Greenland, the world's largest island, is an autonomous territory under Denmark's rule, though it is geographically closer to North America than Europe. While Denmark oversees Greenland's foreign affairs and defense, the United States shares defense responsibilities under a 1951 treaty and maintains an air force base on the island.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump says he wants to make Greenland a part of the United States and does not rule out using military or economic power to get Denmark to hand it over.