The island’s location makes it geologically very young and active. Iceland has a varied topography but it is one of the most volcanic regions in the world. Amanda Briney, M.A., is a professional geographer. 74. Real power rests with the 63-member parliament, the Althingi (Althing). In the year 930 AD, … Today, Iceland is a constitutional republic with a unicameral parliament called the Althingi. It houses the world… In that year it signed a treaty that created a union between itself and Norway. It was established in 870 C.E. Almost 80% of the country is uninhabited, and much of its terrain consists of plateaux, mountain peaks, and fertile lowlands. Following the creation of its constitution, Iceland was independent until 1262. by Ingólfr Arnarson. The island country of Iceland is one of the stepping-stones of land between the North American and European continents. The powers of the president are similar to those of other heads of state in western European democracies. Most of Iceland's agriculture is practiced along the coast. Its land mass comprises glaciers (12,000 km2), lava (11,000 km2), sand (4,000 km2), water (3,000 km2) and pasture (1,000 km2). Iceland is largely an arctic desert punctuated by mountains, glaciers, geysers, hot springs, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Because of this, Iceland has a rugged landscape dotted with hot springs, sulfur beds, geysers, lava fields, canyons, and waterfalls. Iceland is home to the very first parliament grounds in Europe. Iceland is a volcanic island primarily because of its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which separates the North American and Eurasian Earth plates. Flag Capital Tourism&Travel Regions . A large part of Iceland is covered with glaciers and snowfields and most of the country's inhabitants live in the coastal areas because those are the most fertile regions on the island. Iceland is a volcanic island with several active volcanoes.. People live along a narrow coastal belt, valleys and the lowland plains in the south and southwest. Accuracy: A team of editors takes feedback from our visitors to keep trivia as up to date and as accurate as possible.Complete quiz index can be found here: Iceland Quizzes There are 34 questions on this topic. More than 13% is covered by snowfields and glaciers, and most of the people live in the 7% of the island that is made up of fertile coastland. Iceland is the least populated country in Europe. Specifically, Iceland is located at the confluence between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic in the region bound by latitudes 63 and 68° N and longitudes 25 and 13° W. The main part of the island lies completely on the southern side of the Arctic Circle.The distance between Iceland and continental Europe is shorter than the distance with mainland North America. The average summer temperature in Reykjavik is 10.6°C/51°F in July, with average highs of 24.3°C/76°F. In 1874, Denmark gave Iceland some limited independent ruling powers, and in 1904 after a constitutional revision in 1903, this independence was expanded. Sundagarðar 2 • 104 Reykjavík, Iceland. In May 1940 though, British forces entered Iceland and in 1941, the United States entered the island and took over defensive powers. Shortly thereafter, a vote took place and Iceland became an independent republic on June 17, 1944. Iceland, officially called the Republic of Iceland, is an island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean just south of the Arctic Circle. Flag: Blue with a red cross outlined in white fimbration, extending to the edges of the flag.The colors are symbolic for three of the elements that make up the island: red is for the volcanic fires, white recalls the snow and glaciers, and blue is for the skies above. Even today, the country is growing by about 5 cm per year, as it splits wider at the points where two tectonic plates meet. Geography & Nature of Iceland Iceland sits almost smack in the middle between the United States of America and Canada to its west and mainland Europe to its east. In the north, however, there are extensive grasslands that are used by grazing animals such as sheep and cattle. The eruption produced a lava field of more than 85 km2 (33 sq mi) and 1.4 km3 (0.34 cu mi) – the largest in Iceland since 1783. Total Population: 338,349; Capital: Reykjavik; Life expectancy: 82.47 years; Highest Mountain: Hvannadalshnúkur at 2,109.6 metres (6,921 ft) A brief numerical overview of Iceland. Tourism is also a growing industry in the country and the associated service-sector jobs are growing. Lying on the constantly active geologic border between North America and Europe, Iceland is a land of vivid contrasts of climate, geography, and culture. The island of Iceland is a volcanic island. In size, Iceland is slightly bigger than Hungary or South Korea and about the size of the state of Kentucky/USA. Iceland is in Northern Europe. Iceland is the second largest island in Europe - after Great Britain. It is one of the most volcanic regions in the world. and over 11 percent of the country is covered by glaciers, including Vatnajökull, the largest in Europe. 21. 