International law dictates that all countries have the right to claim territory within 12 miles of their shore.
This puts Hans Island in both Danish and Canadian waters.
Hans Island as seen from the air, with Ellesmere Island in the background.
Photo credit:Toubletap/Wikimedia
The territorial dispute rose in 1973 when both countries were drawing up their maritime boundary.
And a light-hearted whiskey war was born.
In 2005, Canadians upped the antic by installing a metal plaque on the island.
As of 2016, the border issue is yet to be resolved.
Danish soldiers on Hans Island in 2002.
Photo credit: Royal Danish Navy
The plaque left by Canadian Forces personnel on Hans Island in 2005.
Canadian Forces personnel raise Canada’s flag on Hans Island in 2005.
