Iceland

National name:
Lydveldid Island

Government
Constitutional republic.

Geography
Iceland, lies in the north Atlantic Ocean east of Greenland and just touches the Arctic Circle. It is one of the most volcanic regions in the world. More than 13% is covered by snowfields and glaciers, and most of the people live in the 7% of the island that is made up of fertile coastland.

Historical Background
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 Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944.

Facts & Figures

Name

Iceland

Capital

Reykjavík

Government

Unitary parliamentary republic

Language

Icelandic (de facto)

Race/Ethnicity

93% Icelandic, 7.0% other

Area

103,001 km2

Population 

318,452

Currency

Icelandic króna (ISK)