The island nation of Iceland is a scenic land of volcanoes and glaciers. It lies in the North Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America. Although Iceland is hundreds of miles from its nearest European neighbor, Scotland, it has long been very much a part of European civilization. The capital is Reykjavík. GeographyLocated just south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland covers an area of 39,699 square miles (102,819 square kilometers). It lies about 200 miles (320 kilometers) southeast of Greenland, 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) west of Norway, and 500 miles (800 kilometers) northwest of Scotland. Its coastline is more than 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) long. Except in the south, the coastline is indented with many inlets called fjords. Iceland is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. Some 200 volcanoes dot the island. Eruptions of active volcanoes, such as the 4,892-foot (1,491-meter) Hekla, sometimes cause much damage. The island of Surtsey, off the southern coast, was formed by volcanic eruptions in the 1960s. Iceland is also known for its many glaciers. Vatna Glacier, the country's largest, is about 3,200 square miles (8,300 square kilometers) in area. In the south Vatna Glacier rises to 6,952 feet (2,119 meters) at Hvannadals Peak, the country's highest point. Water from melting ice on Lang Glacier in central Iceland feeds Gull Falls, one of the island's most popular tourist attractions. Because of a warm ocean current that comes from the south, Iceland is warmer than might be expected for a country so far north. Winters are mild and windy, and summers are damp and cool. Plants and animalsOnly about one fourth of Iceland is covered by vegetation. Bogs, moors, and sparse grasslands are common. Most of the large birch forests once found on the island have been cut down, leaving only small patches of woodland. The government began a program of replanting trees in the 1950s. Foxes were the only land mammals in Iceland when people settled on the island. Reindeer were later introduced and are still found in the northeastern highlands. The island is also home to many types of birds, especially waterfowl. Whales, seals, and a variety of fish are found in the surrounding waters. No reptiles or amphibians live in Iceland. People and cultureMost of Iceland's people are descendants of the island's early settlers, who began arriving in the late 9th century AD. The majority of the settlers came from Norway, but many others came from Scotland and Ireland. The official language, Icelandic, is spoken throughout the country. The Evangelical Lutheran church is the state church, but people are free to worship as they please. Iceland is a prosperous country with some of the best health and education services in the world. Most people live in cities and towns along the coast, particularly in the southwest. Reykjavík, the capital and largest city, is in this area. Iceland has a rich literary tradition. The works known as sagas, dating back to the 13th century, tell of Icelandic and Scandinavian heroes. More recently, Icelandic people have written notable novels, poems, and dramas. EconomyThe economy of Iceland depends heavily on fishing and fish processing. Cod is the most important catch. Fish products account for the majority of the country's exports. The main manufacturing industry is aluminum production. Tourism is another important source of income. Many airline passengers visit Iceland while traveling between the United States and Europe. Only a small part of Iceland is suitable for farming. As a result, agriculture on the island is based mainly on raising sheep and dairy cattle. Potatoes, hay, and turnips are among the main crops. HistoryIceland was one of the world's first independent, democratic republics. The earliest permanent settlers came to the island from Norway in AD 874. A representative form of government, based on a legislature called the Althing, was established in 930. During this period missionaries from Norway brought Christianity to the island. In about 1000 Christianity was made the state religion. Foreign ruleIceland was an independent republic until 1262. In that year the Althing decided that Iceland should come under the rule of Norway. Then, in 1380, Denmark took over both Iceland and Norway. The Althing was abolished in 1800. In the 19th century the people of Iceland started a movement for independence from Denmark. The Althing was reestablished in 1845, and in 1904 the island was granted its own national government. Iceland became an independent state in 1918 but kept some ties to Denmark. In 1944 the island finally proclaimed itself a fully independent republic. Independent IcelandFirst British and then U.S. troops occupied Iceland during World War II (1939–45). The U.S. forces left the country in 1946. Three years later Iceland became a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Membership in NATO is especially important for Iceland because the country has no military forces. The people of Iceland elected Vigdís Finnbogadóttir as president in 1980. She was the world's first elected woman president. She served four terms before retiring in 1996. Population (2001 estimate), 284,000. |