Overview of Iceland

Profile

The entire island sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and a hotspot, blessed with spectacular natural landscapes including geysers, lava plateaus, and glacial lagoons. With geothermal and hydropower as main energy sources, it has the world's highest renewable energy ratio. About two-thirds of the population is concentrated around the capital Reykjavík, known for high living standards, welfare systems, and excellent public safety.

Official name: Republic of Iceland
Common name: Iceland
Numeric code: 352
Alpha-3 code: ISL
Alpha-2 code: IS
Population: 389,000 (2024)
Population density: 3.8
Primary languages: Icelandic
Major religions: Church of Iceland (Evangelical Lutheran)
National anthem: Lofsöngur (Ó Guð vors lands)
Calling code: +354
Internet TLD: .is

History

The world's oldest parliament Althing was established in 930, and Iceland became a fully independent republic from Denmark in 1944.

Norwegian Vikings settled in the late 9th century, and Althing was founded in 930. It came under Norwegian sovereignty in the 13th century, later forming a union with Denmark. After rising nationalism, it gained autonomy as a kingdom in 1918. During World War II, Denmark's occupation led to peak independence sentiment, and a referendum declared a republic on June 17, 1944. During the Cold War, a US military base was present, but Iceland maintains no standing army and remains NATO's only non-militarized member state.

Geography & climate

Dynamic young land formed by glaciers, volcanoes, lava plateaus, and fjords

Mix of cold oceanic (Cfc) and tundra climates

Area: Europe / 102828 km²
Capital: Reykjavík
Largest city: Reykjavík
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Þingvallavatn, Lake Mývatn, Lake Þórisvatn

Natural resources

Geothermal energy, Hydropower, Abundant fishery resources, Basalt, Silica, Eiderdown, Lava stone, Underground hot spring water, Wind power, Pure groundwater

Politics

Government: Parliamentary republic

Economy

Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)

GDP (nominal): 29.3 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 27.7 billion USD (PPP) (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Icelandic

Time zone: Iceland Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Icelandic Nordic, Polish, Lithuanian, Filipino, Danish

Life expectancy

83.0

Literacy rate

99.0

National sports

Football, Handball, Glima (traditional wrestling), Basketball, Ice hockey