Denmark is claiming the North Pole as its own and is the first country to do so.

When new scientific data revealed a link between the continental shelf under Greenland and the North Pole that rests in the Arctic Ocean, the Danes were quick to announce their claim. Greenland is an autonomous region under Denmark.

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The Lomonosov ridge is a natural extension between Greenland's shelf, which is also the area where the North Pole lies, claims Christian Marcussen, a senior geophysicist from the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.

Danish scientists spent millions of dollars to resolve the issue about this 1,240 mile long mountain range underneath the Arctic Ocean and studied this connection for 12 years. Their findings reveal the ridge geologically connects Greenland to the North Pole.

Danish Foreign Minister Martin Lidegaard said his country's claim to own the North Pole will be a historical milestone for Denmark and its people.

Denmark is the first nation to announce its claim outright regarding sole ownership of the North Pole.  Other countries also interested in the North Pole are finalizing their claims.

The North Pole covers about 345,600 square miles. Some countries such as the United States and Norway also possess lands attached to the North Pole. Both countries, however, haven't claimed the North Pole. Russia and Canada are also interested in the North Pole and its resources.

In 2008, all five countries linked by land to the North Pole reached an agreement that left it up to the United Nations to decide who has the rightful claim to the land.

Despite its year round stark cold and icy caps, these nations are up against each other as shrinking ice caps pave way for new shipping routes and undiscovered oil and gas resources.

The U.N. will now examine the scientific data to reach a decision via a political process and a decision is expected to be made after a few decades.

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