Iceland

Iceland

area:	103,000 sq km (39,768 sq mi)
population:	282,849
capital (population):	Reykjavík (111,345)
government:	Multiparty republic
ethnic groups:	Icelandic 94%, Danish 1%
languages:	Icelandic (official)
religions:	Christianity (Evangelical Lutheran 92%, other Lutheran 3%, Roman Catholic 1%)
currency:	Króna = 100 aurar

Small Scandinavian republic in the North Atlantic Ocean, n Europe; the capital is Reykjavík.

Land and climate

Iceland sits astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is slowly widening as the ocean is stretched apart by continental drift. Molten lava wells up to fill the gap in the centre of Iceland. Iceland has around 200 volcanoes and eruptions are frequent. Geysers and hot springs are common features. Ice-caps and glaciers cover c.12% of the land; the largest is Vatnajökull in the se. The only habitable regions are the coastal lowlands. Vegetation is sparse or non-existent on 75% of the land. Treeless grassland or bogs cover some areas. Deep fjords fringe the coast.

History and politics

Norwegian Vikings colonized Iceland in ad 874, and in 930 the settlers founded the world's oldest parliament (Althing). Iceland united with Norway in 1262, and when Norway united with Denmark in 1380, Iceland came under Danish rule. During the colonial period, Iceland lost much of its population due to migration, disease and natural disaster. In 1918 Iceland became a self-governing kingdom, united with Denmark. During World War II Iceland escaped German occupation, largely due to the presence of US forces. In 1944, a referendum decisively voted to sever links with Denmark, and Iceland became a fully independent republic. In 1946, it joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The USA maintained military bases on Iceland. In 1970, Iceland joined the European Free Trade Association. The extension of Iceland's fishing limits in 1958 and 1972 precipitated the ‘Cod War’ with the United Kingdom. In 1977, the UK agreed not to fish within Iceland's 370km (200 nautical mi) fishing limits. The continuing US military presence remains a political issue. Vigdis Finnbogadottir served as president from 1980 to 1996, when she was succeeded by Olafur Ragnar Grimsson.

Economy

Iceland has few resources besides its fishing grounds (2000 GDP per capita, US$27,432). Fishing and fish processing are major industries, accounting for 80% of Iceland's exports. Barely 1% of the land is used to grow crops, and 23% is used for grazing sheep and cattle. Iceland is self-sufficient in meat and dairy products. Vegetables and fruits are grown in greenhouses. Manufacturing is important. Products: aluminium, cement, electrical equipment and fertilizers. Geothermal power is an important energy source. Overfishing is an economic problem.

Political map

Physical map