Iceland

Iceland sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates diverge, making it one of the most geologically active places on Earth. The island is composed largely of basalt, with about 30 active volcanic systems; the most notable eruptions in recent history include Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 and the ongoing Fagradalsfjall eruptions since 2021. Glaciers cover about 11% of the land, with Vatnajökull being the largest glacier in Europe by volume. The island's interior is a highland plateau with deserts, lava fields, and hot springs, while the coastline is deeply indented by fjords.

Iceland was settled by Norse and Gaelic people in the 9th century, according to the Landnámabók, with Ingólfr Arnarson traditionally credited as the first permanent settler in 874. The island established the Althing, one of the world's oldest parliaments, in 930. After centuries of Norwegian and Danish rule, Iceland gained home rule in 1904 and full independence in 1944, becoming a republic. The country was neutral in World War II but was occupied by British and later American forces, which accelerated its modernization. Iceland joined NATO in 1949 and the European Economic Area in 1994, but has declined EU membership.

Iceland's economy has transformed from a reliance on fishing and agriculture to a diversified one, with tourism, aluminum smelting, and technology playing major roles. The country is a world leader in renewable energy: nearly 100% of its electricity comes from hydroelectric and geothermal sources, and it pioneered the use of geothermal heating for entire cities. The 2008 financial crisis severely impacted its banking sector, but Iceland recovered through capital controls and a tourism boom, though the 2020 pandemic and subsequent inflation have posed new challenges. The currency is the Icelandic króna, and the country has a high per-capita GDP.

Iceland has no native mosquitoes, and its only native land mammal is the Arctic fox. The country's literacy rate is nearly 100%, and it publishes more books per capita than any other nation, with a tradition of giving books as Christmas gifts. Iceland is also home to the world's oldest parliament, the Althing, and its language has changed so little that modern Icelanders can read medieval sagas. The country has a unique tradition of 'jólabókaflóð' (Christmas Book Flood), and it is one of the few places where you can see the Northern Lights and the midnight sun. Iceland also has a notable history of environmental activism, including the 1970s 'women's strike' that led to the world's first female president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir.

Althing

The national parliament of Iceland, founded in 930, one of the oldest in the world.

Geothermal energy

Heat derived from the Earth's interior, used in Iceland for electricity and heating.

Vatnajökull

The largest glacier in Iceland and by volume in Europe.