Does Denmark Own Greenland,
Does Denmark own Greenland? That’s a pretty valid question, considering that Denmark’s actual land area is less than 50,000 square kilometers, but it still manages to be the second largest country in Europe. As it turns out, Greenland is one of Denmark’s territories.
While Greenland is autonomous to an extent, it’s neither independent nor sovereign. It can’t join international organizations like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) by itself but under the umbrella of Denmark. There is so much more to the connection between Greenland and Denmark, and we’ll explore it in this article.
Is Greenland Still Considered a Colony of the Kingdom of Denmark?
Greenland’s time as a colony under Denmark officially ended in 1953, but its history as a Danish territory stretches back centuries. The world’s largest island was first settled by Norse explorers like Erik the Red in 986. Fast forward to 1721. Hans Egede, a Danish-Norwegian missionary, arrived in Greenland. After the Treaty of Kiel in 1814, when Norway and Denmark parted ways, Greenland became fully part of Denmark.
For years, Greenland operated as a colony. The Inuit population, who had lived there for thousands of years, found themselves under a colonial administration driven by Copenhagen. Denmark prioritized its interests in the management of fishing, trading, and governance. Greenland’s Arctic geography and massive ice cap made it difficult to govern, but its strategic location in the North Atlantic kept it firmly in Denmark’s plans.
After World War II, Greenland’s significance grew, especially during the Cold War. NATO saw the Thule settlement as critical for defense purposes. In 1953, Denmark moved to end Greenland’s colonial status, making it part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenlanders gained Danish citizenship and representation in the Danish Parliament.
How the Self-Government Act Paved the Way for Home Rule in Greenland
Greenland’s road to home rule in 1979 was anything but easy. Back in the early 20th century, Norway decided to stake a claim on parts of Greenland. Naturally, this didn’t sit well with Denmark. The tension peaked in the 1933 Eastern Greenland Case, where the Permanent Court of International Justice stepped in. The court ultimately sided with Denmark, cementing its sovereignty over Greenland. This decision was a turning point for Greenland’s political future.
After securing Greenland legally, Denmark wasted no time strengthening its ties with the island. Denmark officially abolished Greenland’s colonial status in 1953. Instead of being a colony, it became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. This shift gave Greenland representation in the Danish Parliament and marked the start of a new chapter in the island’s governance.
By the 1970s, Greenlanders were ready for more. Calls for greater autonomy grew louder, leading to the creation of the Joint Greenland-Danish Home Rule Commission in 1975. This commission hammered out the details of what would become the Home Rule Act.
When the referendum came on January 17, 1979, Greenlanders made their stance clear. Over 70% voted in favor. Just a few months later, on May 1, 1979, Greenland officially gained home rule. This granted the island control over critical domestic affairs like education, health, fisheries, and the environment.
The Influence of the Self-Government Act
In the early 2000s, Greenlanders decided it was time to go beyond the limits of the Home Rule established in 1979. This push for more autonomy led to the formation of the Greenlandic-Danish Self-Government Commission, which drafted what would become the Self-Government Act. When the referendum rolled around in 2008, 75% of Greenlanders voted in favor of the act. It was a huge step toward self-determination for Greenland.
By June 21, 2009, the Self-Government Act was in place. It handed Greenland control over natural resources like mining, along with judicial affairs and policing. It also recognized Greenlanders as a distinct people under international law, affirming their right to self-determination. This elevated Greenland’s position as part of the Kingdom of Denmark while giving it a firmer footing on the path to greater autonomy.
The Act went much further than the Home Rule of 1979, which was mostly about domestic governance. It allowed Greenland to gradually take on more policy areas, like managing fisheries and tourism, as its government became equipped to handle them. On top of that, it set the stage for economic independence, enabling Greenland to fully leverage its rich mineral resources and thriving fishery industries.
Furthermore, the Act included a provision for any move toward full independence from Denmark. It required a referendum among Greenlanders, ensuring that such a monumental decision would reflect the will of the people. This framework supported Greenland’s political and cultural aspirations while maintaining its ties to Denmark through the Kingdom’s ceremonial monarch and shared foreign and security policies.
Greenland Today
Greenland’s cultural roots are still linked to the Thule culture, which emerged around 982 AD. The Thule people were skilled hunters, focusing on seals and whales. Many of their practices are still adopted in Greenland today.
Whaling has long been central to Greenland’s way of life. In 2021, the Sermersooq municipal council banned humpback whale hunting in the Nuuk fjord to encourage tourism. While not an EU member, Greenland still has agreements allowing EU vessels to fish in Greenlandic waters.
