Greenland is the world's largest island (2.166.086 km2). With a population of roughly 57.000, it is the least densely populated country in the world. The Greenlandic name Kalaallit Nunaat means "land of people". The north coast of Greenland is 710 km from the North Pole. Approximately 85% of the land is covered by ice. The huge ice sheet and the suprisingly low precipitation in large areas are reasons why Greenland has the third largest desert area in the world. The towns and settlements are free of ice during the summer time.