'Erik the Red' was a famous Greenlander who made Greenland his home about 1000 years ago. His name might have come from the colour of his hair and beard, or possibly because of his bad temper.

Why is Greenland a very hard place to live?

Greenland is a very hard place to live because of the cold.

Study Notes

Greenland's Geography and Climate

Greenland is a large island located in the far north of the world.
The climate is extremely harsh and cold, with even the warmest summer days feeling like a cool winter's day in England.
During the summer months, the sun remains above the horizon, providing constant daylight.

Population and Settlement

The south coast of Greenland is the warmest part of the island, and most Greenlanders reside there.
Despite the harsh climate, people have attempted to inhabit Greenland throughout history, but many found it too challenging to live there.

Erik the Red

Erik the Red was a famous Greenlander who lived on the island around 1000 years ago.
Erik's nickname might have originated from his red hair and beard or his temper.
He was sent away from his home in Iceland and sailed to a large, uninhabited ice-covered island, which he made his home.
Prior to Erik's arrival, the island had no name and no inhabitants.

Greenland Geography Quiz: Test your knowledge of the world's largest island, its extreme weather, unique daylight patterns, and the challenges of living in this remote Arctic region.