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.
