The referendum on the independence of Greenland

Abstract

Greenland is the world’s largest island, yet only about 55,000 people live there due to its harsh climate. This small population forms a close-knit and largely isolated community. Though Greenland gained sudden international attention when the United States (US) expressed interest in purchasing the territory, its journey toward potential independence had long deserved notice. A Danish colony from 1721 to 1953, Greenland has gradually moved toward self-governance and is now a partially independent part of the Kingdom of Denmark. It has its own parliament and government, and in recent decades has taken steps toward full sovereignty. Since 2009, Greenland has held the right to call a referendum on independence, suggesting a clear direction of increasing autonomy. However, renewed geopolitical interest – chiefly from the US – has made the issue more complex. The article investigates Greenland’s independence movement, the role of a possible referendum, and the implications for the island’s future.