Fertility and mortality 1950-1974 in the Upernavik district, Greenland

A descriptive study of fertility and mortality in a Greenlandic whaling and sealing community of approximately 1 800 individuals during the period 1950-74 was performed on the basis of data from parish records and medical reports. Fertility was on the increase until approximately 1960 after which it declined considerably. No significant reduction in the high stillbirth and infant mortality rates could be demonstrated. A considerable reduction in overall mortality was observed and could be attributed to the eradication of tuberculosis as a cause of death. The results are discussed in the light of data from Greenland as a whole, which in general has been characterized by intense industrialization and social development. Further comparative studies in Arctic communities characterized by varying degrees of socio-economic development are recommended.