There are five major settlements in Svalbard, with permanent populations between a few hundred and more than 1,000 people: the Russian mining settlement Barentsburg, and the Norwegian towns Longyearbyen, Svea and Ny Ålesund. In addition, there are a few scientific stations, such as Isfjord radio at Kapp Linné. While mining is still the main activity in Barentsburg and Svea, the mines in Ny Ålesund have been closed after a major disaster in 1962, and today the place is devoted to scientific research exclusively. The main research subjects are climatology, arctic biology, geology, but also archaeology and history.
The capital Longyearbyen, where the Sysselmann (governor) lives, is still exploiting coal mines, but is also developing scientific research and tourism. Longyearbyen has an airport since 1975, large enough for commercial airplanes as MD 80 and Boeing 737, and with daily connections to the mainland. In recent years, the capital has become quite a modern city with its schools, supermarkets, swimming pool, hotel and university (since 1995).
Transportation between the settlements is not easy, since there are no roads in Svalbard, except in the immediate neighbourhood of the towns. Longyearbyen, Svea and Barentsburg can be connected by snowscooter in winter and spring, and when the fjords are sufficiently ice free, all settlements can be reached by boat. When the tundra is not snow covered, it is not allowed to cross it with motorised vehicles, so that the rest of the time, only planes and helicopters can be used to reach the more remote places.
The Norwegian authorities are also responsible for protection of the fragile arctic environment. Large parts of Svalbard belong either to a national parc, or to a natural reserve. All remainders of historical importance are also protected.