Is Greenland on the Path to Becoming a Part of the USA and What Would It Cost?

Greenland has long captured global attention due to its vast natural resources, strategic location, and unique political status. The idea of Greenland becoming part of the United States has surfaced repeatedly, especially after high-profile discussions about the U.S. potentially purchasing the island. But how realistic is this idea? Could Greenland actually become part of the USA, and if so, what would it cost? This post explores these questions by examining Greenland’s political status, historical precedents, strategic value, and the financial implications of such a transaction.

Greenland’s icy coastline and rugged terrain

Greenland’s Political Status and Relationship with Denmark

Greenland is the world’s largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. While Greenland governs most of its domestic affairs, Denmark controls its foreign policy and defense. This arrangement gives Greenland a unique semi-independent status but not full sovereignty.

Greenland’s population is around 56,000 people, mostly Inuit, and its economy relies heavily on fishing, subsidies from Denmark, and emerging mining interests. The island’s government has expressed interest in greater independence, but full independence remains a complex and distant goal due to economic and logistical challenges.

For Greenland to become part of the USA, Denmark would have to agree to transfer sovereignty, and Greenland’s people would likely need to approve such a move through a referendum. This makes the process politically complicated and unprecedented in modern times.

Historical Context: The U.S. Buying Land

The United States has a history of purchasing large territories from other countries. The most famous example is the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, when the U.S. bought approximately 828,000 square miles from France for $15 million (about $340 million in today’s dollars). Another example is the Alaska Purchase from Russia in 1867, where the U.S. acquired Alaska for $7.2 million (roughly $140 million today).

These purchases were driven by strategic interests and the desire to expand the country’s territory. Greenland, however, is much larger than either Louisiana or Alaska, spanning over 836,000 square miles, and its geopolitical context is very different.

Strategic Importance of Greenland to the USA

Greenland’s location makes it strategically valuable. It sits between North America and Europe and is close to the Arctic, a region gaining importance due to climate change and new shipping routes. The U.S. already maintains a military presence in Greenland through Thule Air Base, which is critical for missile warning and space surveillance.

The island’s natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and gas, add to its appeal. As global demand for these resources grows, Greenland’s economic and strategic value increases.

Despite this, the U.S. government has not made any official moves toward purchasing Greenland. In 2019, a proposal to buy Greenland was publicly discussed but quickly dismissed by Denmark and Greenland’s leaders as unrealistic and inappropriate.

How Much Would It Cost to Buy Greenland?

Estimating the cost of buying Greenland is challenging because it involves more than just the land’s size. The price would depend on political negotiations, Greenland’s economic value, and compensation for Denmark and Greenland’s people.

Using historical land purchases as a rough guide, the price could be astronomical. For example:

• Alaska was purchased for about $140 million in today’s dollars for 586,000 square miles.

• Greenland is about 1.4 times larger than Alaska.

  
  

If the price scaled linearly by size, Greenland could cost around $200 million to $300 million. However, this estimate ignores Greenland’s strategic importance, resource potential, and political complexities, which could drive the price much higher.

Some analysts suggest the cost could reach into the billions of dollars, especially if the deal includes infrastructure investments, economic aid, and compensation for Greenland’s autonomy.

Challenges Beyond the Price Tag

Even if the U.S. were willing to pay billions, several challenges remain:

• Political Consent: Denmark and Greenland must agree. Greenland’s government has shown a strong preference for autonomy rather than becoming part of another country.

• Legal and Diplomatic Issues: International law and treaties would come into play, requiring complex negotiations.

• Cultural and Social Factors: Greenlanders have a distinct culture and identity. Any change in sovereignty would need to respect their rights and wishes.

• Environmental Concerns: Greenland’s fragile Arctic environment requires careful management, which could complicate any transfer of control.

  
  

What Would Becoming Part of the USA Mean for Greenland?

If Greenland became part of the United States, it would likely become a U.S. territory or state. This would bring changes such as:

• U.S. federal laws and regulations applying to Greenland.

• Potential economic development through U.S. investment.

• Increased military presence and infrastructure.

• Changes in citizenship status for Greenland’s residents.

  
  

However, it could also mean loss of some local control and cultural challenges as Greenland integrates into a larger political system.

Thule Air Base in Greenland with Arctic landscape

Final Thoughts

Greenland becoming part of the USA remains a highly unlikely scenario. The political, legal, cultural, and financial hurdles are significant. While the island’s strategic and resource value makes it attractive, the complexities of sovereignty and the wishes of Greenland’s people are decisive factors.

The idea of buying Greenland is more a topic of speculation than a practical plan. For now, Greenland will likely continue its path of increasing autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark, while maintaining close ties with the United States and other countries.

For those interested in geopolitics and Arctic affairs, Greenland’s future will remain a fascinating story to watch. The island’s role in global strategy and climate change will only grow, regardless of its political status.