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Iceland was founded by the Vikings. Why don’t you read the below post for details about Robben Island: Facts about Robben Island 1: the African history. The people of Iceland have a seriously strong work ethic, working some of the longest hours of any industrialized country in the world. Here are our top facts about the history of our wonderful country: Iceland is a product of a series of underwater volcanoes. During this time, more than 12 million immigrants came through Ellis Island in search of a better life. People from Norway, Denmark and Sweden were the first to settle in Iceland from as early as 870. In later centuries it was under Denmark’s rule. Dettifoss Waterfall is the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Danish and English are compulsory subjects in school. The Reykjanes lava fields are a geothermal wonder and a beautiful place where lighthouses outnumber villages. The nation’s official language, both spoken and written, is Icelandic, descended from Old Norse. After eight decades of operation, our history reflects the spirit of the Icelandic nation, its resourcefulness and innovation. Home / Articles on Iceland / History / Short History / Share on Facebook; Tweet; All Tours. 11. Iceland is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic. Relying on subsistence agriculture and fishing, the country was among one of the poorest in Europe. Its capital and largest city is Reykjavík. It changed from the poorest country in Europe to one of the richest country in the world in only a 50 years! People from Norway, Denmark and Sweden were the first to settle in Iceland from as early as 870. The Alþingi (Icelandic for “assembly” but also meaning “parliament”) ran until 1800. 22. After a few minutes of skittishness and slight embarrassment, we found ourselves totally enjoying it. Iceland Gulls breed on narrow cliff ledges in the Arctic and forage gracefully over the water, often plucking fish from the surface without landing. Volcanic activity is unpredictable and uncontrollable man. 34. Iceland was founded during the Viking Age of exploration and settled by Norsemen from Scandinavia and Celts from the British Isles. The tradition of reading in Iceland dates back to the 13 th century and with one out of ten Icelanders publishing a book in their lifetime, it is clear Iceland is a very literary-focused country! Check out our country profile, full of essential information about Iceland's geography, history, government, economy, population, culture, religion and languages. Ellis Island sits in New York Harbor and was one of the busiest immigration processing centers from 1892 to 1954. Approximately 60 percent of the country’s population lives in Reykjavik. It houses the world… It is actually larger than all the other glaciers in Europe combined. Although Iceland cooperated with the Allies, it officially remained neutral during the war. Iceland has an enormous amount of clean water. Volcanically active, much of the land is covered by sand and lava fields, mountain and glaciers. The South coast is home to some of the nation’s most visited tourist attractions, including the Golden Circle. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. Iceland Facts for Kids. Sightseeing; Whale Watching; Horse Riding; Glacier Exploring Nature. 21. Iceland History . Their plumage is variable, especially the adults’ wingtips, which can range from pure white in the east to black in the west. They value independence and self-sufficiency. Today Geysir doesn’t erupt often, but nearby Strokkur erupts every eight to ten minutes. Ellis Island is a historical site that opened in 1892 as an immigration station, a purpose it served for more than 60 years until it closed in 1954. Having spent five days on the heart-stoppingly beautiful island, we can answer with a resounding yes. where to go in iceland, tours, travels, holidays, what to do, trips, travel, guide, attractions, vacation, sightseeing, activities, destination Equality between sexes is high and income inequality is among the lowest in the world. Use this timeline to learn more about the history of Iceland. 31. Iceland’s rich democratic tradition dates back more than a millennium to the institution of a national assembly, the Althingi, to govern the island in 930. Iceland was first inhabited in the late 9th and 10th centuries. A timeline of Iceland. Twitter Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Email. The early settlement, made up primarily of Norwegian seafarers and adventurers, fostered further excursions to Greenland and the coast of … 20. It has changed so little that today’s students can read books written hundreds of years ago. Facts About the History of Iceland: 1. Iceland was settled by Vikings from Norway sometime in the 800s. Vatnajökull glacier is the largest ice cap in Europe. Iceland has many geysers. 