According to NBC News, the United States could face a cost of up to US$700 billion if it pursued President Donald Trump’s idea of buying Greenland. The estimate was prepared by scholars and former US officials involved in discussions about the proposal, which Trump has framed as a way to strengthen US influence in the Arctic.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, has repeatedly said it is not for sale, a position backed by Danish officials. Despite this, a senior White House official said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been asked to explore a possible purchase plan, calling it a high priority for Trump.
While the idea may sound unprecedented, history shows that nations have long bought and sold land and territories—sometimes with lasting consequences.
For instance, did you know that France purchased a Caribbean island owned by Sweden, or that the United States bought Florida from Spain? How about the British buying Singapore? But where have the most extraordinary and controversial transactions taken place? Click through this portfolio of land and city exchanges and find out who got the best bargain.