Greenland holds the fascinating distinction of stretching farther east, west, north, and south than its neighboring island, Iceland, making it a unique geographical marvel. This extraordinary fact is rooted in the sheer size of Greenland, which is the largest island in the world, spanning over 2.16 million square kilometers, compared to Iceland’s relatively modest 103,000 square kilometers.

Greenland’s westernmost point, Cape Alexander, reaches farther west than Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula. To the east, Greenland’s Cape Nordostrundingen extends well beyond Iceland’s easternmost point near Gerpir. In the north, Greenland’s Kaffeklubben Island holds the title of the northernmost point of land on Earth, far surpassing Iceland’s northern limits at Rifstangi. Similarly, in the south, Greenland’s Cape Farewell extends farther into the North Atlantic than Iceland’s southernmost point at Kötlutangi.

This remarkable range is due not only to Greenland’s vast size but also to its position straddling the Arctic. Its territory stretches across both the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, giving it a greater reach in all directions. In contrast, Iceland, while geologically unique and located at the boundary of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, is much smaller and more compact in its extent.

Greenland’s vast dimensions emphasize the stark difference between the two islands in terms of scale and geographic influence. This comparison highlights the incredible diversity of the North Atlantic region, showcasing how two neighboring islands can differ so dramatically in size, shape, and global positioning.