List of Fun Facts about Iceland

1. The Northernmost Capital City:

Reykjavik isn't just the capital of Iceland; it's the northernmost capital city in the world. Despite its geographical location, it has a surprisingly mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream.

2. The Language of the Vikings:

The Icelandic language has remained virtually unchanged from Old Norse, the language of the Vikings. This linguistic consistency means that today's Icelanders can easily read ancient Norse texts.

3. Celebrating the Sun

The Midnight Sun and Polar Nights: Due to its high latitude, Iceland experiences the natural phenomena of the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights. During summer, daylight can last for 24 hours, and in winter, darkness can envelop the day.

4. Renewable Electricity

Nearly all of Iceland's electricity is produced from renewable resources. Hydroelectric power supplies more than 70% of the nation's electricity, with geothermal energy contributing nearly all the rest.

Iceland doesn't have a standing army. It's a member of NATO but relies on the alliance for its defense. The only militarized force in Iceland is the Icelandic Coast Guard.

6. Puffins Galore:

Iceland is home to a large puffin population. Nearly 60% of the world's Atlantic puffins breed in Iceland, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.

7. A Literary Nation:

Iceland has one of the highest rates of book publishing per capita in the world. The country has a strong literary heritage, and one in ten Icelanders will publish a book in their lifetime.

8. First Female President:

Iceland was the first country in the world to democratically elect a woman, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, as a head of state. She served as the president of Iceland from 1980 to 1996.

9. Land of Waterfalls:

Iceland is home to a multitude of stunning waterfalls, thanks to a combination of a northern climate that produces frequent rain and snow, and a landscape full of mountains and glaciers. Notable falls include Gullfoss, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss.

10. A Bridge Between Continents:

At the Reykjanes Peninsula, you can walk across a bridge connecting North America and Europe. This is possible because Iceland is split by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, dividing the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.