Danish youth lack knowledge about Faroe Islands and Greenland, reveals study

A recent report concerning the youth in the Kingdom of Denmark reveals that Danish youths have limited knowledge about the Faroe Islands and Greenland. The study, conducted by the Danish Youth Council (DUF), surveyed young individuals from the three countries within the kingdom.

The findings indicate a significant gap in awareness and perceptions among these youths.

Fifteen percent of the Danish respondents claim to know nothing about the Faroe Islands, while 32 percent report a similar lack of knowledge regarding Greenland. In contrast, none of the respondents from the Faroe Islands stated they lack knowledge about Denmark, with the percentage at zero. Additionally, seven percent of Greenlandic youths also reported little to no knowledge of Denmark.

When asked about their sense of connection to each other, 66 percent of Danish youths acknowledged they feel little or no connection to youths from the Faroe Islands, and the figure is 71 percent concerning Greenlandic youths. In comparison, youngsters from the Faroe Islands believe they share a certain connection with Danes, whereas Greenlanders report having no connection with Danes or Faroese.

Christine Ravn Lund, chair of DUF, emphasized that a good partnership within the kingdom relies on mutual knowledge of each other’s history and cultures. She expressed concern that it is unacceptable for knowledge to only flow one way—from the Faroese and Greenlandic youths to Denmark—suggesting this could foster misconceptions and negatively affect collaboration.

Despite the lack of knowledge, the study indicates that Danish youths hold fewer prejudices against Faroese and Greenlandic people than the general Danish population or media portrayals. This survey is the first of its kind, according to the Danish Youth Council. The results will be presented at the North Atlantic Bridge in Copenhagen later today.