The Modern Country

Iceland

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ic.html

Iceland is a mountainous island nation in the north Atlantic Ocean, located between Europe and North America. Though not part of the continental mainland, the country is considered Nordic European. Although 10% of Iceland is covered by glaciers, it has a surprisingly mild climate and countless geothermal hot-spots. 

Capital and largest cityReykjavík

SeyðisfjörðurJokulsarlonBláa LóniðReykjavík

Seyðisfjörður CC BY-SA Erik Christensen

Seydisfjordur, named after the fjord it is next to, is surrounded by mountains. It is one of the country’s most picturesque towns. It is where a lot of well-preserved old wooden buildings are situated. These houses are chalet-styles, with its parts and pieces purchased from Norway, by well-off merchants and assembled afterward.

With it’s rather artsy community, it is a frequently-visited destination. There are cultural and festivals and much more.

Seyðisfjörður

Jokulsarlon

By Audrey CC BY

The Jokulsarlon is the most famous glacial lake in Iceland. The Jokulsarlon or the Great Lagoon is so famous that several Hollywood movies were shot in this magnificent place. These movies include Tomb Raider, Batman Begins, and two James Bond movies. The lagoon was formed around 1984 when a glacier started retreating quickly. The 15-km lagoon in 1998 was originally 8 km in 1975. The glacier is still retreating. The Great Lagoon is filled with magnificent icebergs, these blocks of ice are carried to the sea via a short river. Seals often swim in the cold water or play on top of the icebergs.

Jokulsarlon

Icelandic Flag

Bláa Lónið Blue Lagoon (geothermal spa)

CC BY-NC-SA Trey Ratcliff

The Blue Lagoon (Icelandic: Bláa lónið) geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The spa is located in a lava field in southwestern Iceland. Bláa lónið is situated approximately 39 km (24 miles) from the capital city of Reykjavík. The Blue Lagoon spa and geothermal complex is clearly visible from satellite imagery.

Bláa Lónið Blue Lagoon (geothermal spa)

Reykjavík "Reykjavik" by Bryan Pocius CC BY

Reykjavík is the capital and largest city of Iceland and with an urban area population of around 200,000, it is the home of the vast majority of Iceland's inhabitants. It is the center of culture and life of the Icelandic people as well as being one of the focal points of tourism in Iceland. The city itself is spread out, with sprawling suburbs. The city centre, however, is a very small area characterized by eclectic and colorful houses, with good shopping and dinning.

Reykjavík

Current governmentParliamentary Republic

Current leadersÓlafur Ragnar Grímsson – president since 1996 EconomyFish processing, aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production, electrical power production, tourism

ReligionLutheran (official) 80.7%, other Protestant 4.1%, Roman Catholic 2.5%, Buddhist 0.2%

LanguageIcelandic

SportsGlíma (Scandinavian folk wrestling)Also football, track and field, handball and basketball.