strative divisions: 3 districts (landsdele); Avannaa
(Nordgronland), Tunu (Ostgronland), Kitaa (Vestgronland)

Independence: none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark;
self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since
1979)

National holiday: Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940)

Constitution: 5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)

Legal system: Danish

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January
1972), represented by High Commissioner Gunnar MARTENS (since NA
1995)
head of government: Prime Minister Jonathan MOTZFELDT (since NA
September 1997)
cabinet: Landsstyre is formed from the Parliament on the basis of
the strength of parties
elections: the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by
the monarch; prime minister is elected by the Parliament (usually
the leader of the majority party); election last held 11 March 1999
(next to be held NA 2003)
election results: Jonathan MOTZFELDT reelected prime minister;
percent of parliamentary vote--23 out of 31 votes

Legislative branch: unicameral Parliament or Landsting (31 seats;
members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional
representation to serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 17 February 1999 (next to be held by NA 2003)
election results: percent of vote by party--Siumut 35.2%, Inuit
Ataqatigiit 22%, Atassut Party 25.2%, Candidates' League 12.3%;
seats by party--Siumut 11, Atassut Party 8, Inuit Ataqatigiit 7,
Candidates' League 4, independent 1
note: 2 representatives were elected to the Danish Parliament or
Folketing on NA March 1998 (next to be held by NA 2002); percent of
vote by party--Siumut 35.6%, Atassut 35.2%; seats by party--Siumut 1,
Atassut 1; Greenlandic representatives are affiliated with Danish
political parties

Judicial branch: High Court or Landsret

Political parties and leaders: two-party ruling coalition; Siumut
(Forward Party, a moderate socialist party that advocates more
distinct Greenlandic identity and greater autonomy from Denmark)
Brotherhood, a Marxist-Leninist party that favors complete
Atassut Party (Solidarity, a more conservative party that favors

International organization participation: NC, NIB

Diplomatic representation in the US: none (self-governing
overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Diplomatic representation from the