On this day - 21 June

On June 21st 2009, the Act on Greenland Self-Government took effect and moved the nation of Greenland one step further towards independence. Greenland had long been controlled by Denmark, having first become a colony of Denmark-Norway in 1775. Later it became a province of Denmark in 1953 and it wasn't until 1979 before it became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark.

When the Act came into effect, it allowed Greenland greater control of their own affairs including courts, police services and a greater share of revenue from oil export. It also allowed the national language to become Greenlandic. The changes all came about in response to a referendum where 75% of voters supported increased autonomy for Greenland and, although it wasn't binding, Denmark respected the vote and acted on it.