Figure 2-20. — Summer scen^. Holsfeinsborg, Greenland. 



are among the animals found. There are many birds along the 

 coasts. The sea animals are also varied and numerous. In the 

 north are found the Greenland whale, narwhal, whitefish, walrus, 

 bearded seal, and polar bear. The hooded seal, Greenland seal, 

 humpbacked whale, bottle-nosed whale, finback whale, and sword- 

 fish are found in the south. Smaller fish are abundant along the 

 southern coasts. 



Greenland is rich in scientifically interesting mineral deposits, but 

 these are not of particular economic interest. However, no com- 

 plete surveys have been made to ascertain the full mineral wealth. 

 Denmark has been doing some surveying. In southwestern Green- 

 land at Ivigtut a large deposit of cryolite has been mined for many 

 years. This is an important source of a necessary flux in the pro- 

 duction of aluminum. Some iron has been found along the west 

 coast occurring in basalt. Recently lead deposits have been dis- 

 covered. The trade items, in addition to cryolite, are fish, fur and 

 graphite. Marine resources continue to be the foundation of 

 Greenland's economy. The trade is mainly with Copenhagen. 



There are approximately 20,000 people living on Greenland, of 

 which some 19,500 are natives and 500 are Danes. The Green- 

 landers spend most of their time in hunting and fishing. There is 

 some sheep farming in the southern districts. Most of the popu- 

 lation is in the southern and southwestern areas. 



The Danish government maintains a strict control over the area 

 through its Government Board in Copenhagen, and has a trade 

 monopoly to keep the natives from being exploited. 



ICELAND 



Iceland lies on the southern edge of the arctic region and in 

 many ways it resembles the more temperate regions. The name 

 gives an improper impression. In reality, the main feature of 

 the island is the prevalence of volcanoes and hot springs. 



65 



