Iceland

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge divides this territory into two tectonic plates, creating a landscape of black sand beaches, glacier tongues, and volcanic plateaus. The area covers approximately 40,000 square miles (103,000 square kilometers) and includes Europe's largest glacier, Vatnajökull, along with numerous hot springs and geysers.

Norwegian and Celtic settlers founded the first permanent communities beginning in 874, when chieftain Ingólfr Arnarson arrived on the southwestern coast. The Althing, established in 930, is considered one of the world's oldest existing parliaments. Following centuries under Norwegian and Danish rule, the nation gained full independence in 1944 during World War II.

The Icelandic language preserves its original Nordic structure from over a thousand years ago, allowing modern speakers to read medieval texts without significant difficulty. The nation maintains a national naming committee that approves new first names and uses patronymic surnames instead of family names, reflecting social equality principles.

The Ring Road extends 827 miles (1,332 kilometers) around the island, connecting major towns with important natural sites. Keflavík International Airport sits 31 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of the capital Reykjavík. Summer months from June through August provide the longest daylight hours, while September through April offer optimal conditions for viewing the northern lights.

Geothermal activity supplies energy for 90 percent of household heating and enables year-round outdoor swimming, even when winter temperatures drop below freezing. This nation maintains no permanent military forces and instead operates a coast guard with NATO defense agreements.

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 28, 2025 12:44