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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