100 facts about iceland

)$1.612 billion (2019 est. Because there is little diversity in the population, genetic researchers have studied diseases among Icelanders. unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house (Althingi, or Parliament [63]), Official Site of the Government of Iceland, GlobalSecurity.org - Iceland - Introduction, Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Iceland, Iceland - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Iceland - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). )hydroelectricity: 67.6% of total installed capacity (2020 est. Fun and Interesting Facts About Iceland Written By: The Planet D Iceland Updated On: February 9, 2022 Iceland has been the darling of adventure travel for nearly a decade with tourists flocking to its borders to see its mighty waterfalls, glaciers and fjords. A Trip To Iceland - 400 Facts About Iceland. Consumption of Coca-Cola per capita here is higher than in any other country. Icelanders have a strong sense of national identity, which is reflected in their language, culture, and traditions. 65 00 N, 18 00 W Map references Arctic Region Area total: 103,000 sq km land: 100,250 sq km water: 2,750 sq km country comparison to the world: 108 Area - comparative Greenland was colonized by people from Iceland in 986. It is actually larger than all the other glaciers in Europe combined. 29. LEFT: ICELANDIC FLAG, RIGHT: ICELANDIC KRNAPhotograph by Asafta, Dreamstime, U.S. states and territories facts and photos. Just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is considered to be part of Europe for political, historical, cultural and practical reasons. Iceland is the " Land of Fire and Ice " is home to many natural attractions including numerous active volcanoes, thermal pools, large glaciers and even crystalline ice caves. The eruption of the Icelandic volcano Laki, known as the Mist Hardship, in 1783-84, caused the famine that decreased the population of Iceland by about 25%. Iceland has the world's oldest parliament, the Althing, which was established in 930 AD. )male: 11.9% (2020 est. )3.51% (2019 est. and the Icelandic. does not have a military or standing army and Icelanders have long been proud of their countrys pacifist tradition and Iceland ranks among the world's most peaceful countries, with its citizens enjoying a high standard of living. Reykjavk is the northernmost capital city in the world. 32. Here are 77 interesting facts about Iceland to help stimulate your curiosity and desire to travel to the Land of Fire and Ice. All rights reserved. Did you know that Iceland experiences up to 23 hours of darkness during the month of December and . Because of the mild climate, Iceland is very green. 25. Icelands defence forces consist of the Icelandic Coast Guard, which patrols Icelandic waters and monitors its airspave, and other services such as the National Commisstioners National Security and Special Forces Units. Get facts and photos of the U.S. states and territories, and the District of Columbia. 72. 44. Reykjavk is the only city in Iceland and its capital city. Here's an unthinkable drinkable fact. Alkaline hot springs are found in some 250 areas throughout the country. 8. )consumption: 17,912,066,000 kWh (2020 est. Icelanders consume more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation in the world. 51. )89.59% of GDP (2019 est. 4. Iceland has a unique Christmas Eve tradition of exchanging books and spending the evening reading. Icelandic telephone directories list Icelanders by first name alphabetically. the largest consumers of coffee per capita in the world. Be grateful! School is free for all Icelanders all the way through college. Last updated on May 15th, 2022. The Icelandic language has 32 letters, including the letters and , which are not found in the English alphabet. 85. 47. 7. It is the youngest country in the world in terms of land form. The average temperatures for January is -0.4C. )transmission/distribution losses: 519 million kWh (2020 est. )geothermal: 32.3% of total installed capacity (2020 est. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Next post: Rare Anglo-Saxon Sapphire Ring Find, http://www.arild-hauge.com/islandruner.htm, How to Find out If You Have Viking Ancestry, In Rebus. Icelanders have a tradition of giving gifts on t. Iceland has a low crime rate and is considered one of the safest countries in the world. In 2009 Icelanders applied to European Union for membership. 