Iceland

Iceland | Location of Volcano in Iceland | Location map of Iceland

A sparsely-populated North Atlantic island, Iceland is known for its glassy glaciers, hot thermal springs, geysers and active volcanoes and lava.

Norwegian and Celtic immigrants began to settle Iceland during the 9th and 10th centuries A.D., The Island’s claim to fame lies in being home to the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, formed in 930. It came under the rule of Norway and Denmark. In 1875 Askja volcano sprang to life and caused a heavy devastation resulting in the economic pitfall and widespread draught. Iceland became an independent republic in 1944.

In spite of not having an army, Iceland is a member of Nato. The country declared itself a nuclear-free zone in 1985.

Travel Overview
With its magisterial glaciers, hot thermal springs, stunning geysers, volcanically active hotspots, lava fields, stunning waterfalls and snow-capped mountain peaks, Iceland is indeed the original 'land of fire and ice'.

The cosmopolitan capital, Reykjavík is one of the cleanest cities in Europe. The country’s Interior remains unspoilt. Geysir is known for the hot spring of Strokkur.
Other attractions in Iceland included the Thingvellir National Park, Gulfoss, the biggest waterfall in Europe, and the Myvatn Lake. Blue Lagoon is also frequented by the tourists in large number. The Snaefellsjokull glaciers and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, replete with lava caves, waterfalls, and hot springs offer wonderful scenic views.

The Westmann Islands is famous for whale-watching.

Capital: Reykjavik
Location: Northern Europe, island between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Greenland Sea
Climate: temperate, mild, windy winters, damp, cool summers
Total Area: 103,000 sq km
Total Population: 301,931
Population Growth Rate: 0.824%
Sex Ratio: 1.04 male(s)/female
Literacy: 99%
Ethnic Groups: Norse, Celts
Languages: Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German
Time Zone: UTC
Currency: Icelandic krona
Type of govt.: constitutional republic
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Geir H. HAARDE (since 7 June 2006)
Major Political Parties: Independence Party or IP , Left-Green Movement or LGM, Liberal Party or LP, Progressive Party or PP, Social Democratic Alliance or SDA , Social Democratic Party or SDP, Women's List
Participation in International Organizations: APEC, AsDB, BCIE, AfDB, APT, ARF, BIS, ASEAN, EAS, G-77, IAEA, ICAO, CDB, FAO, G-24, ICC, IBRD, ICRM, IFAD, IHO, IMF, IMO, IFC, IDA, IFRCS, ILO, Interpol, IOM , LAIA, MIGA, MONUC, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITU, NAM, MINURSO, NSG, PCA, SCO, UN, UNCTAD, OAS, OPCW, PIF, SAARC, UNESCO, UN Security Council, UNMIL, UNIFIL, UNITAR, UNMIS, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMEE, UNMOVIC, UPU, WCO, WHO, UNOCI, UNTSO, WIPO, WToO, WMO, WTO, ZC
Major Agricultural Products: green vegetables, potatoes, mutton, fish, dairy products
Natural Resources & Minerals: fish, hydropower, diatomite, geothermal power,
Industry & Transport: fish processing, ferrosilicon production, aluminum smelting, geothermal power, tourism
Airports: 93
Roadways: 13,028 km
Major Trade Partners: UK, Germany, Netherlands, US, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, China, Japan
Exports: $3.587 billion
Imports: $5.189 billion

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