Nuuk, Greenland, Among Cities With The Longest Fasting Duration During Ramadan

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - During Ramadan, every Muslim is obligated to fast from dawn until sunset. Naturally,  depending on their location, the duration of fasting in each city around the globe is different.

Muslims who live in higher latitudes have to fast longer. One of the cities with the longest fasting duration is Nuuk, Greenland. As Aljazeera reported, the city requires Muslims to fast for 16 hours during Ramadan this year.

In addition to the longest fasting duration, Nuuk, Greenland, also has other interesting facts. Here are some interesting facts about one of the cities with the longest fasting duration, namely:

1. The Northernmost Capital City in the World

Greenland is a constituent country of the Kingdom of Denmark, and the country's government is based in Nuuk. As a result, Nuuk is the world's northernmost capital city of a constituent country. Nuuk is a few miles north of Reykjavik, Iceland, the world's northernmost capital of an independent sovereign state.

2. Cities Powered by Renewable Energy

Some of the world's most remote communities typically rely on diesel generators to power their homes. However, Nuuk is a town whose most of its energy needs are met by the Buksefjord hydroelectric power plant.

3. Cultural Center Inspired by the Northern Lights

Nuuk's most famous cultural center, Katuaq, has a modern architectural style. The center, clad in undulating wooden screens, was inspired by the aurora borealis, a common sight in Nuuk's skies every winter night.

4. First shopping center opened in 2012

Nuuk opened its first shopping center in 2012, the largest building in Greenland. The Nuuk Center has two floors of shop space and eight floors of office space.

5. Home to Greenland's Oldest Building

According to Forbes, in 1721, Norwegian missionary Hans Egged built a small house near the port of Nuuk. The building has survived more than three centuries and is considered to be the oldest house in Greenland. Today, the government uses the oldest building to host events.

6. Temperatures Below Freezing for Half the Year

Nuuk, the northernmost city, has average temperatures below freezing. As a result, Nuuk residents have to put up with average daily temperatures below freezing for six months of the year. Typically, the coldest months in Nuuk occur in January, February and March.

7. Fishing the Most Important Activity for the People of Nuuk

Normally, northern towns would always rely on financial support from Denmark. However, the fishing and seafood industry is an important contributor to Nuuk's economy. In fact, half of Greenland's fishing fleet is based in one of the longest fasting towns, Nuuk.

RACHEL FARAHDIBA REGAR 

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