67. In 1956 boxing was banned here. ), Iceland is one of the most gender-equal countries in the world. Its welfare policies enable both men and women to balance work and family life. Iceland lagged its Nordic neighbors in introducing new childcare policies, and even when they did in the 1990s, parents still faced a childcare gap between the paid parental leave period and the start of pre-school. The Icelandic sagas, most of which recount heroic episodes that took place at the time the island was settled, are regarded as among the finest literary achievements of the Middle Ages, reflecting a European outlook while commemorating the history and customs of a people far removed from continental centres of commerce and culture. ), $53,600 (2021 est. Prohibition was partially lifted for wines in 1922, because Spain and Portugal refused to import Icelandic salted cod unless Iceland imported Iberian red wine. In 2010, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano at an elevation of 5,466 feet (1,666 meters) erupted, blowing ash high into the atmosphere and disrupting European air traffic for weeks. Iceland's lifespan averages are fantastic. The largest, Deildartunguhver, emits nearly 50 gallons (190 litres) of boiling water per second. The centre of the country is uninhabited. Icelanders have a tradition of eating hot dogs, which are served with a variety of toppings including ketchup, mustard, remoulade, and fried onions. Icelanders formally address others exclusively by their first names, even their prime minister. )$20.524 billion (2019 est. All Rights Reserved. From legends of elves to a decades-long ban on beer, the Christmas Book Flood to state-owned milk stores, there are loads of quirks and weird facts about Iceland's history. In Iceland it is illegal to sell or advertise products of foreign origin with an image of the Icelandic flag. ), fossil fuels: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est. Vatnajkull National Park is the largest in Europe. Icelanders have a strong tradition of baking, with many households making their own bread, cakes, and pastries. Ebook. The English word geyser is derived from Icelands famous Geysir. Iceland (Icelandic: sland, pronounced ()) is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean and in the Arctic Ocean.Iceland is the most sparsely populated country in Europe. 73. The latest volcanic eruption in Iceland happened in. 27. Icelanders have a unique way of naming their children, using the father's first name as a. Iceland has a strong tradition of storytelling and folklore. In Iceland, there is a naming committee that issues a list of approved baby names. Vatnajkull, or Vatna Glacier, is an extensive ice field in southeastern Iceland, which covers 3,200 square miles (8,400 square kilometers) with an average ice thickness of more than 3,000 feet (900 meters). )$19.12 billion (2020 est. )other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est. The basalt sheets tend to tilt somewhat toward the centre of the country. According to the 2000 United States census, there are more than 40,000 Icelandic Americans. Arctic fox is believed to be the only native animal of Iceland. To reduce the huge amount of ambiguity, directories also list peoples professions. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Icelanders have gained worldwide fame and recognition for their contributions to arts, music. Foreigners acquiring Icelandic citizenship must have a basic comprehension of the Icelandic language. The requirement that new citizens modify or change their names to be more Icelandic was dropped in 1996. The most popular emigration destination was Sweden, followed by Denmark and Norway in 2021. 74. Althingi is the world's oldest continuous parliament. Joining the European Economic Area in 1994 further diversified the nations economy into manufacturing, finance and biotechnology and continued its prosperity. )108.3 (2018 est. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The famous Blue Lagoon are found here. It is the least densely populated country in Europe with only 3 people per square. The average for the whole year is 5.5C. Iceland's conversion is a meaningful success story rather than a one model for all approach. #1: Iceland's name is a ruse. Its official currency is Icelandic krna (ISK). Iceland does not have a military or standing army and Icelanders have long been proud of their countrys pacifist tradition and Iceland ranks among the world's most peaceful countries, with its citizens enjoying a high standard of living. Icelanders have a tradition of eating a variety of seafood, including salmon, cod, and haddock. The nations official language, both spoken and written, is Icelandic, descended from Old Norse. Several scenes of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider were filmed on an Icelandic glacier. 56. Per capita, Iceland has the highest number of writers in the world. The mosquitoes are not found in Iceland and Faroe Islands, the only countries in the world where they do not exist. Iceland is aNordicisland countryin theNorth Atlantic. Icelanders have a strong work-life balance, with many companies offering flexible working hours and generous vacation time. On average, the country is populated by three people per square kilometer. There are between 30 and 40 active volcanoes today. Iceland could generate electricity for all Europe, but the difficulty is to transport it there. Fish and fish products constitute more than 70% of Icelandic exports of goods. 