Why Are We Even Asking This?

Every now and then, the idea of the United States purchasing or acquiring Greenland pops up in the news. It's not a new concept - the US has tried before! But should it happen? Let's ask the Magic 8 Ball... or just look at some facts.

836K Square miles of Greenland

56K Population of Greenland

1814 Year Denmark got Greenland

80% Covered by ice sheet

Did you know? In 1946, the US offered Denmark $100 million in gold for Greenland. Denmark politely declined. The offer was never seriously considered by the Danish government.

A Brief History of US Interest in Greenland

1867: The First Attempt

Shortly after purchasing Alaska from Russia, Secretary of State William Seward explored the possibility of acquiring Greenland and Iceland. The idea didn't gain traction, but it showed early American interest in Arctic territories.

1946: The $100 Million Offer

After World War II, during which the US had established military bases in Greenland, President Harry Truman's administration offered Denmark $100 million in gold for the island. Denmark, which had just been liberated from Nazi occupation, declined. The Danish foreign minister reportedly found the offer "preposterous."

2019: The Tweet Heard 'Round the World

The topic resurfaced dramatically when it was reported that the US administration was exploring the idea of purchasing Greenland. Denmark's Prime Minister called the idea "absurd," and Greenland's foreign minister stated the island was "not for sale."

Fun fact: Greenland has been self-governing since 2009, with Denmark handling foreign affairs and defense. Greenlanders have their own parliament and control most domestic policies.

About Greenland

Greenland is a fascinating place with a rich culture and unique geography. Here are some things you might not know:

It's the world's largest island (that isn't a continent). Australia is bigger, but it's classified as a continent.
Most of it is ice. The Greenland ice sheet is the second-largest ice body in the world, after Antarctica.
It's not very green. Viking explorer Erik the Red named it "Greenland" as a marketing ploy to attract settlers. Iceland, ironically, is much greener.
The indigenous Inuit people have lived there for over 4,500 years and make up about 88% of the population.
It's rich in natural resources including rare earth minerals, oil, gas, and uranium - which is partly why it attracts geopolitical interest.
The capital, Nuuk, has a population of about 19,000 - making it one of the world's smallest capitals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Magic 8 Ball rigged?

The Magic 8 Ball has consulted with international law experts, the Danish government, the people of Greenland, and basic common sense. It has concluded that its answers are 100% accurate and definitely not predetermined in any way whatsoever.

Has any country ever sold territory like this?

Yes! The US purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million (about 2 cents per acre), and the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803 doubled the size of the country. However, modern international norms generally frown upon buying and selling inhabited territories without the consent of their populations.

What do Greenlanders think about this?

Polls have consistently shown that Greenlanders are not interested in becoming part of the United States. Many are focused on the possibility of full independence from Denmark, which they could pursue through a referendum. They'd prefer to decide their own future, thank you very much.

Why is Greenland strategically important?

Greenland sits in a strategically vital location for Arctic shipping routes, early warning radar systems, and military operations. The US already operates Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) there under an agreement with Denmark. Climate change is also making Arctic resources more accessible, increasing the region's geopolitical importance.

Could the US just... take it?

That would be called an invasion, which tends to be frowned upon in the international community, especially when the target is territory belonging to a NATO ally. Denmark is a founding member of NATO, so this would essentially mean the US attacking itself, alliance-wise. The Magic 8 Ball says: "Don't even think about it."