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