Greenland
Why it Matters?
French Foreign Minister has declared any outside interference in Greenland unacceptable during the visit to autonomous Danish territory. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed interest in controlling Greenland and reports surfaced of three Americans conducting influence operations there.
What You Should Know?
Greenland is the world’s largest island, with an area of about 2.16 million sq km.
It is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but enjoys wide autonomy since 1979, which was further enhanced by the 2009 Self-Government Act.
Its capital is Nuuk.
Geographically, it lies between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, giving it high strategic value.
The United States maintains the Thule Air Base in Greenland, which is important for missile warning and space monitoring.
Around 80 percent of Greenland is covered by the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Its melting contributes significantly to global sea-level rise and accounts for about 20 percent of the current rise.
Greenland is rich in rare earth minerals, uranium, oil, and gas reserves.
The island has a small population of about 56,000 people, most of whom are Inuit (Eskimos).
Denmark still controls Greenland’s foreign policy, security, and monetary policy, though Greenland manages most domestic affairs.
Greenland also has representation in the Danish Parliament.