03.04.2023 | Lella Erludttir Iceland is fascinating in so many ways. ), conventional long form: noneconventional short form: Icelandlocal long form: nonelocal short form: Islandetymology: Floki VILGERDARSON, an early Norse explorer of the island (9th century), applied the name "Land of Ice" after spotting a fjord full of drift ice to the north and spending a bitter winter on the island; he eventually settled on the island, however, after he saw how it greened up in the summer and that it was, in fact, habitable, name: Reykjavikgeographic coordinates: 64 09 N, 21 57 Wtime difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)etymology: the name means "smoky bay" in Icelandic and refers to the steamy, smoke-like vapors discharged by hot springs in the area, 64 municipalities (sveitarfelog, singular - sveitarfelagidh); Akranes, Akureyri, Arneshreppur, Asahreppur, Blaskogabyggdh, Bolungarvik, Borgarbyggdh, Dalabyggdh, Dalvikurbyggdh, Eyjafjardharsveit, Eyja-og Miklaholtshreppur, Fjallabyggdh, Fjardhabyggdh, Fljotsdalshreppur, Floahreppur, Gardhabaer, Grimsnes-og Grafningshreppur, Grindavikurbaer, Grundarfjardharbaer, Grytubakkahreppur, Hafnarfjordhur, Horgarsveit, Hrunamannahreppur, Hunathing Vestra, Hunabyggdh, Hvalfjardharsveit, Hveragerdhi, Isafjardharbaer, Kaldrananeshreppur, Kjosarhreppur, Kopavogur, Langanesbyggdh, Mosfellsbaer, Mulathing, Myrdalshreppur, Nordhurthing, Rangarthing Eystra, Rangarthing Ytra, Reykholahreppur, Reykjanesbaer, Reykjavik, Seltjarnarnes, Skaftarhreppur, Skagabyggdh, Skagafjordhur, Skeidha-og Gnupverjahreppur, Skorradalshreppur, Snaefellsbaer, Strandabyggdh, Stykkisholmur, Sudhavikurhreppur, Sudhurnesjabaer, Svalbardhsstrandarhreppur, Sveitarfelagidh Arborg, Sveitarfelagidh Hornafjordhur, Sveitarfelagidh Olfus, Sveitarfelagidh Skagastrond, Sveitarfelagidh Vogar, Talknafjardharhreppur, Thingeyjarsveit, Tjorneshreppur, Vestmannaeyjar, Vesturbyggdh, Vopnafjardharhreppur, 1 December 1918 (became a sovereign state under the Danish Crown); 17 June 1944 (from Denmark; birthday of Jon SIGURDSSON, leader of Iceland's 19th Century independence movement), history: several previous; latest ratified 16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944 (at independence)amendments: proposed by the Althingi; passage requires approval by the Althingi and by the next elected Althingi, and confirmation by the president of the republic; proposed amendments to Article 62 of the constitution that the Evangelical Lutheran Church shall be the state church of Iceland also require passage by referendum; amended many times, last in 2013, civil law system influenced by the Danish model, has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; accepts ICCt jurisdiction, citizenship by birth: nocitizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Icelanddual citizenship recognized: yesresidency requirement for naturalization: 3 to 7 years, chief of state: President Gudni Thorlacius JOHANNESSON (since 1 August 2016)head of government: Prime Minister Katrin JAKOBSDOTTIR (since 30 November 2017)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the prime ministerelections/appointments: president directly elected by simple majority popular vote for a 4-year term (no term limits); election last held on 27 June 2020 (next to be held in 2024); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition becomes prime ministerelection results: 2020: Gudni Thorlacius JOHANNESSON reelected president; percent of vote - Gudni Thorlacius JOHANNESSON (independent) 92.2%, Gudmundur Franklin JONSSON (independent) 7.8%2016: Gudni Thorlacius JOHANNESSON elected president; Gudni Thorlacius JOHANNESSON (independent) 39.1%, Halla TOMASDOTTIR (independent) 27.9%, Andri Snr MAGNASON (Democracy Movement) 14.3%, Davd ODDSSON (independent) 13.7%, other 5%. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). It was formed as a result of a volcano eruption in 1875. In conclusion, Iceland is a land of captivating contrasts, with stunning natural landscapes, unique customs, and a vibrant culture. There are no term limits so the president can stay in power until another is elected by the people. Thirty percent of their electricity is of geothermal origin (the worlds highest percentage) and the rest is generated by hydro power. Iceland has one of the highest levels of Internet usage in the world. ByDjaber Benamar. Fitch rating: A (2017)Moody's rating: A2 (2019)Standard & Poors rating: A (2017)note: The year refers to the year in which the current credit rating was first obtained. