Despite the political pressure, the population is showing considerable resilience, not least through a strong commitment to culture and nature.
The study from this year compared to 2018 and 2025 indicates a significant decline in quality of life. 31% show direct symptoms of psychological unhappiness, while 82% are affected by worry in everyday life.
This is shown by a study prepared by the Center for Public Health in collaboration with Ilisimatusarfik.
The study also shows that many citizens experience increased nervousness, unrest and sadness as a result of the international attention on Greenland. Several report sleep problems and difficulty concentrating, and a widespread feeling of anger characterizes the picture – particularly linked to the experience of a lack of respect.
The survey highlights that citizens fear for their children's future and the country's security, which has resulted in some expressing thoughts of leaving the country.
- It is important that we remember citizens when external pressure is high. This survey helps give citizens a voice, and it is clear that the impact is great among those who have participated in the survey. We must not forget that when the attention subsides. Because it is an impact that can have an impact on citizens' well-being for many years to come, says Ingelise Olesen, research coordinator at the Center for Public Health in Greenland and Ilisimatusarfik.
How Greenland has withstood the pressure
The survey also asked citizens how they actively handle external pressure.
Many seek out nature and use the landscape as a form of mental and emotional recovery. Others find strength in community through conversations with family and friends and participation in meaningful activities.
Some also consciously choose to limit their consumption of news and social media to shield themselves from the constant flow of information. At the same time, culture and faith are highlighted as important points of reference that provide calm and anchoring in a time of unrest.
- Mental health is crucial for our common resilience as a society. When we experience external pressure, it is more important than ever that we stand together and look after each other. The survey confirms the knowledge we already have about what promotes health and well-being here.
- The strong unity, our culture, our nature and our communities play a central role in our resilience. It is something we must be proud of, protect and develop, so that we stand strong now and in the future, even when the pressure from outside is great, says Naalakkersuisoq for Health and People with Disabilities Anna Wangenheim (D).
Survey details
The survey was conducted in the period from January 28 to February 16, 2026 as an online questionnaire and serves as a supplementary survey to the Population Survey 2024–2026.
A total of 308 citizens participated, with an average age of 48 years, of which 60 percent are women. The responses cover a broad geographical area, although with a preponderance from Nuuk.
