Iceland was the last land in Europe to be settled and populated. Here are 77 interesting facts about Iceland to help stimulate your curiosity and desire to travel to the Land of Fire and Ice. Iceland is known for its dramatic landscapes, including black sand beaches. Iceland is located near the Arctic Circle; as a result, the country experiences long summer days and perpetually dark winter nights. 3. Icelanders are known for their love of nature and spend a lot of time outdoors, even in the winter. The country has the highest rate of cinema attendance per capita in the world. West Iceland is one of the islands most geologically diverse regions with one of the greatest concentration of geysers in the world as well as the famous Snfellsjkull glacier. 38. Neither did we! The first settlers were Irish religious people who wanted to live a simple life. Vigdis Finbogadttir was elected in 1980. The countrys national sport is handball. As of January 2020, there were 55,354 immigrants living in Iceland, amounting to 15.2% of the population. ), $9.775 billion (2021 est.) Today Geysir doesnt erupt often, but nearby Strokkur erupts every eight to ten minutes. Iceland has one of the highest levels of Internet usage in the world. 1. The smell of Hkarl (fermented shark), traditional Icelandic food, is so strong and particular, that it may cause you to vomit. You can go for a relaxing dip at any time of the year here! ), improved: urban: 100% of populationrural: 100% of populationtotal: 100% of populationunimproved: urban: 0% of populationrural: 0% of populationtotal: 0% of population (2020 est. East Iceland has the countrys largest forest, lush farmlands, and many natural harbors with fishing villages. 394,500 Head Of State: President: Guni Th. 24. 27. Visit the Definitions and Notes page to view a description of each topic. 44. 83. The total power output of the Torfajkull (Torfa Glacier) area, the largest of the 19 high-temperature solfatara regions, is estimated to equal about 1,000 megawatts. Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Icelanders are known for their love of books, with many households having their own. The landscape in basaltic areas is one of plateau and fjord, characterized by successive layers of lava visible one above the other on the valley sides. 4) Iceland is a volcanic island with over 130 active volcanoes. 76. 89. 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. Christianity was adopted by Icelanders in 1000. 53. If an Icelander wants to serve in the military, they can join the Norwegian army according to an agreement between the two countries. 1. Beer remained illegal in Iceland until 1989. 36. It has changed so little that todays students can read books written hundreds of years ago. According to the latest data released on 1 January, 2020, the population of Iceland is 364,134. The ash clouds were a major disruption to air travel across Europe. Iceland has the highest literacy rate in the world at 99%. The average temperature in summer is 57.2 F to 46.4 F (14 C to 8 C), while in winter, it's around 37.4 F to 28.4 F (3 C to -2 C). 87. 16. Military manpower available: 75337 (2010 est.). Iceland has a coastal climate which balances between cold polar currents and the warm Gulf Stream. and is celebrated by eating old traditional foods. Iceland does not have army, navy or air force, only the coast guard. 3. Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althingi, established in 930. The eastern fjords resemble the western fjords but have, in addition, an inner lowland. 34. 100 Facts About Iceland 1. )crude oil and lease condensate exports: 0 bbl/day (2018 est. If global warming continues, rising water levels and melting ice could be devastating to Iceland. Iceland's unique beauty is undeniable, with its geothermal hot springs, such as the renowned Blue Lagoon, and its position as the most massive geothermal energy producer globally. Police officers here do not carry guns. The latest volcanic eruption in Iceland happened in. crofts standing at the foot of the mountains or sheltering on the southern slope of a ridge, each with a little brook running through the home-field, marshy land beyond, and a river flowing smoothly through the marsh. Icelanders have a tradition of using wool for clothing and home goods, which is known for its warmth and durability. Joining the European Economic Area in 1994 further diversified the nations economy into manufacturing, finance and biotechnology and continued its prosperity. Iceland has an enormous amount of clean water. Most Icelanders live in the southwest part of the country. USD 19.00. Icelanders are proud of their Viking heritage and Icelandic language and take great care to preserve their traditions. 22. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. The population of the country reached 300,000 in 2006. It has 24 hours of darkness and beautiful lights. The most common Icelandic names are Jn and Anna. 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. 4. )government consumption: 23.3% (2017 est. 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 The second half of the 20th century saw substantial economic growth driven primarily by the fishing industry. In 2002 amateur boxing was allowed under strict conditions, but professional boxing is forbidden until this day. Iceland, island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. You know that this is a country that offers breath-taking landscapes, a lively culture, rich history, access to unique natural phenomena, vast open spaces, access to nature, and distinctive customs. Icelandic cuisine has a unique character shaped by the country's remote location and harsh climate. )$6.782 billion (31 December 2019 est. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. and other mystical creatures, and the country's distinctive terrain is the inspiration for many legends about magical beings. )from coal and metallurgical coke: 459,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2019 est. 21. More eruptions in April forced hundreds to abandon their homes. Yes, that's all! 16 Feb 2020 Iceland, the land of fire and ice, has become a popular travel destination over the past few years. Iceland is one of the few countries in the world where you can swim outside in naturally heated pools, even in the winter. The basalt sheets tend to tilt somewhat toward the centre of the country. Iceland was one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriages. