-changing map of which landmasses lay above sea level, then we need globally agreed upon standards, definition or just a list of (non)islands. Today there's not even a globally accepted list of all the continents. There's no consensus or structure. If the majority says Greenland is the largest island, it is.

Wikifan153 (talk) 06:29, 29 December 2021 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 7 January 2022
In the section "Climate Change", it is written: ```In 2021 Greenland banned all new oil and gas exploration in its territory. The government of Greenland explained the decision as follows: "price of oil extraction is too high,"[99]```

Firstly, I believe the sentence structure should be modified to help this read as both informative and natural (removing the colon, adding grammatical context around the quote). This would also fix the stranded comma at the end.

Secondly, judging from the cited source of this quote, the context is important to keep; the high "price" is both economic AND environmental. While this is the section on climate change, the point of it being an environmental cost can be easily lost in this fragment.

I propose amending the sentence to read as:

```In 2021 Greenland banned all new oil and gas exploration in its territory. Officials stated that "price of oil extraction is too high," referring to both economic and environmental considerations.[99]```

There is probably more massaging or concision to be had, but this fixes the current confusing state of the sentence. Boatsail (talk) 06:05, 7 January 2022 (UTC)


 * Coincidentally, this request counted as my 10th edit, which made me an autoconfirmed user able to make such a change. I made the change with slightly more brevity:
 * ```In July 2021, Greenland banned all new oil and gas exploration in its territory, with government officials stating that the environmental "price of oil extraction is too high."```
 * I hope this was a fair use of my sudden "autoconfirmation," as it were. Boatsail (talk) 06:31, 7 January 2022 (UTC)
 * I hope this was a fair use of my sudden "autoconfirmation," as it were. Boatsail (talk) 06:31, 7 January 2022 (UTC)

Sint Marteen?
Something is wrong here...

"Greenland is the world's largest island, and one of the three constituent countries that form the Kingdom of Denmark, along with Denmark and Sint Maarten; the citizens of these countries are all Danish nationals."

Was that vandalism? It should be "Faroe Islands" instead of "Sint Maarten". — Preceding unsigned comment added by 177.192.0.191 (talk) 18:28, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

"Greenland (Denmark)" listed at Redirects for discussion
An editor has identified a potential problem with the redirect Greenland (Denmark) and has thus listed it for discussion. This discussion will occur at Redirects for discussion/Log/2022 January 17 until a consensus is reached, and readers of this page are welcome to contribute to the discussion. Heanor (talk) 15:08, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

"Greenland of the Kingdom of Denmark" listed at Redirects for discussion
An editor has identified a potential problem with the redirect Greenland of the Kingdom of Denmark and has thus listed it for discussion. This discussion will occur at Redirects for discussion/Log/2022 January 17 until a consensus is reached, and readers of this page are welcome to contribute to the discussion. Heanor (talk) 15:09, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

Australia is not a continent
Australia is not a continent because it belongs to the Oceania continent therefore ... An island it a body of land surrounded by water with no country boarders making Australian the largest island in the world not Greenland. Antarctica is a continent and the land in it belongs to several countries. How was geography lost with the passing from books to the half true half false internet? 193.116.112.109 (talk) 05:21, 2 April 2022 (UTC)

There is a centralized discussion about this over at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Oceania_(continent) whether Australia is a continent or not. Agiotagegeniophobiafarris (talk) 08:02, 2 April 2022 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 13 April 2022
Greenland is the 2nd largest island in the world as Australia is the largest island and smallest continent 2001:8004:1340:49FF:97A4:3DD5:24DB:EC16 (talk) 13:10, 13 April 2022 (UTC)
 * Red question icon with gradient background.svg Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format and provide a reliable source if appropriate. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 13:22, 13 April 2022 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 10 May 2022
Change "Greenland is an island nation" to "Greenland is an island nation (Danish territory)" Flamango121 (talk) 19:22, 10 May 2022 (UTC)
 * Red information icon with gradient background.svg Not done: The article already states and one of the three constituent countries that form the Kingdom of Denmark, along with Denmark and the Faroe Islands. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 19:29, 10 May 2022 (UTC)

