The big country disguised as a small country has a land area of more than 2 million square kilomet

Mondo Tourism Updated on 2024-01-29

While exploring the face and history of the country, we often come across some surprising discoveries. Sometimes behind a seemingly small and welcoming country, there may be a huge land area and a rich history. Denmark, a beautiful country in Northern Europe, is a case in point.

When most people think of Denmark, they automatically think of Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale world – The Little Mermaid, the Ugly Duckling, and magical stories. These stories build an image of a happy country full of greenery and sunshine. However, such an image obscures a much more complex and vast reality.

Generally speaking, Denmark's territory is considered to be about 400,000 square kilometers, making it relatively small among the Nordic countries. This perception seems to reinforce its image as a small, quiet country. However, Denmark's real land area far exceeds this value, reaching a staggering 2 million square kilometers.

The reason behind this fact is that Denmark does not count the two important areas it owns – Greenland and the Faroe Islands – in its official territorial area. This selective territorial declaration not only reveals the secrets of a country's size, but also reflects the delicate and complex relationship between Denmark and the two regions.

Denmark's historical supremacy, as well as its relationship with Greenland and the Faroe Islands, is key to exploring the true size of the country. Going back in time, Denmark was once a powerhouse in Northern Europe. The Vikings, as the "founding heroes" of Denmark, played an important role in this history. Starting from the barren Scandinavia, they expanded by sea and established a powerful power. These stories of adventure and conquest form an important chapter in Danish history.

During the Viking conquests, Greenland and the Faroe Islands gradually fell into the Danish sphere of influence. The vicissitudes of history have forced Denmark to face challenges from its neighbors, especially the Hanseatic League in the 13th century. When Denmark faced a crisis, its alliance with Norway and Sweden became key to turning the tide.

The formation of the Kalmar League, and the subsequent evolution of relations among the Nordic powers, had a profound impact on Denmark's land size. Especially when Norway was stripped of its independence, Greenland and the Faroe Islands became Danish territory. Denmark's relationship with these two regions is not only a matter of geopolitics, but also of national self-identity and the quest for independence. Despite the territorial size of these two regions, they are sparsely populated and have limited resources.

Denmark's policy in dealing with these areas has had to balance the relationship between the local community and the autonomous communities, while at the same time facing pressure and challenges from the international community. These complex historical and political factors have shaped Denmark's unique relationship with Greenland and the Faroe Islands, and why Denmark has chosen to exclude these two regions in the calculation of its land size.

Historically, the relationship between Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands has been full of ups and downs. These changes reflect the passage of time and also reflect the development and changes of human society. Greenland and the Faroe Islands, despite their size, have not attracted much international attention for a long time due to their remoteness and harsh natural environment. It is this remoteness and insolence that makes these areas a special presence. Being part of Denmark has largely retained its independence and identity.

In the twentieth century, especially during and after World War II, this relationship changed dramatically. Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II, which left Greenland and the Faroe Islands in a temporary state of political prominence. During this chaotic period, the United States and Britain occupied both areas separately to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Axis powers. Although the two regions were returned to Denmark after the war, the effects of the war and changes in the international landscape provided new opportunities for self-government and independence movements in these regions.

The people of Greenland and the Faroe Islands began to seek political autonomy and cultural identity more intensely. In the process, Denmark faces a difficult choice: either continue to assert direct control over these areas, or gradually let them go, allowing them more autonomy. In the end, Denmark chose the latter. This choice is not only an adaptation to the realpolitik situation, but also a respect for the principle of the right of peoples to self-determination.

In 1948, Denmark** declared the Faroe Islands an overseas territory with a high degree of autonomy, a decision that marked an important turning point in Denmark's relations with the region. Similarly, Greenland was officially incorporated into the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953 as an autonomous region equal to Denmark proper. These changes have not only changed the political status of the two regions, but also largely satisfied the local people's quest for autonomy and dignity.

This change was not all smooth sailing, and many contradictions and conflicts arose between Denmark and the two regions during the implementation of autonomy. For the local population, they are not only seeking political autonomy, but more importantly, cultural and identity affirmation. They want to maintain their unique cultural traditions while also having a place on the international stage. For Denmark, the challenge of respecting the specificities of these regions while maintaining national unity is a long-term and complex one.

In the 21st century, Denmark's relationship with Greenland and the Faroe Islands continues to evolve, revealing more layers and details. As globalization deepens and international politics change, the strategic importance of these regions begins to become more pronounced, and their quest for broader autonomy and international recognition has become stronger.

Greenland, the largest island in the world, was strategically located during and after the Cold War. As the Arctic region becomes more accessible due to global climate change, Greenland's natural resources and geopolitical importance are becoming increasingly apparent. This has fundamentally changed Greenland's role in the international arena and created new foreign and policy challenges for Denmark.

Although the Faroe Islands are relatively small, their unique geographical location and abundant marine resources have also made them the focus of international attention. The people of the Faroe Islands are increasingly seeking greater autonomy and international recognition, and they want to maintain their ties with Denmark while also making their voices heard in international affairs.

In dealing with these changes, Denmark** has adopted a number of strategies. Denmark strives to maintain good relations with Greenland and the Faroe Islands on the basis of respect for their autonomy. Denmark**, for example, supports the representation of these regions in international organizations and gives them special consideration in a number of international negotiations. In addition, Denmark is helping these regions to improve their economic strength and living standards through economic aid and development projects.

The management of this relationship is not without its challenges, and calls for full independence have arisen in Greenland and the Faroe Islands. In Greenland in particular, the discussion of independence has become more lively with the development of natural resources and increased international attention. Some Greenlanders believe that full independence will give them more control over their resources and future. At the same time, the people of the Faroe Islands are seeking more international recognition and economic independence.

Against this backdrop, Denmark faces a delicate balance. On the one hand, Denmark needs to maintain sufficient influence in these regions to ensure national interests and regional stability. On the other hand, excessive control or intervention may provoke a stronger sense of independence, leading to strained relationships. Denmark's strategy is therefore to address these challenges through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect, trying to find as much as possible a balance between maintaining national unity and respecting regional specificities.

In the process, the relationship between Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands became a unique case of international relations. It not only demonstrates the complexity of the relationship between countries and regions, but also reflects the multiple meanings and challenges of national identity, autonomy and international recognition in the era of globalization. The development and handling of this relationship has provided valuable experience and inspiration for other countries and regions facing similar challenges.

In today's globalized world, countries are becoming more and more interconnected, interdependent and influential. Against this backdrop, finding and maintaining harmonious coexistence between countries and regions has become a major challenge in international politics. The examples of Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands show that even in the face of complex historical and political issues, a win-win path can be found through dialogue and cooperation.

The relationship between Denmark and Greenland and the Faroe Islands is not only a story of territory and politics, but also of cultural tolerance, respect for autonomy and international cooperation. This story is important for understanding the complexity and diversity of today's world, and it also provides valuable experience and inspiration for other countries and regions when dealing with similar issues.

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