Iceland

Northern Europe

Iceland is a country in Northern Europe, home to 390,000 people, with an area of 103,000 km². Its capital is Reykjavík.

Capital: Reykjavík
Population: 390,000
Area: 103,000 km²
Region: Northern Europe
Density: 3.8 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Iceland · Northern Europe · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Iceland is known for

Iceland is best known for The Blue Lagoon, Vatnajökull Glacier and The Northern Lights.

Iceland is a Nordic island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is located between Greenland and Norway, and its closest neighbor is Greenland to the west. Iceland is known for its stunning natural scenery, including glaciers, hot springs, and volcanoes.

Iceland at a glance

Language: Icelandic is the official language, but English is widely spoken
Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK)
Religion: Christianity is the predominant religion in Iceland, with the Evangelical Lutheran Church being the largest denomination
National dish: Hákarl (fermented shark meat)
Climate: Iceland has a subarctic climate with cool summers and mild winters. The country experiences frequent changes in weather and is known for its strong winds
Main industries: Fishing and fish processing, aluminum smelting, and geothermal power generation
GDP: $27 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Iceland is considered a very highly developed country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 6 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Iceland

Some of the main tourist attractions in Iceland include:

The Blue Lagoon a geothermal spa in southwest Iceland that is famous for its milky-blue waters.
Vatnajökull Glacier the largest glacier in Iceland, located in the southeast of the country. Visitors can take guided glacier walks and ice cave tours.
The Northern Lights also known as the Aurora Borealis, this natural phenomenon can be seen in Iceland from September to April.
The Golden Circle a popular tourist route that includes three major attractions: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon a glacial lake in southeast Iceland that is known for its crystal-clear water and floating icebergs.
The Reykjavik nightlife Reykjavik is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and music venues.
The Icelandic horse a unique breed of horse that has five gaits and is used for riding and herding.
The Skaftafell National Park a national park in southeast Iceland that offers hiking trails, glacier tours, and stunning views of the Vatnajökull glacier.
The Westfjords a remote and sparsely populated region in northwest Iceland that is known for its rugged landscapes and wildlife.
Húsavík a charming fishing town in northern Iceland that is known for its whale watching tours.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Iceland has to offer. The country is also known for its unique culture, including its literature, music, and art.