Is Greenland a country?
Following the recent edit war that has been going on in the last few days, I have no choice but to take this to the talk page. Is Greenland an actual country, instead of a constituent country and territory within the Kingdom of Denmark? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Fijipedia (talk • contribs) 02:06, 17 January 2022 (UTC)
 * As you have already been directed, see Country. Mutt Lunker (talk) 02:11, 17 January 2022 (UTC)
 * I only ever hear the word "country" used for sovereign states; but either way, even if the definition in that article is correct, it would mean that literally every subdivision of every sovereign state is a country. The article states:
 * "A country is a distinct territorial body, a state, nation, or other political entity. It may be a sovereign state or part of a larger state, and may be a non-sovereign or formerly sovereign political division, a physical territory with a government, or a geographic region associated with sets of previously independent or differently associated peoples with distinct political characteristics."
 * For example, let's take California. It is a political entity which is part of a larger state and is non-sovereign, fitting the article's definition of a country. So, even if the article's definition is true and it's acceptable to begin Greenland's article with "Greenland is an island country part of the Kingdom of Denmark," why shouldn't we begin California's article with "California is a country part of the United States"? Like Fijipedia said, rather than using a very arbitrary term like "country" for the article, it would be much easier to use a term that everyone agrees would fit Greenland, like "autonomous territory" or "constituent country." So, what's the point in not changing the article to use a less arbitrary term? angryfishstick1  ( talk ) ( contribs ) 03:25, 7 June 2022 (UTC)

It's part of the Kingdom of Denmark. How can a country be in a country? Also, I made this talk page not for the people I've been in edit wars with, but for the general opinion — Preceding unsigned comment added by Fijipedia (talk • contribs) 02:16, 17 January 2022 (UTC)
 * Did you get as far as the second sentence? You can not dictate who is allowed to participate in talk page discussions and if you are genuine in your attempt to reach consensus, being aware of the views of those who disagree with you would seem necessary. Mutt Lunker (talk) 02:34, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

The votes are currently equal at the moment. I do value the opinions of the people who disagree with me Fijipedia (talk) 02:45, 17 January 2022 (UTC)
 * . Moxy -Maple Leaf (Pantone).svg 02:57, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

Two votes to "Greenland is not a country". Fijipedia (talk) 04:06, 17 January 2022 (UTC)
 * Not sure you understand what's going on with the replies. Moxy -Maple Leaf (Pantone).svg 04:43, 17 January 2022 (UTC)
 * Also, WP:NOTAVOTE. Mutt Lunker (talk) 10:16, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

Not sure you understand the point of this thread. You saying it's a constituent country screams it's not an actual country by itself. Also, everyone here considers it a constituent country of Denmark so it wouldn't be very hard to come to a conclusion. Fijipedia (talk) 14:15, 17 January 2022 (UTC)
 * Fijipedia, what you name here an 'actual country' is properlly called a sovereign state. Nobody tries to claim here that Greenland is a sovereign state. But countries are not only sovereign state. See, for instance, articles like Countries of the United Kingdom or Overseas country of France. --Heanor (talk) 14:27, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

Everyone here agrees on the fact that Greenland is a constituent country. So just edit it to that, it's not that hard. Fijipedia (talk) — Preceding undated comment added 15:39, 17 January 2022 (UTC)
 * For crying out loud, how much slack do you expect to be extended to you? Have some patience until a consensus is reached. Although you have dropped the original wording you sought to impose with your earlier warring, you are now warring to say something that has been said in the article all along, in the very next sentence. What's the point in repeating this in two consecutive sentences? You have been told already, per WP:BRD that if you are bold and you are reverted you discuss until consensus is reached. You no longer have the excuse of ignorance on the matter so you are unambiguously being disruptive now. Please revert your latest change and explain why it is imperative that the same fact is repeated in two consecutive sentences and another perfectly valid fact (that it is an island country) is blanked. If this is the way you co-operate with others on Wikipedia, expect to have a tough time. Mutt Lunker (talk) 20:08, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

Hi everyone, okay I'm not getting involved in this discussion, but you probably should read the first paragraph (with an emphasis on the ninth reference) of the Faroe Islands article. Best, --Discographer (talk) 11:53, 18 January 2022 (UTC)
 * The stable version of the 14th, prior to the current activity, noted the subject as an "autonomous territory". The main thrust of the action upon the article since then has been to indicate that Greenland is "not a country", with the accompanying removal of the word "autonomous" preceding "territory", in an apparent bid to assist this declaration. Blanking of the term "island country" also appears to be part of this campaign. Nobody is claiming Greenland is a sovereign state but it clearly fulfils other definitions of "country" and that is an "autonomous territory" is also true, worthy of note and worth including once more but, again, in addition to note of it being a country, not instead of. Mutt Lunker (talk) 13:05, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

