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As the world’s largest island, Greenland lies near Canada and is a self-governing territory dominated by
the Danish government. Greenland with its remote location has attracted international interest because of its
strategic position and natural resources. The island has a small population with a mix of Eskimo and
Scandinavian heritage and most of them reside on the southwest coast. Over the past decades, there is a growing
movement toward greater autonomy and self-determination, even though Danish is taught in schools and many
Greenlanders belong to the Lutheran Church. Apparently, modernization results in urban migration and
growing infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and industries.
In the past, Greenland has experienced several waves of inhabitants. It started with Eskimo hunters around
2000 B.C. which was followed by Icelandic settlers in 982 A.D. These settlers established farming
communities, but both climate change and Eskimo migrations caused them to become extinct by the 1400s. In
the 1200s, Greenland’s residents swore loyalty to the Norwegian king, and then this region became a Danish
colony after Norway’s final union with Denmark. During the World War II, when Denmark was occupied by
Germany, the U.S. was permitted to build air bases in Greenland in order to protect North Atlantic trade routes.
After the war, Denmark continued to maintain the U.S. military presence, further emphasizing Greenland’s
important role.
Overall, the economy in Greenland is influenced by fishing, particularly cod, in addition to sheep farming
and mineral extraction. The region has drawn international interest in its abundant resources, such as rare earth
minerals and potential oil reserves. On account of climate change, the melting Arctic ice increases Greenland’s
economic potential by opening new shipping routes and making previously distant resources more accessible.
However, the harsh Arctic conditions still impact daily life, because most of the land is covered by a thick ice
cap; therefore, only coastal areas are habitable for human beings. Wildlife, such as polar bears and reindeer,
may thrive in the region’s extreme environment before global warming gets worse.
Recently, Greenland has been caught in a clash of superpowers. In 2019, the U.S. President Donald Trump
proposed purchasing Greenland, which highlighted its military significance and potential resources. Such a
proposal underlined ongoing competition among global powers for more influence in the Arctic, while the
Danish government firmly rejected the offer. In 2025, Trump took action again by proposing economic and
political measures to strengthen American ties with Greenland. Trump’s ambitious action has caused
diplomatic tensions, as Denmark reaffirmed Greenland’s sovereignty and simultaneously Greenlandic leaders
continue to seek more autonomy. At the same time, other global players such as Russia and China are
increasing their presence in the Arctic, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in Greenland.