Iceland is a Nordic island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean, known for its dramatic landscapes with volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. The country spans an area of 103,000 km² and has a population of about 370,000, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe.
Iceland's terrain is mostly mountainous with extensive plateaus and numerous glaciers. It sits astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological setting results in significant volcanic and geothermal activity. Notable geological features include:
Iceland was first settled by Norse explorers in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. According to the Landnámabók (Book of Settlements), the first settler was Ingólfr Arnarson in 874. The country became part of the Kingdom of Norway in the 13th century and later came under the rule of the Denmark-Norway union. Iceland gained full independence from Denmark on June 17, 1944, when it became a republic.
Icelandic culture has been shaped by its isolation and the harshness of its environment. Key cultural aspects include:
Iceland has a mixed economy with a strong emphasis on fishing, tourism, and renewable energy. Here are some economic highlights:
Iceland operates under a parliamentary republic system with the President of Iceland as the head of state and a multi-party system. The Althing, established in 930, is one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world.