List of Fun Facts about Iceland

1. A Paradise for Geology Enthusiasts:

Thanks to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is a hotspot for geothermal activity. This results in a number of geysers, including Strokkur, one of the country's most famous, which erupts every 6-10 minutes.

2. Iceland's Eco-Friendly Heating:

Approximately 85% of all houses in Iceland are heated with geothermal energy. This is not only a sustainable energy source but also very cost-effective.

3. The Icelandic Naming Committee:

In Iceland, a special committee—the Icelandic Naming Committee—determines whether a new given name is suitable for integration into the Icelandic language. This is to maintain linguistic and cultural traditions.

4. No Mosquitoes in Iceland:

In a rather surprising fact, there are no mosquitoes in Iceland. Scientists think it's due to the country's unique climate and the fact that there are no calm freshwater areas where mosquitoes typically breed.

5. Origin of the Word "Geysir":

The English word "geyser" originates from the Icelandic term "Geysir", which is the name of a particular geyser situated in Haukadalur Valley. However, Geysir now erupts infrequently, while the nearby Strokkur is a much more reliable spectacle.

6. The Lava Tube Caves:

The lava fields of Iceland hide an underground world of lava tube caves. The longest one, Vidgelmir, extends over 1.5 kilometers and can be visited on guided tours.

7. The World’s Oldest Democracy:

The Althing, Iceland's national parliament, is considered the world's oldest parliament that still exists. It was established in 930 AD at Thingvellir, "the assembly fields" or "Parliament Plains".

8. 13 Santa Clauses:

Instead of a single Santa Claus, Icelandic children are visited by 13 Yule Lads. Starting 13 days before Christmas, a different Yule Lad comes to town each night to leave gifts and play tricks on children.

9. Longest Word in Icelandic:

The Icelandic language is known for its long, compound words. The longest one on record is 'Vaðlaheiðarvegavinnuverkfærageymsluskúraútidyralyklakippuhringur', which loosely translates to "A keychain ring for the outdoor key of road workers shed in a moor called Vaðlaheiði".

10. Continual Daylight and Darkness:

During the summer solstice, Iceland experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight, a phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. Conversely, in the depths of winter, there are only around 4-5 hours of daylight each day.