Iceland

The Land of Fire, Ice & Northern Lights

Iceland, officially known as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Greenland and Norway. It is world-renowned for its volcanic landscapes, geothermal energy, glaciers, and some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on Earth.

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🏛️ Formation & Historical Background

Key Historical Timeline:

• 9th Century: First settlement by Norse Vikings (from Norway).

• 930 CE: Founding of the world’s oldest parliament, Althingi, at Þingvellir.

• 1262: Came under Norwegian rule.

• 1380: Became part of the Danish crown (Kalmar Union).

• 1918: Gained autonomy as the Kingdom of Iceland (still under Danish monarchy).

• 1944 (June 17): Declared full independence as a republic.

• 1949: Joined NATO; later became a founding member of the UN and EFTA.

Iceland has maintained strong democratic traditions since its early Viking assemblies.

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🧭 Basic National Information

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⚖️ Government and Leadership

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🗺️ Administrative Structure

Iceland is a unitary state with no intermediate level of government (like provinces or states). Its administrative structure consists of two main levels:

1. Regions (Landshlutar) – 8 Statistical and Electoral Divisions

Though regions do not function as administrative authorities, they are used for statistical, judicial, and healthcare zoning purposes. Each region comprises several municipalities.

These regions are also used for electoral purposes in parliamentary elections and for organizing regional healthcare services.

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2. Municipalities (Sveitarfélög) – 64 Local Government Units (as of 2025)

Municipalities are the primary level of local governance in Iceland. They are responsible for:

• Primary education

• Social welfare services

• Waste management

• Zoning and urban planning

• Local infrastructure and public transport

Each municipality has an elected municipal council, and larger ones have professional administrators (e.g., Reykjavíkurborg for Reykjavík).

Major Municipalities:

• Reykjavíkurborg – Capital and largest municipality

• Kópavogsbær – Second-largest; suburban area of Reykjavík

• Hafnarfjarðarbær, Akureyrarbær, Reykjanesbær – Key urban centers

• Egilsstaðabær, Selfossbær, Ísafjarðarbær – Regional hubs

• Rural municipalities include large geographic areas but small populations (e.g., Mýrdalshreppur, Árneshreppur)

Iceland has undergone a gradual process of municipal consolidation in recent decades, reducing the number from over 200 in the 20th century to just 64 in 2025.

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Special Notes:

• No provincial or county-level administration exists between the central government and municipalities.

• Regions are not self-governing, but serve purposes in national health, judiciary, and elections.

• Municipalities work closely with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour for coordinated development.

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Local Government Structure

• Municipal councils are democratically elected and enjoy considerable autonomy.

• There is no provincial-level government; central government works directly with municipalities.

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Leadership & Governance

Iceland is a global leader in:

• Gender equality and political representation

• Renewable energy (100% electricity from hydro & geothermal)

• Press freedom and anti-corruption

• Digital governance, e-ID systems, open data initiatives

• Climate neutrality goal by 2040

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Law Enforcement & Safety

• National Police: Ríkislögreglustjóri, operates under the Ministry of Justice

• Iceland has no military; defense covered by NATO and bilateral agreements

• One of the safest countries in the world with extremely low crime rates

• High trust in law, justice system, and emergency services

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🌐 Geography & Environment

• Location: North Atlantic Ocean, between Greenland and Norway.

• Topography: Volcanic plateaus, glaciers, geysers, waterfalls, fjords.

• Climate: Subarctic maritime — cool summers, mild winters due to Gulf Stream.

• Natural Wonders: Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Vatnajökull glacier, Gullfoss waterfall, Blue Lagoon.

• Unique Features: Geothermal energy provides 85% of home heating.

Nicknamed the “Land of Fire and Ice,” Iceland is one of the few places where glaciers and volcanoes coexist.

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🕌 Religion, Language & Culture

Cultural Highlights:

• Literature: Icelandic sagas — among Europe’s earliest prose works.

• Music: Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men.

• Cinema: Iceland’s landscapes featured in Game of Thrones, Interstellar, Batman Begins.

• Lifestyle: Deep respect for nature, community, and sustainability.

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📈 Economy & Key Sectors

Iceland is a global leader in clean energy and sustainability.

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🎓 Education & Healthcare

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✈️ Transport & Infrastructure

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🏞️ Tourism & Attractions

Top Destinations:

• Reykjavík: World’s northernmost capital, cultural heart of Iceland.

• Golden Circle: Þingvellir, Geysir, and Gullfoss.

• Blue Lagoon: Famous geothermal spa.

• Vatnajökull National Park: Europe’s largest glacier.

• Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Icebergs floating in a glacial lake.

• Northern Lights: Visible between September and April.

UNESCO Sites: Þingvellir National Park, Surtsey Island, Vatnajökull National Park.

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🌍 Global Role & Relations

Iceland is respected for its commitment to democracy, gender equality, and sustainability.

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📝 Summary

Iceland — where glaciers meet volcanoes — is a country of contrasts, creativity, and courage. Its small population enjoys one of the world’s highest living standards and strongest commitments to green energy and equality.

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📢 News & Articles

• “Iceland’s Geothermal Revolution: Powering the Future”

• “Chasing the Northern Lights: A Journey Through Arctic Iceland”

• “The Viking Legacy in Modern Icelandic Society”

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🎯 Our Mission

AFP’s knowledge hub highlights Iceland as a symbol of sustainable progress and natural harmony, proving that small nations can lead the world through innovation and resilience.

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