EXPLAINERNews|MapsGreenland’s strategic position in seven maps: Why Trump wants the islandThe world’s largest island sits in the Arctic Circle and is strategically and economically valuable.

The President of the United States attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, highlighting issues related to Greenland. Recent developments concerning Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark and a member of NATO, have resulted in increased international tensions. Discussions at the forum included potential tariff implications and the geopolitical significance of Greenland.

Greenland is the largest island globally, situated within the Arctic Circle between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. Although geographically part of North America, it remains politically an autonomous Danish territory. The island's population primarily resides along the coast due to the uninhabitable nature of its icy interior. Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, is the largest city on the island.

The Arctic Circle comprises eight countries: Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. These nations have territories extending into this region, with various proximities to each other.

Greenland spans approximately 2.17 million square kilometers, comparable in size to Saudi Arabia, Mexico, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its natural resources include zinc, lead, gold, iron ore, rare earth elements, copper, and oil. These resources have attracted international interest due to their significance in high-tech industries.

The Arctic region hosts three principal shipping routes: the Northern Sea Route, the Northwest Passage, and the Transpolar Sea Route. These routes are increasingly significant due to melting ice and expanding economic opportunities. They offer alternative maritime paths between major global markets, potentially reducing travel time and fuel costs.

Northern Sea Route (NSR)/Northeast Passage: This route runs along Russia's Arctic coast, potentially reducing travel time between East Asia and Western Europe. Northwest Passage (NWP): Extending across Canada's Arctic, this passage offers a shorter path between East Asia and Europe. Transpolar Sea Route (TSR): A direct route via the North Pole, though currently limited by permanent sea ice.

Greenland hosts significant military installations, including the Pituffik Space Base. This base supports missile warning, missile defense, and space surveillance missions. It plays a strategic role in monitoring regional activities. The United States and Denmark maintain military facilities in Greenland under a defense agreement, contributing to NATO's collective security framework.

China is emerging as a key player in the Arctic, pursuing initiatives like the "Polar Silk Road." This strategy aims to develop new shipping routes as ice sheets recede. Chinese investment in Greenland's mining and energy sectors reflects its interest in the region's economic potential and strategic positioning in global trade.

Greenland has a long history, with initial settlement by Inuit people around 2500 BCE. Norse explorers arrived in the 10th century, and Denmark established colonial rule in 1721. Greenland achieved self-governance in 1979 and further autonomy in 2009, although Denmark retains control over foreign policy, defense, and some financial matters.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.