Didn’t know any of this!
No, no other country has owned Greenland after World War II. It has remained under **Danish sovereignty** throughout that period and to the present day (as of January 2026).
### During WWII (1940–1945)
- Nazi Germany occupied Denmark in April 1940, cutting off communication with Greenland.
- The United States stepped in to protect and defend the island (to prevent potential German use of it, e.g., for weather stations or bases).
- In April 1941, the U.S. signed an agreement with the Danish ambassador in Washington (acting independently), allowing U.S. forces to build bases and occupy parts of Greenland for defense purposes.
- This made Greenland a **de facto U.S. protectorate** during the war, with American administration of certain affairs, but it was **temporary and not a transfer of ownership**.
### After WWII (1945 onward)
- Once the war ended and Denmark was liberated, full control and sovereignty **returned to Denmark** without interruption.
- In 1946, the U.S. secretly offered to buy Greenland from Denmark for $100 million (in gold), citing strategic importance during the emerging Cold War. Denmark firmly rejected the offer.
- No sale or transfer occurred.
- Instead, Denmark integrated Greenland more closely: In 1953, its colonial status ended, and it became an equal part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
- The U.S. was allowed to maintain and expand military bases (like Thule Air Base) under agreements with Denmark, but this is usage rights, not ownership.
- Greenland gained home rule in 1979 and expanded self-rule in 2009, handling most internal matters, while Denmark manages foreign affairs, defense, and currency.
There have been earlier U.S. interests (e.g., ideas in the 1860s and 1910s), and more recent discussions (like in 2019), but none resulted in any change of ownership. Greenland has always been Danish territory post-WWII, with no other country ever owning it.
