Category: Iceland

Iceland is an island country situates in North Atlantic Ocean. The capital Iceland is Reykjavik. The country is geologically and volcanically active. In 874, Ingolfur Arnarson, a Norse settler is the first one who built a homestead in Reykjavik. This Norse settler was followed by several other settlers, especially Norsemen and the slaves of these Norsemen. The country first became the part of Norway and then Denmark. Along with Iceland, Denmark and Norway united with Kalmar Union in 1380. After Napoleonic Wars of 1814, Denmark and Norway were broken up to form two different kingdoms, but Iceland continues to be under the rule of Denmark.

Iceland became Republic of Iceland in the year 1944. Iceland is a democratic republic with parliamentary system. President of the country is mainly a ceremonial head and the government is headed by the Prime Minister. Executive power is vested on the government, and legislative power is executed by both parliament and the government. Judicial system is independent to executive and legislative powers. The country depends on a free market economy. The major industries of the country are aluminum smelting, geothermal power, tourism, ferrosilicon production and ferrosilicon production. Iceland was one of the poorest countries of Western Europe until 20th century. At present, the country is among the most developed and wealthiest nations of the world.

The total population of the country is 362,860. About 93% of the people are Icelandic, and others consist of 7%. Around 99% of the total population is living in urban areas. The official languages of the country are Icelandic and Icelandic sign language. English and Danish are spoken by majority of the population and these languages are compulsory in school curriculum. Other languages spoken are Norwegian, Swedish and German. The people of the country enjoy religious freedom. Majority of the people are following Lutheranism. Other religious faiths of the country are Islam, Baha’i, Jehovah’s Witness, Catholicism, Baptists, neopagan and Mormon.

Even though Iceland is a small country, a wide variety of tourist spots are there in the country. The capital city, Reykjavik is recognized as the trendiest city of the world because the people of the country are very good at architecture, design and technology. The capital city is filled with friendly pubs, cafes, wood houses and cafes making it one of the expensive cities of the world. Blue Lagoon is a geothermal pool that consists of milky-blue water, and this tourist destination is the most famous and crowded one in the country.

You can view the movement of tectonic place in Thingvellir National Park, and the park is listed among the World Heritage site of UNESCO. Northern lights are the dancing lights in the sky which is more visible during September to April. Gulfoss is a popular waterfall which produces beautiful rainbows. The area around the waterfall is filled with scenic beauty, and hiking around the area will be a rewarding experience. Jokulsarlon Lagoon is a famous tourist spot with floating icebergs throughout the year. Experience the glaciers of Iceland by walking around them. Myvatn Lake has small islands and rocks in the waters. Surrounding the lake, you can see several volcanic activities such as tectonic plate movements, volcanoes and hot springs. Vatnajokull National Park of Iceland is the biggest of that kind in Europe.