The people of Greenland have voted in favour of plans to declare the island's population a ‘nation' with an equal voice among the world's peoples. The statute approved by referendum on November 25 guarantees islanders' full rights to self-determination. The historic document officially recognizes Greenlanders as a people and makes the Greenlandic the only official language on the island.

The landmark referendum is undoubtedly Greenland's most important step towards full independence so far. The media have failed to put Greenland's progress in context, but this should not stop us from understanding the reasons behind the latest decision and the build-up to it.

Greenland's first settlers, the Inuit, came from other Arctic regions. With time other peoples began to settle on the island, including the Vikings from Scandinavia and - more recently - Danes and Norwegians. The latter established colonial ties with the indigenous population, although the harsh climate meant that they never had a major presence on the island.

Steps towards self-government only began in the twentieth century. In the 1950s the colonial territory officially became a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. It was given representation in the Danish Parliament and its own parliament was established.

The second transfer of powers from Copenhagen to the Parliament of Greenland took place in 1979. Finally, in 2008, after lengthy negotiations, Greenlanders have voted in favour of the prime minister's proposal to extend the island's autonomy considerably. The referendum gives Greenland control in 32 new areas, but Denmark will still be in charge of foreign affairs, defence, citizenship and currency. Greenland will now be fully responsible for its natural resources, which should allow the island to offset the subsidy that it will no longer receive from Copenhagen, according to the Greenlandic Government.

Further information:

• On the history of Greenland: BBC and MónDivers.
• Nationalia: Greenland votes for ample autonomy and moves towards independence