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This paper summarizes the physical and human geography of the southwestern part of Greenland, stretching from Upernavik at the southern end of Melville Bay in approximately 73° N latitude, southward to Cape Farewell in approximately 60° N latitude. It is along this southwestern coast of Greenland that modernization has token place, and it is here that development is proceeding rapidly. Since about six-sevenths of Greenland is buried under ice, only a narrow strip of land is exposed along the coastline, never exceeding one hundred miles. Most of the 22,000 people live along this coastal fringe. Of mixed Eskimo and European origin, these "Greenlanders" have increased rapidly in numbers in the last half-century, and are now straining the restricted natural resources of the country. Denmark, which has governed the country for almost two centuries, has traditionally maintained a strict policy of isolating Greenland from outside contacts. This has protected the natives and given them a high standard of education, reasonably good health, and a carefully planned economy insulating them from the vagaries of world prices. Today this traditional policy is being questioned. Intensive efforts are now being made to modernize West Greenland through building efficient harbors, power stations, fish processing plants, by raising still higher educational standards, and by speeding up Greenland's self-government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]