14. Iceland’s deep literary tradition dates back to its legendary medieval sagas, which told the stories of the country’s original Norse settlers, and the BBC reports that 1 out of every 10 Icelanders will publish a book during their lifetimes. The Age of Settlement The earliest sources on Icelandic history are the Íslendingabók (“Book of the Icelanders”, c. 12th century CE) and the Landnámabók (“Book … The early history of Iceland is chronicled in literary sources, the oldest of which is Íslendingabók (The Book of Icelanders) written about 1130. History of Iceland Coat of arms. Icelandair is a member of: IATA (International Air Transport Association) since 1950 71. Iceland was the birthplace of Leif Eriksson, who is believed by many to have led the first European voyage to North America. The Gulf Stream warms Iceland’s climate, resulting in average winter temperatures comparable to those of New York City. General Facts about Iceland. This was the beginning of Icelandair. In 1783, the volcanoes called Laki erupted, this was one of the greatest eruption in Iceland's history. Iceland is also the land of light and darkness. 10. A history of discovery. It seems that nearly everyone I talk to has either been or wants to desperately visit this small island in the North Atlantic. 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. 19. But Iceland boasts one of the oldest known parliaments in human history. The noxious gas clouds blotted out the sun across Europe and caused freak weather events, such as acid rain and floods. Iceland began forming about 24 million years ago from volcanic eruptions on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. 11. Here is a list of twenty top strange and awesome facts about Iceland. 2. The island’s earliest inhabitants were Native Americans who traveled to Jekyll Island to hunt, fish, and gather shellfish. The result of this drilling was very promising and proved among other things, that this was a ‘high temper… 29. 330 BC: An island, Thule, or Ultima Thule, in the farthest north is mentioned in a geography by the Greek navigator Pytheas; located six days' sailing north of Britannia and one day and night from “the end of the world”. Widely known as “The Land of Fire and Ice” Iceland is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe, and some of the world’s most active volcanoes. Here we are listing 10 Facts about Iceland that you don’t know, Facts about Iceland. Iceland is the most eco-friendly country in the world in terms of their energy sources. Although the history of Iceland spans 11 centuries, the economic development started with the 20th century. Total Population: 338,349; Capital: Reykjavik; Life expectancy: 82.47 years; Highest Mountain: Hvannadalshnúkur at 2,109.6 metres (6,921 ft) Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. In 2020 the population of Iceland was 364,000. The Icelandic government has banned prostitution in 2009and banned strip clubs in 2010. The small fishing town of Húsavík is the whale watching capital of Europe. Iceland was founded by the Vikings. 25. Only one woman was prosecuted as a witch during this time though because men were the primary targets. 5. 7. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Vigdis Finbogadóttir was elected in 1980. In 1969 the town council of Grindavik decided to explore the area near Svartsengi for the possibility of geothermal heat, which could be harnessed for domestic heating in Grindavik. Iceland is largely an arctic desert punctuated by mountains, glaciers, geysers, hot springs, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Basic Facts About Iceland. Greenland was colonizedby pe… Iceland was founded more than 1,000 years ago during the Viking age of exploration and settled by a mixed Norse and Celtic population. Find out what's unique about Icelandic traditions and customs and discover extensive culture and nightlife guides. 1. West Iceland is one of the island’s most geologically diverse regions with one of the greatest concentration of geysers in the world as well as the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier. Due to the ancient erosion event, Robben Island sits only a few metres above the sea elevation. In Iceland there are multitudes of refreshing hot springs. The fishing industry accounts for the vast majority of their exports and 40 percent of the nation’s economy and 31 percent comes from manufacturing unwrought aluminum. This may surprise you. Maybe it's a surprising fact that makes you rethink conventional wisdom. Iceland, country of geothermal pools and northern lights, volcanoes, and glaciers, is a prosperous nation. There are a however some things raise the eyebrows of tourists travelling in Iceland. Iceland is ranked in the top three countries for women to live in. The history of Iceland is one of survival and prosperity. Today, the Icelandic language resembles the Old Norse Language more closely than modern Norwegian. The Irish monk Dicuil noted in 825 that Iceland saw little winter sun but nights so bright in the summer that “whatever task a man wishes to perform, even picking lice from his shirt, he can manage as well as in clear daylight.” By 874, the Vikings had arrived in Iceland and began permanent settlement of the island they initially called “Snow Land.”