Greenland officially granted self-rule

The Queen of Denmark has handed over a new law on self-rule to the head of Greenland’s parliament. The nation has today been celebrating what it has declared Self Government Day. Many believe the new status will pave the way for total independence from Denmark. People voted for greater autonomy in a referendum last November.

Greenland authorities will now have control over many areas of government, including justice and police matters. However, Copenhagen will still have the final say on defence and foreign policy. The country of 57,000 people is also being given rights to lucrative Arctic resources.

Among those attending the ceremonies today were the Danish Queen and Prince, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, and the Danish Prime Minister. There were also 17 ambassadors, as well as other foreign guests.

Greenland became an overseas administrative territory of Denmark in 1979.

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tags: Denmark, Greenland, Independence