- Iceland is located in the North Atlantic, just below the Arctic Circle.
- The official language is Icelandic, which has remained largely unchanged since the country’s settlement in the 9th and 10th centuries.
- Iceland has a population of around 364,000 people, making it one of the least densely populated countries in the world.
- The Icelandic parliament, the Althing, was established in 930 AD, making it the oldest surviving parliament in the world.
- Iceland is known as the “Land of Fire and Ice” because of its combination of active volcanoes and glaciers.
- The island is home to Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier.
- Iceland is one of the most geologically active places on Earth, with hundreds of volcanoes, hot springs, and geysers.
- The Blue Lagoon, a popular geothermal spa located in a lava field, is one of Iceland’s top tourist attractions.
- Icelanders are some of the happiest people in the world, according to the World Happiness Report.
- Icelanders have one of the longest life expectancies in the world, with an average life expectancy of 83 years.
- Iceland has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, with no army or navy.
- Iceland is one of the world’s most gender-equal countries, with a high proportion of women in leadership roles.
- Iceland’s economy is largely based on fishing, geothermal energy, and tourism.
- Icelanders consume more Coca-Cola per capita than any other nation in the world.
- Iceland is one of the most literate countries in the world, with almost 100% of the population able to read and write.
- The Icelandic horse is a unique breed that has been isolated on the island for over 1,000 years.
- Iceland is home to the world’s northernmost capital city, Reykjavik.
- The country is famous for its unique cuisine, including dishes like hákarl (fermented shark) and skyr (a type of yogurt).
- Iceland is home to one of the world’s largest puffin populations.
- The country’s national symbol is the gyrfalcon, a bird of prey that can be found in Iceland’s remote highlands.
- Icelanders believe in elves and trolls, and some construction projects have been rerouted to avoid disturbing their supposed habitats.
- Iceland is home to some of the world’s most unique landscapes, including black sand beaches, lava fields, and ice caves.
- The country experiences long summer days and short winter days, with the sun setting for only a few hours during the summer solstice.
- The aurora borealis, or northern lights, can be seen from Iceland between September and April.
- The Icelandic language has a unique writing system that includes letters like ð and þ.
- Iceland has a rich literary tradition, with sagas and poetry dating back to the Viking Age.
- The country has a small but thriving film industry, with several Icelandic films receiving international recognition.
- Iceland has a strong tradition of folk music, including songs about elves and trolls.
- The country’s flag features a blue field with a white cross, symbolizing the country’s connection to Christianity.
- Iceland is one of the most peaceful countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index.
30 surprising facts about Iceland