In
the ninth century, Norwegian noblemen with their families and slaves
settled in the Yukkish archipelago. The "White Citadel" or Hvítr
Garðr (Vítgarð today) was founded in 891 AD.
In
the thirteenth century the land was conquered by Denmark. A feudal society was
established since then, ruled by Danish landlords. Danish became the
language of the court, although the majority of the people spoke a
Nordic language, very close to the Old Norse. In 1358 there was a great
revolt against the Danish rule, led by Chieftain Kopp Olafsen. The
uprising was violently suppressed and the chieftain mysteriously
disappeared, becoming a local legend.
Living
basically of salmon and cod fishing, the frozen and forgotten territory
remained under Danish rule until the Second World War when it fell
under the Nazis. In the post-war, the Republic of Yukland was
proclaimed by Gunnar Ýlfssœn that became its first
president. Industries of machinery and shipbuilding were developed. At
the end of the century, the chemical, power generation and high-tech
industries, and the sectors of service and banking became significant
for the economy. The first wind farms were installed, taking advantage
of the high wind potential of the land.
The
Social Democratic Party (LDH) rules the country since 1991, presently
represented by the Prime Minister Rœslin Óstfjœrd,
but the power of the Nationalist Party (ÐH), of extreme right, is
becoming more and more significant.
|
|