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes follow each other. Iceland has a high standard of living and is considered one of the, In 2010 the Eyjafjallajkull volcanic eruption. 42. Icelandic horses display two additional gaits as compared to all other breeds. The majority of Icelanders believe in elves. The Silfra Fissure is a tear (fissure) in the earth where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates push apart. )crude oil estimated reserves: 0 barrels (2021 est. )imports: 0 cubic meters (2021 est. 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. If you travel around the Golden Circle, you will eventually visit ingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park. note: data are in current year dollars$7.616 billion (2020 est.) The last Roman Catholic bishop in Iceland was beheaded in 1550. Because of the mild climate, Iceland is very green. ), municipal: 80 million cubic meters (2020 est. I have a true passion for travel and love to discover new destinations and cultures. 67. More than 270,000 tourists visit each year. Iceland has a high level of renewable energy production, with over 80% of its energy coming from renewable sources. Icelanders have a strong work-life balance, with many companies offering flexible working hours and generous vacation time. The new island grew to about 1 square mile (2.5 square km) in area and rose more than 560 feet (170 metres) above sea level, a total of 950 feet (290 metres) from the ocean floor. Did you know that Iceland experiences up to 23 hours of darkness during the month of December and . One in ten people in Iceland have published a book, and one in four people work in a creative field. 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. banking, and more. 13. USD 19.00. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The settlement of Iceland began in the year 874 AD when a Viking chieftain from Norway, Inglfr Arnarson, became the island's first permanent settler. Iceland has a high level of social welfare, with free healthcare and education for all citizens. 2. National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tear is now filled with glacial water, where you have the . Iceland is home to one of the largest colonies of puffins in the world. Equality between sexes is high and income inequality is among the lowest in the world. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Icelanders are very health-conscious and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and biking. 37. Per capita, Iceland has the highest number of writers in the world. 33. Puffin is one of the most popular birds in Iceland. 3. 84. 85. Reykjavk is the only city in Iceland and its capital city. 9. 5) Any Icelandic horse that leaves the country is forever forbidden to return; such are the strict protocols that regulate breeding in Iceland. 34. The economy is now on an upward trajectory, fueled primarily by a tourism and construction boom. skjuvatn is the deepest lake in Iceland. I am a born and bred Icelander and the matriarch of an above-average sized family. note: data are in current year dollars, Netherlands 24%, Spain 10%, Germany 10%, United Kingdom 9%, United States 7% (2021), aluminum and aluminum products, fish fillets, salmon, iron alloys, animal meal (2021), $10.234 billion (2021 est.) ), total petroleum production: 0 bbl/day (2021 est. Only an office building in the . Denmark granted limited home rule in 1874 and complete independence in 1944. The country also boasts one of the highest literacy rates globally. The depressed zones between the basalt areas have extensive plateaus above which rise single volcanoes, table mountains, or other mountain masses with steep sides. )biomass and waste: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est. Last updated on May 15th, 2022. 88. So Sigurur Gumundsson is the son of Gumundur and Halldra Bjarnadttir is the daughter of Bjarni. Iceland is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling. Handball is considered the national sport of Iceland and can be a very fast paced and oftentimes brutal sport! )note: data are in 2017 dollars, 4.44% (2021 est. )imports: 0 kWh (2020 est. The land is plateau with mountain peaks, and ice fields, with a coastline marked by fjords, which are deep inlets carved by glaciers. 6. In the south of Iceland a volcano in Eyjafjallakull erupted on March 21, 2010 for the first time since 1821, sending 600 people fleeing. Icelandic cuisine has a unique character shaped by the country's remote location and harsh climate. The country was prosperous in the Middle Ages. Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is the northernmost capital city in the world. )other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est. )108.3 (2018 est. (2023 est.) This is so cool. Only 1% land in Iceland is considered arable. 63. The settlement of Iceland began in the year 874 AD when a Viking chieftain from Norway, Inglfr Arnarson, became the islands first permanent settler. ), Icelandic kronur (ISK) per US dollar -126.989 (2021 est. 96. ), $53,600 (2021 est. Approximately 2 out of 3 children are born out of wedlock, which is among the highest in Europe. Icelands total fertility rate (TFR) has been fairly stable, hovering around replacement level (2.1 children per woman), for decades a rate higher even than its Nordic neighbors.. By 1 January 2011 the population of Iceland was only 318,452. 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%. Here are 100 fun and interesting facts about Iceland, Icelanders and Icelandic culture: Iceland is known as the land of fire and ice because of its volcanic activity and glaciers. Icelanders are known for their love of music, with many musicians and bands hailing from the country. 55. A Trip To Iceland - 400 Facts About Iceland. 29. http://www.arild-hauge.com/islandruner.htm. )solar: 0% of total installed capacity (2020 est. 93. ), total: 141,816 (2020 est. The South coast is home to some of the nations most visited tourist attractions, including the Golden Circle. The Game of the Century between Bobby Fisher (US) and Boris Spassky (USSR) took place in Reykjavk in 1972.