71. At about 39,000 square miles, Iceland is small – close to the size of Ohio. According to the story, when the first settlers came to Iceland, it was so … National Geographic’s latest travel stories about Iceland. The Phallological Museum is one of the nation’s most unusual attractions. Iceland features a strong social-market economy typical of Scandinavian countries. The Icelandic government has banned prostitution in 2009and banned strip clubs in 2010. It is located just south of the Arctic Circle about 180 miles (290 kilometers) southeast of Greenland, 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) west of Norway, and 500 miles (800 kilometers) northwest of Scotland. Iceland is a geologically young landscape due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between the … One genetic study of Icelanders found most men were of Nordic origin while most women were of Gaelic origin. Physical Geography. She holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from California State University. They also have a milder climate than other areas. The ash from the eruption caused disruptions all over the world. Actually it’s quite the opposite. Key Facts The Nordic island nation of Iceland occupies an area of 103,000 km2 (40,000 sq miles) in the North Atlantic Ocean. Beer was banned in Iceland for most of the 20th century. Iceland is the least populated country in Europe. Iceland (Icelandic: Ísland; [ˈistlant] (listen)) is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, with a population of 364,134 and an area of 103,000 km 2 (40,000 sq mi), making it the most sparsely populated country in Europe. It emerged from an underwater mountain range, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, about 20 million years ago. This means its economy is capitalistic with free-market principles, but it also has a large welfare system for its citizens. Surveys indicate that 54.4 percent of the nation believes in the existence … Almost 80% of the country is uninhabited, and much of its terrain consists of plateaux, mountain peaks, and fertile lowlands. M.A., Geography, California State University - East Bay, B.A., English and Geography, California State University - Sacramento. An island of 103.000 km2 (40,000 square miles), it is about the same size as Hungary and Portugal, or Kentucky and Virginia. Iceland is one of the youngest landmasses on the planet, and consequently home to some of the world’s most active volcanoes. According to the U.S. Department of State, Iceland is the only member of NATO with no standing military. Volcanoes are still In addition, despite its high latitude, Iceland has a relatively mild climate due to the Gulf Stream, which allows its people to practice agriculture in the fertile coastal regions. Iceland Demographics. This positioning has long made Iceland the perfect stopover for travelers and business people making the long transatlantic journey. 23. To begin introducing Iceland for kids, you must first point out that it is one of the northernmost populated places on earth. Iceland has a long coastline with many fjords and bays. The weather is also affected by the East Greenland polar current curving south-eastwards round the north and east coasts. The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court called Haestirettur, which has justices who are appointed for life, and eight district courts for each of the country's eight administrative divisions. Iceland, like the United States, enacted a … Iceland Facts | Iceland Geography Iceland lies in the Arctic Region of Northern Europe. It is an island between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Its landscape’s is characterized by waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, black sand beaches and otherworldly steaming lava fields. The original population of the island was of Gaelic and Nordic origin based on genetic analysis and literary evidence from the island's settlement. Iceland's climate is temperate because of the Gulf Stream. This causes the island to be active geologically, as the plates are constantly moving away from each other. Iceland / Maps, Geography, Facts. GEOGRAPHY Iceland is a small island nation that is Europe's westernmost country and home to the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik. Technically, Iceland is neither part of Europe of North America in terms of geographical location. 22. An Overview of the History and Geography of New Zealand, Geography of the United States of America, Geography and Fun Facts About Great Britain. The original name of the settlement was Reykjarvik which loosely translated to the "Bay of Smokes" due to the region's hot springs. Iceland’s name is a ruse. Sign up for our monthly newsletter on all things Icelandic. The nearest neighbouring country is Greenland, just 286 km (180 miles) away, followed by the Faroe Islands 420 km (260 miles), … There are also many small islands around. Photograph by Raul Touzon, Nat Geo Image Collection Iceland has very mild, coastal weather, stemming from the Gulf Stream. Iceland, officially called the Republic of Iceland, is an island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean just south of the Arctic Circle. The volcanic zone in central Icelandis a “constructive junction” between the western part of Iceland belonging to the North American tectonic plate and the eastern part on the Eurasian plate. Most of the vegetation and agricultural areas are in the lowlands close to the coastline. The average winter temperature in Reykjavik is similar to New York City's, about 0°C/32°F in January (average highs are 9.9°C/50°C). Iceland, one of the most volcanically active countries in the world, is a large island in the North Atlantic close to the Arctic Circle. Iceland: History, Geography, Government, and Culture. There are no reptiles or amphibians there. Today, the U.S. is still Iceland's main defensive partner but there are no military personnel stationed on the island. Iceland is highly active volcanically and had a volcanic eruption under a glacier in April 2010. Iceland, island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. Iceland is the second largest island in Europe, following Great Britain, and the 18th largest island in the world. Iceland also has an executive branch with a chief of state and head of government. 