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Approximately 60 percent of the countrys population lives in Reykjavik. According to the latest data released on 1 January, 2020, the population of Iceland is 364,134. Iceland, as many people know, is home to waterfalls, rainbows, glacier lakes, hot springs, and the creamiest ice cream ever. 23. )imports: 0 kWh (2020 est. 49. )$52,200 (2020 est. 55. generally enjoy the taste of black salty liquorice, especially if paired with chocolate. I did a project on facts about Iceland and this showed up thanks much for the good grade, As for a runestone in Iceland you might find this interesting, sorry this is only in Icelandic and Danish: http://www.ferlir.is/?id=18214 and this http://www.ferlir.is/?id=7930, Hope you can translate from Danish. 71. 37. Christianity was adopted by Icelanders in 1000. But, at this point, the reason for immigration had been undercut by economic turmoil. Icelanders have a tradition of using wool for clothing and home goods, which is known for its warmth and durability. 28. Iceland has a coastal climate which balances between cold polar currents and the warm Gulf Stream. The depressed zones between the basalt areas have extensive plateaus above which rise single volcanoes, table mountains, or other mountain masses with steep sides. It has a population of about 360,000 people and its official language is Icelandic. Vatnajkull glacier is the largest ice cap in Europe. )investment in fixed capital: 22.1% (2017 est. The multiplicity of interesting facts about Iceland intrigued and enthralled us so much, we wanted to share this diverse and interesting country with you! ), 2.69 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2023 est. Please select which sections you would like to print: Also known as: sland, Ldhveldidh sland, Republic of Iceland, Professor of History, University of Iceland, Reykjavk. 1. 7. The fishing industry accounts for the vast majority of their exports and 40 percent of the nations economy and 31 percent comes from manufacturing unwrought aluminum. Everyone is referred to by their first name, reflecting the country's tight-knit community and family connections. 81. The naming system in Iceland is also fascinating, with last names derived from the father's first name, meaning surnames don't exist. Literacy, longevity, and social cohesion are first rate by world standards. Many Icelanders, for example, still believe in elves, trolls, and other figures in the mythical landscape of the Norse past, while even Icelanders who live in cities harbour a vision of their country as a pastoral land, in the words of Nobel Prize-winning author Halldr Laxness, of. )government consumption: 23.3% (2017 est. From fresh seafood to hearty meat dishes and unusual snacks, Icelandic cuisine is sure to offer visitors a taste of something different. The South coast is home to some of the nations most visited tourist attractions, including the Golden Circle. Iceland is a super sustainable country Iceland facts Iceland really leads the way in environmentally friendly communities. During and after the crisis, more Icelanders left the country than immigrated to it. Following the crisis, Iceland returned to being a country of net immigration. In 2017, the countrys foreign-born population accounted for 11% of the population and 17% had an immigrant background. The countries of origin have become more diverse over time, with Polish immigrants composing the largest share in 2017. (but midges are recent settlers in the country). Ebook. 89. Selling panties, boxers, thongs, and jock straps with the Icelandic flag on them is forbidden here. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Icelanders are very health-conscious and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and biking. Iceland was the last land in Europe to be settled and populated. The capital, Reykjavk (Bay of Smokes), is the site of the islands first farmstead and is a thriving city, handsome in aspect and cosmopolitan in outlook. ), total: 1.63 deaths/1,000 live birthsmale: 1.82 deaths/1,000 live birthsfemale: 1.44 deaths/1,000 live births (2023 est. Greenland was colonized by Icelanders in 986. ), total: 7.72 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est. )expenditures: $11.536 billion (2018 est. The eastern fjords resemble the western fjords but have, in addition, an inner lowland. The Icelandic language is another captivating aspect of the country, with its rich linguistic heritage that Icelanders take pride in. 16 Feb 2020 Iceland, the land of fire and ice, has become a popular travel destination over the past few years. ), production: 0 cubic meters (2021 est. Latin Language & its Vicinities. 40. The Icelandic horse is among the world . The colors in the flag represent three of the elements that make up the island: Red is for the island's volcanic fires; white for the snow and ice fields of the island; and blue is for the surrounding ocean. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. 3. Iceland has the highest literacy rate in the world at 99%. 