The modern town of Qaqortoq (pronounced Quacker Tock) was founded in 1774 and was originally named Julianhab after the then queen of Denmark. The current population is about 3,200 souls making it the fourth largest in Greenland.In common with the rest of the country, Qaqortoq is not connected to any other town by a road system. Travel can be conducted by ATV in the summer time and snowmobile at other times. Beyond that, boats and helicopters rule. As was the case in 1774, seal-skins are the core economic product and most of these go to Denmark.
In the late 20th century the Greenland artist Aka Hoegh started a project to produce an open air art gallery by sculpting rocks around the area. Many of these can be seen when strolling in town. The town is also home to Greenland's oldest fountain, built in 1932 and showing whales spouting water from their blowholes.
Unemployment is perennially high in the region and although the Qaqortoq economy is enhanced a little by tourism, fishing and government administrative services, the area remains heavily dependent on block grants from Denmark.
Additional images here.
No comments:
Post a Comment