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 Óstfjœrð, but the power of the Nationalist Party (ÐH), of extreme right, is becoming more and more significant.

In 2014, Álfrað Gulliðor was elected to succeed Ýlf Haucssœn as the new President of the Republic.During his term, the government was headed by Helga Blœmagarð of the Socialist Party (LH), who was replaced by  Luc Pálssœn (LDH) in 2019.

In 2021, President Gulliðor was succeded by Josefine Kjær. Pálssœn remains as Prime Minister until 2024, when the hegemony of the Left Coalition was broken by the right, which strengthened after parliamentary election. Arn Bjárcvið, of the Nationalist Party (ÐH) became PM. During his term, more restrictive immigration laws were passed, deportations were implemented, and a proposal was made for NATO to build a base in Yukland. Violent protests and demonstrations by the population led to the resignation of the PM.A new coalition was formed, electing Lóra Vesðor (LDH) as prime minister in 2025.