Forward to the past. It is a coal mining town established back in 1906 by an American called John Munro Longyear.
Svalbard is a model of international cooperation. While Norway has sovereignty, it is a visa free zone and unique rules apply to citizens of Nations party to the treaty.
Other matters include environmental conservation and military restrictions. See, we can get along together.
At the time of writing coal is still mounted at the No7 mine in Longyearbyen, but that is due to stop in 2023. Russia owns the relatively nearby mine at Barentsburg, but that is also under doubt.
Tourism, especially the Eco type, is taking over. Not a bad thing.
