Trivia in Iceland
Learn fascinating facts and trivia about this country
National symbols
Flag: A blue field with a white-bordered red Nordic cross
Emblem: National coat of arms featuring a shield with red cross and white border supported by four guardian spirits
Trivia & facts
- Ranked first in Global Peace Index continuously since 2008
- Icelandic is the modern language closest to ancient Norse
- Phone books are sorted by first name due to patronymic naming system
- NATO founding member with no standing army
- About 10% of land is glaciers, 30% is lava fields
- Nearly 100% of electricity from renewable energy
- Beer was legally prohibited until 1989
- McDonald's withdrew in 2009 during currency crisis and has not returned
- Some postal codes serve towns with fewer than 20 residents
- Tourists participate in whale watching more than locals