As a member of the Nordic Council, Greenland works with other Nordic countries on cultural, economic, and political matters. In northwest Greenland, during the Cold War, the United States established the Thule Air Base, which still contributes to defense and security policies today.
Archaeological studies show that the Thule culture’s reliance on whaling impacted local ecosystems, particularly around ancient settlements. Greenland’s natural reserves have untapped potential for hydrogen production and provide opportunities for economic growth alongside traditional industries like fishing and tourism.
Geography of Greenland, the Largest Non-continental Island in the World
Greenland, the world’s largest island, lies between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Though it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, its geography aligns more closely with the North American continent. Greenland is a land of extremes, characterized by immense ice caps, scattered settlements, and an extensive, jagged coastline.
The Greenland Ice Cap is central to the island’s geography. Covering around 80% of the landmass, it is the second-largest ice body in the world, after Antarctica. This colossal frozen expanse hosts glaciers that descend toward the ocean. These glaciers form deep fjords, some of the most dramatic in the world. Gunnbjørn Fjeld, Greenland’s highest peak at 3,694 meters, stands tall as a striking feature in this icy landscape.
Greenland boasts a coastline that stretches approximately 44,000 kilometers. It is fragmented and rugged, with numerous fjords like Scoresby Sund. These fjords are some of the deepest and longest globally, slicing into the island with precision. The shores are active and ever-changing as icebergs break away from glaciers and drift into the ocean.
Only the ice-free coastal regions support human habitation. Nuuk, located on the southwest coast, is Greenland’s capital and its largest settlement. It serves as the island’s political and cultural hub. The population consists of Greenlandic Inuit and Danes. Greenlandic is the official language of those in Greenland.
Greenland’s geography is undergoing significant changes due to climate change. Areas hidden for millennia are becoming visible due to the shrinking ice cap. This transformation has opened up opportunities in fishing, mining, and tourism. However, it also raises concerns about rising sea levels and the fragile polar environment.
Why Is Greenland’s Capital Nuuk and Not Copenhagen?
Nuuk is Greenland’s capital because it is the administrative and political center of Greenland, not Denmark. While Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it operates with self-governance under its own government. Nuuk houses the Greenland government, making it the logical choice.
Founded in 1728 by Hans Egede, a Norwegian-Danish missionary, Nuuk represents Greenland’s autonomy and identity. It is strategically located on the southwest shore, central to Greenland’s administrative functions.
Greenland’s self-governance means that Nuuk, not Copenhagen, is the operational capital for Greenland today. Denmark oversees foreign and security policy, but Nuuk remains the focal point of Greenland’s autonomy.
Does the Greenlandic Region Include the Faroe Islands?
The Greenlandic region refers solely to Greenland itself, which is the world’s largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Greenland operates as an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, governed by its own parliament and local administration.
The Faroe Islands, by contrast, are a separate archipelago of 18 islands situated in the North Atlantic, between Norway and Iceland. Like Greenland, the Faroe Islands are also an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with their own parliament and governance structures.
So, does the Greenlandic region include the Faroe Islands? No, it doesn’t. These two territories, while both part of the Kingdom of Denmark, are entirely distinct and independently governed regions.
Does Denmark Own Greenland? Final Thoughts
Yes, Denmark owns Greenland for now. In 2024, Greenland indicated that it was aiming to achieve independence from Denmark. Until then, the island will remain a Danish territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Greenland owned by Denmark?
Greenland came under Danish control during the 18th century when it was colonized by the Danish-Norwegian Kingdom. Fast forward to 1953, Greenland’s colonial status was abolished, and it became an official part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Since then, Greenlanders have held Danish citizenship.
Who runs the country of Greenland?
Greenland runs most of its own domestic affairs through its government, the Naalakkersuisut. Denmark, however, still handles foreign affairs and defense for the territory.
Are Greenlanders Danish citizens?
Yes, they are. Greenlanders were granted Danish citizenship in 1953, which means they can move freely between Greenland and Denmark.
Does Greenland get money from Denmark?
Yes, Denmark sends Greenland an annual block grant of DKK 3.9 billion (roughly USD 511 million). This funding makes up about 20% of Greenland’s GDP and covers more than half of its public budget.
Which language do they speak in Greenland?
The official language is Greenlandic (Kalaallisut), but people also speak Danish widely. English is also commonly understood.
Does Greenland have passports?
Yes. Greenlanders carry Danish passports since they are Danish citizens. Danish authorities issue these passports for international travel.
Who is the king of Greenland?
Greenland doesn’t have its own king. As part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it recognizes the Danish monarch as its head of state. Currently, that’s King Frederik X, who took the throne in January 2024 after Queen Margrethe II abdicated.
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