Iceland

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge splits Iceland into two parts, creating a geological region with black sand beaches, active volcanoes, and expansive ice fields.

Norse and Celtic settlers established the first permanent communities in Iceland during 874 CE, starting with chieftain Ingólfr Arnarson's arrival.

The medieval Icelandic sagas, written between 1100 and 1300 CE, document family histories, heroic tales, and Norse mythology through extensive prose narratives.

The Ring Road, stretching 1,332 kilometers around the island, connects major settlements and provides access to numerous geological formations and waterfalls.

Geothermal energy from volcanic activity heats 90 percent of Iceland's homes and enables outdoor swimming throughout the year, even during winter months.

Inception: December 1, 1918

Capital city: Reykjavík

Part of: European Economic Area, Northern Europe, Nordic countries

Shares border with: Greenland, Faroe Islands, Svalbard

Address: Iceland

Website: http://iceland.is

GPS coordinates: 64.98418,-18.10590

Latest update: November 10, 2025 14:33