SeaWayBLOG: Greenland, between sovereignty and glacial retreat

Image courtesy of Science

Greenland while being the world's largest island that is not a continent, is as well the least densely populated country in the world with just 57000 inhabitants on an area of more than two millions squared kilometres, That means that each person "has" 40 km2 just for himself...

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Nevertheless Greenland has recently got everybody's attention for two main reasons:
First of all it's probably the place where global warming consequencies are more evident: the melting of the massive ice sheet that covered the island is quickly changing the look of greenland, bringing dreadful effects on this delicate habitat and changing dramatically the life and habits of its inhabitants; A change that involve everybody, from Inuit people to the polar bears.

REUTERS/Bob Strong

The other reason of the sudden fame of this wonderful land is that after almost 300 years under Danish rule, the island has just taken a big step toward sovereignty. Greenland passed a referendum last year requesting more powers from Copenhagen, and it was granted, taking effect on June 21st, 2009.

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Internationally, on 21 June 2009, Greenland assumed self-determination with responsibility for self-government of judicial affairs, policing, and natural resources. Also, Greenlanders were recognized as a separate people under international law. Denmark maintains control of finances, foreign affairs, and defense. It is a step towards full independence from Danish rule. Greenlandic became the official language of Greenland at the historic ceremony.