Infant mortality is among the lowest in the world, 5.5 per 1,000 live births. The continental shelf around Iceland, where the warm Gulf Stream and the cold currents from the Arctic meet, offers very favorable conditions for various kinds of marine life, and are extremely rich fishing grounds. The fishing grounds, which are Iceland's main natural resources, require strict conservation, and fish catches are tightly controlled. The main species of fish are cod, haddock, saithe, redfish, herring and capelin. Agriculture Iceland is self sufficient in meat and dairy production.
Sheep is the most important livestock and hey is the most important field crop.
Other crops include potatoes, turnips, cereals, tomatoes and cucumbers, the last two being grown in hothouses. It is estimated that the potential total exploitable hydro-electric power in Iceland amounts to 64,000 GWh p.a., of which 45,000 GWh p.a. are considered to be economically viable. However, only 5,617 GWh p.a. were being generated in 1998. Iceland is richer in hot springs and high-temperature activity than any other country in the world. High-temperature activity is limited to certain fields.