Iceland
Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean and the most sparsely populated country in Europe.
Iceland's capital and largest city is Reykjavík. Reykjavík and the surrounding areas in the southwest of the country are home to over two-thirds of the country's population. Iceland is the only part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that rises above sea-level, and its central volcanic plateau is erupting almost constantly!
According to the ancient saga Landnámabók, the settlement of Iceland began in 874 AD when the Norwegian chieftain Ingólfr Arnarson became the first permanent settler on the island (although Irish monks known as the Papar may have existed there for a few centuries prior). Arnarson established his farmstead near modern day Reykjavík, and many settlers followed from mainland Scandinavia (often bringing slaves from Scotland and Ireland). By 930, most of the island had been claimed, and the Althing established - one of the world's earliest parliaments, which survives to this day!
Area of Iceland
102,775 km2
Population of Iceland
371,580
Facts about Iceland
- Icelandic culture is founded upon the nation's Scandinavian heritage. It includes traditional cuisine largely based on local produce such as seafood and lamb, as well as a rich literary heritage, including the medieval Icelandic sagas.
- Most Icelanders are descendants of Norse and Gaelic settlers. Icelandic, a North Germanic language, is directly descended from Old Norse and is closely related to Faroese.
- Reykjavík (roughly translated as "Smoky Bay") is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland - the now lost farmstead established by pioneer Ingólfr Arnarson, who gave the area it's name.
- Despite it's relatively small size, Iceland plays an important role in global politics. It is a member of NATO, the EEA and the Nordic Council, and famously hosted the 1986 summit between Reagan and Gorbachev. Iceland is also well known for progressive policies on LGBT+ rights, green energy and social equality.
- Arctic
- Iceland
Geography
Iceland is at the juncture of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
The Icelandic mainland is entirely south of the Arctic Circle, which passes through the small Icelandic island of Grímsey off the main island's northern coast; on Grímsey visitors can stand on the Arctic Circle itself! The country lies between latitudes 63 and 68°N, and longitudes 25 and 13°W.
Geologically, Iceland is also split; the Mid-Atlantic Ridge runs through the country, and as such, Iceland lies on both the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates; visitors can even walk through the rift between the continents! Many fjords and rivers punctuate Iceland's 4,970-km-long (3,088-mi) coastline, which is also where the majority of the population live.
As might be expected, Iceland holds a vast number of glaciers. Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe, covers around 10% of the island.
Climate
The climate of Iceland offers only one certainty - uncertainty!
The island lies in the path of the Gulf Stream, which results in a more temperate climate than would be expected for its location just south of the Arctic Circle. Visitors should expect to experience a wide variety of weather in Iceland - wind, rain and sun can all occur within the same hour; sometimes all together! The southwest of the country is slightly warmer, wetter and windier than the northern and eastern regions. Coastal areas of the country have a subpolar maritime climate (similar to areas such as Tierra del Fuego and southeast Alaska), while the interior exhibits a cold tundra climate.
Summer
The midnight sun can be experienced in summer on the island of Grímsey off the north coast; the remainder of the country, since it lies just south of the polar circle, experiences a twilight period during which the sun sets briefly, but still has around two weeks of continuous daylight during the summer, with long bright evenings perfect for exploring.
Winter
Icelandic winters can be brutal. High humidity, strong winds, cold temperures, snow and rain are all common, however warm hospitaility, ubiquitous geothermal pools and delicious local food make winter once of the best times to visit! Even better, the aurora borealis is often visible at night during the winter!
Nature and Wildlife
Iceland is a land of stark beauty, where volcanic landscapes meet icy fjords and wildlife thrives in some of the most intense environments on Earth. Despite its harsh climate and rugged terrain, Iceland is home to a surprising variety of wildlife, both on land and in the surrounding waters. While the land mammal population is limited, the Arctic fox, as the only native land mammal, has adapted remarkably. Other mammals, such as reindeer and sheep, were introduced by humans. Iceland's surrounding waters are a thriving marine environment, attracting various whale species. Seals, including harbor seals and grey seals, are also abundant. The island is a birdwatcher's paradise, especially during the summer months. Atlantic puffins, with their distinctive appearance, are a particular highlight. Other notable seabirds include Arctic terns, guillemots, and the majestic white-tailed eagle.
Population
Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean and the most sparsely populated country in Europe, with a population of around 371,580 people. Two-thirds of the population lives in the capital city of Reykjavík and the surrounding southwest regions. Reykjavík, which translates to "Smoky Bay," is believed to be the site of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, established by Norwegian chieftain Ingólfr Arnarson in 874 AD.
The population is predominantly of Norse and Gaelic descent, reflecting the island’s Viking history. Most Icelanders are descendants of Norse settlers from Scandinavia and slaves from Scotland and Ireland. Icelandic culture remains deeply rooted in these origins, particularly in its language, which is closely related to Old Norse and remains one of the purest forms of the language family.
Despite its small size, Iceland is a culturally vibrant country with a strong sense of national pride. Icelanders are known for their strong community spirit and progressive policies, especially concerning green energy, social equality, and LGBT+ rights. The country plays an active role in global politics as a member of NATO, the EEA, and the Nordic Council. Iceland’s population is also known for its high literacy rate and a love for literature, particularly their medieval sagas, which are an integral part of the national heritage.