Facts about Iceland
The Republilc of Iceland, Lýðveldið Ísland or Ísland, which is the second largest island in Europe (103.000 sq.km.) lies in the North Atlantic Ocean. The country is crossed by the Arctic Circle, which passes through the island of Grímsey, Iceland’s northernmost point. Geologically, Iceland is a young country. It has about 200 volcanoes, of almost every type. Volcanic activities have been frequent since the 1960s. A new island, Surtsey was formed south of the mainland in 1963, and a major eruption took place in 1973 when a volcano in Westman Islands spewed erupted lava over the town of Heimaey.
The Earliest Settlements
The earliest settlements in Iceland, dating from the early eight century A.D. , seem to be those of Irish hermits, reputed to have fled the island upon the arrival of pagan Norwegians. The first Norwegian settlement, led by Ingólfur Arnarson, dates from 874 and was located on the site of present-day Reykjavik. The number of new settlers increased toward the end of the century. The earliest settlers came from countries and districts where the Vikings had been dominant for centuries: the west coast of Norway, Ireland, Scotland, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands and Hebrides. Danes and Swedes came as well. The settlement of Iceland was followed by the discovery of Greenland and ultimately Vínland (Newfoundland or mainland North America).
Alþingi – The Icelandic Parliament
Alþingi was established at Þingvellir (about 40 km east of Reykjavik) in 930 A.D. , the date that marks the foundation of the Icelandic state. Ever since, Alþingi has been the primary symbol of Iceland’s national identity. Alþingi was a national parliament and high court, and adopted a general system of law for the whole country. This oldest code of law was based partly on the laws which were then in force in Gulaþing district of Norway.
Reykjavik
Reykjavik (Bay of smoke) is the capital of Iceland. By the turn of the nineteenth century, the inhabitants of Reykjavik numbered 5.000, and with a great expansion in the period after the two World Wars, today there are approximately 117.000 inhabitants. Iceland’s total population is approximately 310.000 of which around 180.000 live in Reykjavik and its neighbouring communities.
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Climate and Clothing
Although Iceland lies close to the Arctic Circle it is, despite its name, comparatively warm. Due to the Gulf Stream, the climate during the winter is milder here than in many countries in northern Europe. The average temperatures for January is -0.4°C and for July 11.2°C. It often rains, especially during the summer, but usually not for long periods of time. Iceland also tends to be rather windy, with gales being quite common during the winter. Thunderstorms, however, are extremely rare. It does snow during the winter but the tourist guides tell you that it does not often stay white for long in Reykjavik. The weather in Iceland is very unpredictable. There are many old sayings such as “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.”
Although arctic- type clothing is not needed in Iceland, one must be prepared for everything. All Icelandic homes and public buildings are very well heated, but one should think about bringing the following: good, strong walking shoes; a warm coat that is wind and rain-proof; a scarf, gloves, and hat; and both lightweight and thick woollen jumpers (sweaters). A swimming suit is also a good idea because there are many well-heated swimming pools throughout the country. The abundance of geothermal heated water makes swimming a popular year-round activity.
The Icelandic Language
Icelandic (íslenska) is the native language of Iceland. It belongs to the West Scandinavian group of North Germanic languages. It is the same language spoken by the original Norse settlers from western Norway in the ninth and tenth centuries with, of course, an addition of modern vocabulary. Icelandic borrowed words from Celtic, Latin, the Romance languages, and especially Danish.
The Flag and Seal of Iceland
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The three colours of the Icelandic Flag symbolize the country |
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The Seal of Iceland,where the Dragon represents the Eastern part,
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