Greenland profile

Demography and Health

Greenland is home to a very small population, totaling about 56,836 people in 2024, ranking 200th by size among countries and territories. The demographic profile shows a modest natural increase: the crude birth rate in 2023 was 12.6 births per 1,000 people, while the crude death rate was 9.4 per 1,000, implying a natural growth of roughly 3.2 per 1,000 residents. When combined with net migration, which in 2024 recorded a negative 284 people, the overall population growth is restrained and could be negative if out-migration persists, especially given the small base population where even small absolute movements matter. Life expectancy at birth stood at 71.5 years in 2023, indicating relatively average longevity by global standards and potentially reflecting healthcare access and public health conditions within the territory. These numbers together hint at a population that grows slowly, with natural increase tempered by out-migration pressures, and a life expectancy profile that underscores ongoing health challenges common to remote northern regions. The birth rate is not exceptionally high, suggesting continued stabilization rather than rapid population expansion, while mortality remains a critical factor shaping demographic dynamics. In context, Greenland’s demographic trajectory implies focus on retaining residents and attracting skilled workforce to counterbalance out-migration, while sustaining health services capable of serving a dispersed and geographically challenging landscape.

Economy

Gre­­enland’s economic portrait is underscored by a very high per-capita income, with GDP per capita estimated at 58,499 current US dollars in 2023 and a purchasing power parity (PPP) per capita of 78,841 international dollars. These figures place Greenland among the higher ranks for per-capita wealth, reflecting the outsized contribution of a small population and the presence of high-value sectors, as well as substantial public-sector spending. The economy appears to be highly capital-intense on a per-person basis, which can translate into high living standards even if total GDP is modest in absolute terms due to population size. The country also ranks well on PPP terms (around 12th), indicating that the cost of living and real purchasing capacity per resident is favorable relative to many peers. The export orientation of the economy is evident, with exports of goods and services accounting for 40.8% of GDP in 2023, suggesting a meaningful contribution from export-oriented activities, potentially in natural resources or specialized services. This export share sits alongside a dependency on imports for the vast majority of goods, as imports of goods and services represented 51.1% of GDP in the same year, implying a trade pattern where imports exceed exports as a share of the domestic economy, reinforcing the sense of Greenland as a small, open economy that relies on foreign goods and services for consumer needs and capital goods. The gap between export and import shares points to a trade balance that, relative to GDP, trends toward a deficit, and this pattern has implications for exchange rate dynamics, capital flows, and the policy space available to support growth and employment in a context of limited domestic exposure to large-scale manufacturing. Overall, Greenland’s economy blends high per-capita income with openness to international trade, underpinned by a small, specialized economy where external sector dynamics and public sector activity shape the macroeconomic environment.

Trade and Investment

The trade profile reveals a dual structure: substantial exports relative to GDP (40.8% in 2023) indicate productive sectors that reach international markets, while imports absorb a somewhat larger share of GDP (51.1% in 2023), signaling reliance on foreign goods and inputs for consumption and investment. This arrangement is typical of small, remote economies where domestic production cannot fully meet demand, and where specialized or capital-intensive sectors drive external trade. The difference between export and import shares—roughly a 10 percentage point gap—suggests a net external demand orientation, but with a notable import footprint that shapes the terms of trade and inflationary pressures, especially given Greenland’s geographic constraints and transport costs. The high per-capita income, alongside these trade shares, implies that foreign trade and investment play a crucial role in delivering goods and services to residents and in supporting capital formation, while the small population naturally constrains scale economies and diversification. Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows are not detailed here, but the governance indicators and the small, open economy context imply that investment decisions are likely sensitive to macro stability, regulatory foundations, and access to capital. In planning terms, trade and investment strategies that emphasize value-added exports, efficiency in imports, and targeted investment in infrastructure could help enhance resilience, reduce reliance on external supply chains, and sustain high living standards for residents.

Governance and Institutions

Greenland displays a governance profile characterized by solid political stability and credible legal and regulatory frameworks. The Political Stability and Absence of Violence/Terrorism indicator for 2023 is 1.5 with a rank of 4, signaling a high level of stability relative to many peers. Regulatory Quality stands at 1.21 (rank 26), and Rule of Law is stronger at 1.68 (rank 11), indicating a robust enforcement environment and predictable legal processes for individuals and businesses. Control of Corruption is measured at 1.03 (rank 32), and Government Effectiveness at 0.764 (rank 43), suggesting that while governance is generally effective and rules are applied consistently, there remains a degree of variability in administrative performance and public sector outcomes. Taken together, these indicators portray Greenland as a jurisdiction with relatively stable political conditions and strong rule-of-law characteristics, which provide a conducive environment for investment, entrepreneurship, and long-term planning. The mix of governance strengths and some room for improvement in regulatory execution or public administration hints at opportunities to further enhance government services, reduce bureaucratic frictions, and improve efficiency in delivering public goods. For residents and international partners, this governance profile supports confidence in policy continuity, the enforcement of contracts, and the provision of transparent institutions necessary for a compact but open economy.

Infrastructure and Technology

In infrastructure and technology terms, Greenland’s energy and environmental indicators reveal both opportunities and constraints. Renewable energy consumption accounts for 11.7% of total final energy consumption in 2022, indicating that renewables contribute a meaningful but not dominant share of the energy mix. This suggests scope for expanding renewable capacity, improving energy security, and potentially reducing energy costs over time through diversification of generation sources. Total greenhouse gas emissions per capita, excluding LULUCF, stand at 11.4 t CO2e per person in 2023, a figure that reflects emissions intensity in a remote and cold climate where transport and heating are energy-intensive. The combination of a modest renewable share and relatively high per-capita emissions underscores the potential gains from accelerating clean energy deployment, efficiency measures, and sustainable infrastructure development. The governance and institutional strengths noted above—especially Rule of Law and Political Stability—can support investments in technology-driven infrastructure projects, including upgraded grid systems, electrification of remote communities, and digital connectivity, all of which are essential for modern services, education, and healthcare. Given Greenland’s small and dispersed population, emphasis on cost-effective, scalable technologic solutions could yield outsized benefits in service delivery and resilience against harsh environmental conditions.

Environment and Sustainability

Environmental indicators highlight a nuanced sustainability profile. The per-capita greenhouse gas emissions of 11.4 t CO2e (excluding LULUCF) place Greenland in a range that is modest by global standards but still notable given its climate commitments and remote geography. The 11.7% renewable energy share of total final energy consumption (2022) signals that renewables contribute to—but do not dominate—the energy system, implying a potential for further decarbonization through expansion of hydropower, wind, or other clean energy sources and energy efficiency measures. The combination of environmental performance with a high standard of living and open economy suggests opportunities to pursue more ambitious climate actions, including investments in low-emission technologies and infrastructure that supports decarbonization of heating, transport, and industry. Greenland’s small population and stable governance help create a favorable context for implementing targeted environmental policies and development projects, while its geographic and logistical realities—such as remote settlements and limited domestic production—call for tailored strategies that balance resilience, affordability, and environmental stewardship. In sum, Greenland’s environmental trajectory presents a credible path toward greater sustainability if policy makers prioritize scalable renewables, energy efficiency, and low-carbon infrastructure alongside continued protection of natural resources and biodiversity.