Background: 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 Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and social cohesion are first-rate by world standards.
June 16th 2008Europe » Iceland » Northwest Iceland is now our favorite location on the face of this earth. Let me give you just a brief glimpse of this incredible country: 24 hours of sunlight, glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes, calderas, mount ... 39 photos[full story]
June 7th 2008Europe » Iceland » Northwest Dear Friends,
We have arrived safely in Iceland and are trying to get into the groove of traveling together as a family and adjusting to life in a new country. As you can imagine, our final prepar ... 14 photos[full story]
January 18th 2003Europe » Iceland » Northwest » Ísafjördur I once spent three months farming sheep in Iceland. It was a bit of a drunken mistake applying for the job in the first place. Well, I say that but I can’t actually remember. Maybe it was a very ... [full story]
Map of Iceland
Iceland's Flag