It's simply not a country. I explicitly cited multiple sources recently when changing incorrect edits and it was immediately reverted. It's clear you people won't rest until you have your way even when other claims have evidence. Every valid source refers to Greenland as a constituent country or a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Multiple (possibly the majority of sources) refer to a country as a nation with its own government. Greenland has its own government, yes, but it does not have full sovereignty over the island of Greenland, therefore, according to many reliable sources, it's not a country. Fijipedia (talk) 23:18, 19 January 2022 (UTC)
 * And that's how you get blocked indefinitely for disruptive editing. --jpgordon&#x1d122;&#x1d106;&#x1D110;&#x1d107; 02:39, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

Does Canada currently border Greenland / the Danish Realm?
Please see Talk:Hans Island § Does Canada currently border Greenland / the Danish Realm?. Thanks. -- Tamzin  [ cetacean needed ] (she/they) 23:56, 17 June 2022 (UTC)

Questions and comments
1. The box on the right under "Recognized languages" says "Danish, English, and other languages if necessary[b]".

What the heck does "other languages if necessary" mean?

2. " Greenlandic was declared the sole official language of Greenland at the historic ceremony."

What ceremony? It should be explained for clarity.

3. "In 2003, a small island, 35 m × 15 m (115 ft × 49 ft) in length and width, was discovered by arctic explorer Dennis Schmitt and his team at the coordinates of 83-42. Whether this island is permanent is not yet confirmed. If it is, it is the northernmost permanent known land on Earth."

Has there been an update since 2003? Is it confirmed?

4. "The European Union has urged Greenland to restrict the People's Republic of China development of rare-earth mineral projects, as China accounts for 95% of the world's current supply. However, in early 2013 the government of Greenland said that it had no plans to impose such restrictions."

How does the EU plans to urge/compell/force Greenland to reduce/restrict China's production of rare-earth metals? It should be explained. This is unclear and ambiguous.

5. "Arctic Umiaq Line makes a single round trip per week, taking 80 hours each direction."

Where does the "round trip" start and end?

6. "The drumming was not done on the membrane, but with a stick from underneath the frame. Simple melodies were sung for this purpose."

What was the purpose? This is unclear.

7. "The drum dance used to serve two functions"

What is the second? It's not listed.

8. "This Kalaallisut word means soul or spirit of a deceased person and today describes an artistic figure, usually no more than 20 centimetres tall, carved mainly from walrus ivory, with a variety of unusual shapes. This sculpture actually represents a mythical or spiritual being; usually, however, it has become a mere collector's item because of its grotesque appearance"

"Unusual" and "grotesque"? Not the appropriate adjectives. It sounds like a biased opinion from another culture (likely not Greenlandic).

ICE77 (talk) 21:31, 5 August 2022 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 3 September 2022
Please adjust the fact regarding Greenland “Greenland is the world's largest island,[d] it is one of…” In fact Australia is the world’s largest island. Perhaps it could be reworded to state the largest island in Europe? Or the Atlantic Ocean 123.243.106.135 (talk) 00:55, 3 September 2022 (UTC)


 * Red information icon with gradient background.svg Not done: It depends on how you define what an Island is. See List of islands by area RudolfRed (talk) 01:28, 3 September 2022 (UTC)


 * Australia is not an island, an island being a landmass that does not have continental climate, which Australia does have, hence, Australia is not an island. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 89.239.195.102 (talk) 18:04, 6 September 2022 (UTC)

Subtitles of Nuna asiilasooq under Kalaallit anthem
The subtitling done for the anthem is absurd and disrespectful. Someone under authority, or who can make respective editing, please take action. 103.5.135.41 (talk) 10:43, 7 October 2022 (UTC)


 * Done Agiotagegeniophobiafarris (talk) 16:32, 7 October 2022 (UTC)


 * "Done" ?? No changes have been made to the article. cheers. anastrophe, an editor he is. 20:50, 7 October 2022 (UTC)


 * indeed, the subtitles are (were) located at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/TimedText:Nuna_asiilasooq.ogg.en.srt Agiotagegeniophobiafarris (talk) 10:34, 8 October 2022 (UTC)


 * Ooohhh, okay, sorry, didn't realize. It'd be cool if there were an English translation too....:)  cheers. anastrophe, an editor he is. 21:36, 8 October 2022 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 1 September 2022
The first line of the article (containing "Greenland is an Island country") insinuates that Greenland is a recognised country in and of its own right, although it is a constituent country/territory of (the Kingdom of) Denmark. Using a search engine, the subheading below the "Greenland" heading correctly states "Territory," leading to this contradiction. By changing "Greenland is an island country that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark" to "Greenland is an island territory and constituent country of the Kingdom of Denmark" we can avoid this confusion.