72. The main island, which lies south of the Arctic Circle, covers an area of 103,000 km, which is roughly the size of the U.S. state of Virginia or slightly bigger than Ireland. There are many long, deep fjords and glaciers, including Europes largest, Vatnajökull. Iceland’s highest peak is Hvannadalshnjúkur, standing 2.119 metres (6852 ft) over sea level. The capital and largest city is Reykjavík. Iceland Geography ICELAND IS THE YOUNGEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD Iceland is a relatively large island in the Atlantic Ocean. Located on this Mid-Atlantic Ridge running through its center, Iceland is divided in half by volcanoes and has the most active volcano area in the worldwith a volcano erupting, on average, every five years. The assembly was called the Althingi. Mutton, chicken, pork, beef, dairy products, and fishing also contribute considerably to the economy. This means that even though it is very far north, and consequently very cold, people still live there. Iceland is a volcanic island. Iceland is located in the north of the Atlantic Ocean, south of Greenland and between Norway and the British Isles. The coastline is 4,970 km, and Iceland maintains a 200 nautical-miles exclusive economic zone. Iceland - Iceland - Government and society: Iceland’s constitution, which was adopted in 1944, established a parliamentary democracy with a directly elected president as head of state. Iceland is about 1000 km away from the European mainland and about 300 km from the coast of Greenland. Icelanders joke that they should be Greenland and Greenland should be Iceland. 73. The largest agricultural industries in Iceland are potatoes and green vegetables. The Norse were the main migrants to move to the island, and in 930 CE, Iceland's governing body created a constitution and an assembly. General Facts about Iceland. It is illegal to own a pet lizard, snake or turtle in Iceland. There are approximately 200 volcanoes in Iceland, most of which are active. A large part of Iceland is covered with glaciers and snowfields and most of the country's inhabitants live in the coastal areas because those are the most fertile regions on the island. The weather can be very unpredictable and often changes in an instant. Location and Geography. But that’s not to say the population is very great. Its landscapes is characterized by waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes, black sand beaches and otherworldly steaming lava fields. In 1918, the Act of Union was signed with Denmark, which officially made Iceland an autonomous nation that was united with Denmark under the same king. Geography. Despite its name, Iceland’s surface is only ten percent iceand it has surprisingly mild winters due to the warming effect of the Atlantic Gulf Stream. Iceland might look intimidating, thanks to its explosive geography, but it … In addition, Iceland lies on a hotspot (like Hawaii) called the Iceland Plume, which formed the island millions of years ago. Iceland was first inhabited in the late 9th and 10th centuries. In 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcano erupted and in 2011 Grímsvötn. Below are some general info such as total population, land area, biggest lake, highest mountain and other general facts about Iceland that might be interesting to know. Geography Iceland, an island about the size of Kentucky, lies in the north Atlantic Ocean east of Greenland and just touches the Arctic Circle. The most significant of its seismic features is found at Þingvellir National Park along the Almannagja fault. Iceland is a volcanic island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, 300 km east of Greenland and 900 km west of Norway. The latest volcanic eruption was in Holuhraun from August 2014 to February 2015. First Parliament. We have no Standing Army. Iceland's main industries are fish processing, aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production, geothermal power, and hydropower. In 1946, Iceland and the U.S. decided to end U.S. responsibility for maintaining Iceland's defense but the U.S. kept some military bases on the island. Iceland Trivia Questions & Answers : Europe This category is for questions and answers related to Iceland, as asked by users of FunTrivia.com.. Follow us on the following social networks and websites. As a result, Iceland is prone to volcanic eruptions and features the aforementioned geologic features such as hot springs and geysers. Winters are usually mild and windy and summers are wet and cool. When Norway and Denmark created a union in the 14th century, Iceland became a part of Denmark. It takes approximately five hours to fly from New York to Reykjavík, and three hours from London. The interior portion of Iceland is mostly an elevated plateau with small areas of forest, but it has little land that's suitable for agriculture. Iceland is an island in the north Atlantic Ocean between Greenland and Norway just south of the Arctic Circle. In 1949, Iceland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and with the start of the Korean War in 1950, the U.S. again became responsible for defending Iceland militarily. The following is a list of ten more facts to know about Reykjavik, Iceland: 1) Reykjavik is believed to have been the first permanent settlement in Iceland. Germany then occupied Denmark during World War II and in 1940, communications between Iceland and Denmark ended and Iceland attempted to independently control all of its lands. The island owes its existence to a large volcanic fissure in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and American tectonic plates meet. Icelandic Authors on Icelandic Literature, Iceland Dream List - Ian Harper and Henry Nathan, Iceland Dream List - Eliza Reid, First Lady of Iceland, It's about time to be Inspired by Iceland. 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