. 8. 28. 1. 30. The assembly was called the Althingi. Whatever the case, it's the little, surprising bits of history are perhaps the most fun bits of history—the type of info that's so wacky and out there it could never be repeated even if someone wanted to. It has an area of 103,000 square km. Iceland changed Iceland changed into at first protected in forests as far as the attention could see according to widely wide-spread history, a seafarer named Garðarr Svávarsson sailed around the complete island in the later ninth century and proclaimed that it becomes “wooded … Aug 25, 2019 - Spread the love Saturday, June 29, 20191. Iceland’s government-run television station, which began broadcasting in 1966 and was the country’s sole channel for 20 years, went dark every Thursday until 1987 in order to promote human interaction. Iceland is a country that has learned how to take advantage of its natural resources while also protecting them, and its geothermal hot springs are hugely popular with residents … 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. Laki’s eruption in 1783-84 caused a famine that killed almost one fourth of the island’s population. Iceland is hardly icy at all; on the other hand, Greenland has plenty of ice and isn’t very green. Median age is … The 74-year beer ban remained in place until March 1, 1989, a date now celebrated annually as Beer Day. More Norwegians some Scandinavians as well followed through the centuries. Short History; Facts; Sagas; You are here. During the holidays in Iceland, there is a custom to make sure the house is clean and to leave food for the elves on Christmas Eve so that they can feast and dance while the humans are at … Lava was going out of the craters for 5 months. In spite of its frigid-sounding moniker, Iceland is situated south of the Arctic Circle with the exception of the island of Grimsey off its northern coast, a place so remote that birds outnumber people by 1,000 to 1. 3. Thirty percent of their electricity is of geothermal origin (the world’s highest percentage) and the rest is generated by hydro power. It also did not broadcast during the vacation month of July until 1983. All Rights Reserved. This is to celebrate that fact that beer is once again legal in Iceland. Iceland became independent in 1918 and founded the Republic of Iceland in 1944. Some historians believe that Columbus visited Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula on a trading mission in 1477 and there learned of Viking explorations of the New World. Iceland finally took its sovereignty back, in 1918. ), beer was banned in the country. Iceland acceded to Norwegian rule after a period of civil strife in the 13th century. 23. If that's not enough, click over to our collection of world maps and flags. Reykjavik has a population of 120,165 people (2008 estimate) and its metropolitan area or the Greater Reykjavik area has a population of 201,847 people. Grímsvötn is Iceland's most frequently active volcano, probably because it is located on the center of the active NE rift zone of Iceland. ~ 700: Evidence of Irish monks living in Iceland. About 30 percent of Iceland is lava fields. As facts about Iceland go, this one’s pretty awesome. Wherever you go in the countryside, there will be some museum or gallery celebrating the culture of the area. After Germany invaded Denmark in 1940, the Allies feared the Nazis would next occupy the neutral Danish territory of Iceland and use it as a strategically important North Atlantic supply post. Iceland is a Nordic island country with an intriguing history and spectacular natural attractions that bring many tourists to the island. North Iceland has dramatic lava fields and hills carved out by rivers with turbulent waterfalls. Except for a brief interruption from 1799-1844, Iceland’s independent commonwealth has been governed by the Althingi parliament since 930, the world’s oldest extant parliamentary institution. Additionally you’ll find some facts on the History of the Vikings in Europe during the Middle Ages and their settlement in Iceland.. Further there is a Historic overview on the vikings and some facts and photos of the Viking Festival in Hafnafjörður. The early history of Iceland is chronicled in literary sources, the oldest of which is Íslendingabók - The Book of Icelanders, written about 1130 AD. That was when Jacob Roggeveen first found the island, naming it after the date he landed on the shore. Here are six interesting Easter Island facts. Dating all the way back to the year 930, the first national parliament was founded in Thingvellir, which is now a national park. The population of the country reached 300,000 in 2006. 