I lost $100 today because my trivia host misinterpreted this page. Kind regards,

tjralst Tjralst (talk) 11:35, 1 September 2022 (UTC)


 * Red information icon with gradient background.svg Not done for now: please establish a consensus for this alteration before using the template. This is certain to be a contentious change. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 11:57, 1 September 2022 (UTC)


 * Greenland is not a country in any way normal people would understand it and never has been. Without a very clear definition embedded in this article, saying that Greenland is a country is misleading at best. It seems unlikely that Greenland ever will be a country in any real sense. It is a semi-autonomous territory that is completely dependent on Denmark in all matters that makes something a country. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 89.239.195.102 (talk) 18:01, 6 September 2022 (UTC)
 * "the citizens of these countries are all citizens of Denmark and the European Union". This is wrong. Greenland is not a member og the European Union, and there is not Europena Union citizenship. Plaese correct it. 83.90.146.66 (talk) 21:21, 22 November 2022 (UTC)

Correction
The Dorset culture did not hunt whales. They hunted seals on sea ice. At no point did the Dorset ever "hunt" whales, though they did sometimes scavenge from beached whale carcasses for bone to use in construction and tools. It was the Thule that hunted whales. 2403:4800:2427:B101:AEC4:F1DC:2C02:4A3D (talk) 10:56, 20 December 2022 (UTC)

Question
"The last four are found naturally only in East Greenland, having immigrated from Ellesmere Island."

That doesn't make sense. Ellesmere is to the west of Greenland, so this suggests that the four species came across the ice to the west shore of Greenland, continued over the glacier to the east side and died out on the west side. .     Jim. .  (Jameslwoodward)   (talk to me) 17:18, 20 December 2022 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 21 February 2023
Change the population of Greenland from 1.2 million to 56,000 (the correct number according to the source). Extraesthetic (talk) 17:04, 21 February 2023 (UTC)
 * ✅ Cullen328 (talk) 17:17, 21 February 2023 (UTC)

Jest.
Jjikkllljjlpk Nklllpllll — Preceding unsigned comment added by 5.43.78.247 (talk) 18:55, 27 May 2023 (UTC)

Edit Request
Hello. I would like to say that i think we should mention the border with Greenland and Canada. If there is already a mention of the border, please tell me. Source: https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2022/06/the-hans-island-peace-agreement-between-canada-denmark-and-greenland/ Bendymotions (talk) 19:34, 9 July 2023 (UTC)


 * Added it here. Included the maritime boundary CambridgeBayWeather (solidly non-human), Uqaqtuq (talk), Huliva 19:00, 17 July 2023 (UTC)

Improper and erroneous reference to Landnámabók (The Icelandic Book of Settlements)
"Similarly the Icelandic Book of Settlements records famines during the winters, in which "the old and helpless were killed and thrown over cliffs"."

The Book of Settlements records nothing of the kind. However, there is a humorous poke at remote and primitive farmers in Gautreks saga, where, besides not knowing the rules of hospitality, they engage in such outlandish behaviour as killing off their old and infirm by throwing them off cliffs, which most do voluntarily. This is the only recorded instance of such a custom in the literature and only indication that this was ever a custom. However, modern legends surrounding the Ætternisstapi have been growing for over two centuries now and permeating the popular imagination. EliasHalldor (talk) 12:06, 15 August 2023 (UTC)

Semi-protected edit request on 19 May 2023
Hello, I would like to suggest "the citizens of all these countries are citizens of Denmark and of the European Union.[15] " be changed to "the citizens of these countries are citizens of Denmark but not citizens of the European Union." source: https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/en/eu-information-centre/greenland-and-the-faroe-islands PSW-NM (talk) 07:50, 19 May 2023 (UTC)
 * Red information icon with gradient background.svg Not done: This is not correct. See this document: Relations between the EU and these OCTs - all 25 of which are islands scattered around the world’s oceans - are based on EU law rather than on the constitutional law of the EU country in question. OCT nationals are EU citizens. Tollens (talk) 17:12, 19 May 2023 (UTC)
 * In response to the comment left here removed for violating WP:NPA: I have corrected the error. When checking whether the requested replacement was factual (which it is not, as citizens of Greenland are also citizens of the EU), I didn't additionally check the factual accuracy of the existing content. Thank you for the correction. Tollens (talk) 19:04, 20 August 2023 (UTC)