75. )exports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est. and distinctive customs. Omg. )$6.782 billion (31 December 2019 est. 52. ), municipal: 80 million cubic meters (2020 est. In 2010, 97.6% of Icelandic population had Internet connection. If an Icelander wants to serve in the military, they can join the Norwegian army according to an agreement between the two countries. Nature in Nordic Europe is of outstanding beauty. Historical facts 1. 86. 80. )municipal solid waste recycled annually: 293,003 tons (2013 est. Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is the northernmost national capital in the world. The smell of Hkarl (fermented shark), traditional Icelandic food, is so strong and particular, that it may cause you to vomit. ), milk, mutton, poultry, potatoes, barley, pork, eggs, beef, other meat, sheep skins, tourism, fish processing; aluminum smelting; geothermal power, hydropower; medical/pharmaceutical products, agriculture: 4.8%industry: 22.2%services: 73% (2008), 5.4% (2021 est. According to stories written down some 250 years after the event, the country was discovered and settled by Norse people in the Viking Age. This article highlights some captivating and enjoyable facts about Iceland that make it a one-of-a-kind and captivating destination. So Sigurur Gumundsson is the son of Gumundur and Halldra Bjarnadttir is the daughter of Bjarni. Rabbits were first imported to Iceland from Spain in 1976. The Game of the Century between Bobby Fisher (US) and Boris Spassky (USSR) took place in Reykjavk in 1972. Eyjafjallajkull volcano, beneath an extension of Mrdalsjkull (Mrdals Glacier), erupted in March 2010 for the first time since 1821. 60. Icelanders have a tradition of eating fermented shark meat, which is considered a delicacy in the country. Vigdis Finbogadttir was elected in 1980. During the last two centuries, 30 post-glacial volcanoes have erupted in Iceland. 65. of the Icelandic Coast Guard, which patrols Icelandic waters and, , and other services such as the National. The economy diversified greatly after the country joined the European Economic Area in 1994, but Iceland was especially hard hit by the global financial crisis in the years following 2008. ), municipal solid waste generated annually: 525,000 tons (2015 est. 19 Cool Iceland Facts Most People Go Their Whole Life Without Knowing It's so much more than just the land of ice and fire. The second half of the 20th century saw substantial economic growth driven primarily by the fishing industry. Despite its small population, it has had an impact on the world, and its people have a robust sense of community and family ties. Jhannesson Form Of Government: unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house (Althingi, or Parliament [63]) . Iceland is one of the few places in the world where you can see the Northern Lights. The 2008 election was not held because no one ran against lafur Ragnar Grmsson, who served that term and was then re-elected in 2012. The colors in the flag represent three of the elements that make up the island: Red is for the island's volcanic fires; white for the snow and ice fields of the island; and blue is for the surrounding ocean. Iceland was part of Norway and then was ruled by Denmark for more than 500 years, but the country became an independent republic in 1944. Because of its extensive lava fields and heaths, the southwest has little farmland. 53. The Westfjords in the uninhabited northwest corner of the country are preserved as a relatively unspoiled wilderness area with a variety of geological features of their own. They are one of the most eco-friendly countries in the whole world. Iceland is the only member of NATO without a military . note: data are in current year dollars$7.501 billion (2020 est.) The oldest rocks were formed about 16 million years ago. Commercial whaling is practiced as well as scientific whale hunts, but Iceland makes more money from whale watching tours than the whaling industry. 100 Facts About Iceland 1. ), production: 0 metric tons (2020 est. Although increasingly integrated into the European mainstream, Icelanders take care to preserve their traditions, customs, and language. The country was prosperous in the Middle Ages. note: data are in current year dollars$9.891 billion (2019 est.) In 2004 Mountain Avens was chosen as the Icelands National Flower. Iceland is an island country in the north of Europe. )$407.806 million (2020 est. )other: 81% (2018 est. 394,500 Head Of State: President: Guni Th. 59. 36. Lakis eruption in 1783-84 caused a famine that killed almost one fourth of the islands population. 2. Iceland has more hot springs and solfatarasvolcanic vents that emit hot gases and vapoursthan any other country. Add to Cart. The rate of literacy among Icelanders is the highest in the world. Icelanders have made an impressive mark globally, with a reputation for long lifespans averaging 83.1 years, among the highest worldwide.

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