18. History of Iceland . FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. A constitution drawn up c. 930 created a form of democracy and provided for an Althing, the world's oldest practicing legislative assembly. Most executive power rests with the Government, which is elected separately … Giving books as gifts is so common in Iceland that a free book catalog is delivered to each home in the autumn in time for the annual “Christmas Book Flood.”. A new epoch in the history of Iceland had begun. Quail Island, Lyttelton Harbour (1875) Our Ellis Island? It is the youngest country in the world in terms of land form. Most of the volcano is hidden beneath the giant glacier of Vatnajökull, Europe's largest glacier. An estimated 9% (32.000) of the population is of foreign-born nationality. 3. Iceland is one of two places in the world where you can see tectonic plates separate above sea level. There are no reptiles or amphibians there. Milestones in Icelandic History Discovery and Settlement. Learn some interesting information about Iceland while enjoying a range of fun facts and trivia that's perfect for kids! History of Madeira Island When the Infante Dom Henrique, better known in English as Prince Henry the Navigator, gathered together the finest cartographers and navigators of Portugal at the beginning of the 15th century, his plan was to extend the knowledge of the coast of West Africa. Greenland was colonized by people from Iceland in 986. Jekyll Island has been a vacation destination for more than 3,500 years. Iceland’s sweeping spectrum of superlative nature comes to a dramatic climax in the Westfjords – the island’s off-the-beaten-path adventure par excellence. This fact makes Iceland a fairly “young” country when it comes to settlement, and … More than half of the country’s livestock died. It was Easter Sunday! Rural Iceland has its own form of art and culture. In 874 Viking explorers from Norway & the British Isles settled on the island. Fleeing political upheaval and later Viking raids, Irish monks are believed to have been the first to arrive in Iceland as temporary settlers, sometime between the seventh and ninth centuries. Iceland was the last land in Europe to be settled and populated. Iceland - Iceland - History: Iceland apparently has no prehistory. Iceland celebrates Beer Day (Bjórdagurinn) each year on March 1. 15. The volcanic zone in central Iceland is a “constructive junction” between the western part of Iceland belonging to the North American tectonic plate and the eastern part on the Eurasian plate. 13. Iceland, like the United States, enacted a prohibition on alcoholic beverages in the early 1900s. HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. The occupation force eventually grew to 25,000 British and Canadian troops before the United States took over the occupation on July 7, 1941, five months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Discover information on all 5 counties in the State of Rhode Island. A brief history of Denmark. Located at Commercial whaling is practiced as well as scientific whale hunts, but Iceland makes more money from whale watching tours than the whaling industry. Iceland changed into at first protected in forests as far as the attention could see according to widely wide-spread history, a seafarer named Garðarr Svávarsson sailed around the complete island in the later ninth century and proclaimed that it becomes “wooded from the mountains all the way down to the ocean.”Currently, about 2% of Iceland is forested. Many of the early settlers were Vikings or Celts. Its official currency is Icelandic króna (ISK). The half of the population of the country lives in capital Reykjavik and its nearby areas. Iceland's Viking heritage and fascinating history. Just like the U.S. and many parts of Europe, Iceland went through a period of witch hunts from 1654 to 1690. Icelanders joke that they should be Greenland and Greenland should be Iceland. East Iceland has the country’s largest forest, lush farmlands, and many natural harbors with fishing villages. Iceland is the oldest democracy in the world. History. Not only are the Easter Island statues magnificent to observe, their