Greenland

Greenland Latest News

US Vice President JD Vance landed in Greenland amid renewed calls from President Donald Trump to assert control over the territory.

About Greenland

• Geographical location: North Atlantic Ocean, between North America and Europe
• Capital: Nuuk
• Highest point: Gunnbjørn’s Fjeld
• Climate: Arctic climate, with temperatures ranging from -50°C in winter to 10–15°C in summer
• Natural resources: Minerals, oil, gas, and rare earth elements
• Strategic importance: Pituffik Space Base is crucial for US missile defense systems
• Historical and Political background: Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark but holds strategic significance due to its location between North America and Europe.
  • The island was a Danish colony until 1979, when it gained home rule; in 2009, it achieved self-governing status, but foreign policy, defense, and monetary matters remain under Denmark’s control.

US Interests in Greenland

• Strategic military location: The Pituffik Space Base is crucial for the US ballistic missile warning system due to its position along the shortest route between North America and Europe.
  • The 1951 Agreement allows the US access to the base but requires prior notification to Greenland and Denmark.
• Natural resources and economic interests: Greenland is rich in minerals, oil, and natural gas, including rare earth minerals, which are vital for US economic and technological interests.
  • Despite this, most mining companies operating in Greenland are Australian, Canadian, or British.
• US attempts to acquire Greenland: In 2019, Trump proposed to buy Greenland from Denmark, but the offer was rejected.
  • In 2025, Trump reaffirmed his belief that the US should control Greenland, arguing it is strategically and economically necessary.

Greenland FAQs

Q1. Where is Greenland located?
Ans. Greenland is the world’s largest island, located in the Arctic region, between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, and is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Q2. Why is Greenland important for climate change studies?
Ans. Greenland’s ice sheet is melting rapidly due to global warming, contributing to rising sea levels and affecting global climate patterns.

Q3. What natural resources are found in Greenland?
Ans. Greenland is rich in rare earth minerals, uranium, iron ore, oil, and gas, making it strategically important for global energy and technology sectors.

Source: IE