Greenland becomes "self-ruled"

Greenland took a step toward independence Sunday as it became a "self-ruled" country on its national day. Self-rule gives residents of the world's largest island more control over their lives, including local government control of the police and courts, the BBC reported. Kalaallisut or Greenlandic, the language spoken by the Inuit people who are a majority of Greenlanders, is now the official language. Greenland becomes "self-ruled" Greenland has had some autonomy since 1979 after 300 years as a Danish colony. It has representation in the Danish Parliament in addition to its own local government. Most of the 57,000 Greenlanders live on the southwest coast, depending on Danish aid for about 30 percent of national revenue, and much of the island is covered by a thick layer of ice. But some Greenlanders hope global warming will give them economic independence by uncovering mineral resources, the BBC said. The country voted for self-rule in a November referendum. Prime Minister Kuupik Kleist, a leftist who was recently elected, has said he is more interested in dealing with Greenland's social problems, including alcoholism and suicide, than in pursuing independence.

Greenland becomes "self-ruled"

Greenland has had some autonomy since 1979 after 300 years as a Danish colony. It has representation in the Danish Parliament in addition to its own local government.

Most of the 57,000 Greenlanders live on the southwest coast, depending on Danish aid for about 30 percent of national revenue, and much of the island is covered by a thick layer of ice. But some Greenlanders hope global warming will give them economic independence by uncovering mineral resources, the BBC said.

The country voted for self-rule in a November referendum. Prime Minister Kuupik Kleist, a leftist who was recently elected, has said he is more interested in dealing with Greenland's social problems, including alcoholism and suicide, than in pursuing independence.