intriguing history also makes them one of humanity’s enduring travel mysteries. Looking to add some Icelandic literature to your reading list? It has flat surface. Below, you will find an infographic listing 11 Basic Facts … With just over 320,000 people, Iceland is one of the least-populated countries in the world. History . Iceland - Iceland - History: Iceland apparently has no prehistory. Learn about historical facts and county boundary changes. Iceland was first inhabited in the late 9th and 10th centuries. Background: This entry usually highlights major historic events and current issues and may include a statement about one or two key future trends. Population: 355,000 (2018). Infoplease has everything you need to know about Iceland. Here are 77 interesting facts about Iceland to help stimulate your curiosity and desire to travel to the Land of Fire and Ice. Suffrage is universal from 18 years of age. The water is so clean that pass to the kitchen of every family without any treatment. All free and law-abiding citizens could attend as the assembly passed laws and administered justice. Iceland changed Iceland changed into at first protected in forests as far as the attention could see according to widely wide-spread history, a seafarer named Garðarr Svávarsson sailed around the complete island in the later ninth century and proclaimed that it becomes “wooded … Oct 3, 2019 - Spread the love Saturday, June 29, 20191. Parts of the country are often shaken by tremors and earthquakes of varying intensity. Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland.It is also the largest city in that country and with its latitude of 64˚08'N, it is the world's northernmost capital city for an independent nation. But, artifacts found on the island show evidence of Irish Monks prior to the appearance of Norwegians. Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althingi, established in 930. Settled by Norsemen from Scandinavia and Celts from the British isles settled in the 9 th and 10 th centuries, Icelandic history has always been shaped by events on the larger politicla stage of the Nordic Countries. 33. A brief history lesson. The server Cestovanie.biz will have hopefully soon also travelogue of travel experiences on the site of Iceland from the year before. Learn about Iceland's history and its people. ; The moai are truly huge. Iceland was one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriages. 27. As Iceland celebrates the 70th anniversary of its independence, explore 10 surprising facts about the island nation. The toxic fog poisoned Iceland’s plants and vegetation and decimated its crops. The Westfjords in the uninhabited northwest corner of the country are preserved as a relatively unspoiled wilderness area with a variety of geological features of their own. The world’s first democratically directly elected female president was an Icelander. In the south of Iceland a volcano in Eyjafjallaökull erupted on March 21, 2010 for the first time since 1821, sending 600 people fleeing. 2. HISTORY OF ICELAND including Vikings in the North Atlantic, The first family of Iceland, The Icelandic Commonwealth, Millennial conversion, A Christian commonwealth, Norwegian and Danish fief 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. Twice a week we compile our most fascinating features and deliver them straight to you. According to stories written down some 250 years after the event, the country was discovered and settled by Norse people in the Viking Age. 6. The oldest source, Íslendingabók (The Book of the Icelanders), written about 1130, sets the period of settlement at about 870–930 ce. Joining the European Economic Area in 1994 further diversified the nation’s economy into manufacturing, finance and biotechnology and continued its prosperity. In a pre-emptive strike codenamed “Operation Fork,” hundreds of British troops landed in the capital city of Reykjavik on the morning of May 10, 1940, and then arrested German citizens and spread inland without resistance. In 874 Viking explorers from Norway & the British Isles settled on the island. These holes were 790 and 1300 feet deep. From January 1, 1915 to March 1, 1989 (that's 74 years! History of Iceland . Following the creation of its constitution, Iceland was independent until 1262. The settlement of Iceland began in the year 874 AD when a Viking chieftain from Norway, Ingólfr Arnarson, became the island’s first permanent settler.More Norwegians some Scandinavians as well followed through the centuries. 31 Weird Facts About Iceland That Will Amaze You; 31 Weird Facts About Iceland That Will Amaze You. Written hundreds of years ago during the Viking age of exploration and settled Norsemen... 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