On June 21, 2009, Greenland gains self rule from Denmark. Greenland came under Danish rule in the 17th century as the union of Denmark-Norway moved to reassert its claim to the region, citing earlier Norse settlements that had failed in the 14th-15th centuries. While originally a Norwegian territory, Norway was forced to give up much of its claimed territories when the union with Denmark was dissolved in the Treaty of Kiel in 1814. However, Norway continued to claim and occupied the uninhabited eastern part of Greenland in 1931 until an international court sided in favor of Denmark a few years later.

In April 1940, Nazi Germany invaded and occupied the nation of Denmark. At the same time, the United States occupied Greenland to prevent a possible invasion by Germany and would continue to occupy Greenland into 1945. Meanwhile, Greenland continued to manage its own affairs and conduct trade with the US and Canada on its own. After the war was over, the US offered to purchase Greenland from the Danish government but the offer was declined. The government of Greenland also recommended gradual change to the relationship between Greenland and Denmark.

In 1953, a new Danish constitution removed Greenland's colonial status and brought it in as a county of Denmark and granted Danish citizenship to Greenlanders. However, the Danish government also began a policy cultural assimilation (including mandating the use of the Danish language0 which sought to replace the culture of Greenland with that of Denmark, which in turn sparked an independence movement in Greenland. In response to this and Denmark's entry into the European Economic Community (EEC), the Home Rule Act of 1979 was passed and allowed Greenland to establish its own legislature and maintain control of some internal policies. On June 21, 2009, further provisions gave Greenland responsibility for self-government (including judicial affairs, policing, and natural resources) while Denmark retained authority regarding foreign affairs and defense. At the same time, Greenlanders were also recognized as a separate people under international law and the Greenlandic language recognized as the official language of Greenland.