Iceland

Iceland is a Nordic island country between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between North America and Europe. It is linked culturally and politically with Europe and is the region's most sparsely populated country. Its capital and largest city is Reykjavík, which is home to about 36% of the country's roughly 380,000 residents. The official language of the country is Icelandic.
iceland

Some of the key events about Iceland

  • 874
    Norse settlement began, leading to deforestation and soil erosion
  • 930
    The Althing, one of the world's oldest parliaments, was established
  • 1000
    Christianity was peacefully adopted as the official religion
  • 1262
    Iceland entered a union with Norway, ending the Commonwealth period
  • 1262
    Iceland lost its independence and came under Norwegian rule
  • 1402
    The Black Death reached Iceland, killing up to two-thirds of the population
  • 1783
    The Laki volcanic eruption caused widespread famine and disease
  • 1874
    Iceland was granted a constitution and limited home rule from Denmark
  • 1875
    A major volcanic eruption of Askja caused significant ash fall and crop failures
  • 1918
    The Act of Union recognized Iceland as a fully sovereign state in personal union with Denmark
  • 1918
    The Katla volcano erupted, causing destructive glacial floods
  • 1944
    Iceland gained full independence from Denmark and became a republic
  • 1973
    The Eldfell volcano erupted on Heimaey Island, destroying many homes
  • 1980
    The first democratically elected female president in the world took office
  • 1986
    The Reykjavík Summit between the United States and Soviet Union marked a turning point in the Cold War
  • 2008
    Iceland experienced a severe financial crisis, with its banking system collapsing
  • 2009
    The world's first openly gay head of government was appointed as Prime Minister
  • 2010
    Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption brought global attention to Iceland's geological activity
  • 2010
    The Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption disrupted air travel across Europe
  • 2021
    A significant COVID-19 outbreak occurred despite initial success in controlling the pandemic

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Iceland Latest news

Rare Polar Bear Shot in Remote Icelandic Village Sparks Debate

Rare Polar Bear Shot in Remote Icelandic Village Sparks Debate

A polar bear, spotted near a cottage in Iceland, was shot due to safety concerns. The incident reignites discussions on handling these rare visitors from Greenland, last seen in the country in 2016.

Society, Science • September 20 2024, 05:03 PM  •  285 views
Finland Defends Israeli Arms Deal Amid Gaza Conflict and Palestinian Recognition Debate

Finland Defends Israeli Arms Deal Amid Gaza Conflict and Palestinian Recognition Debate

Finland's President Stubb justifies purchasing Israeli missile defense system, citing security needs. He separates this decision from Finland's stance on Palestinian statehood recognition, emphasizing a pragmatic foreign policy approach.

Politics • September 18 2024, 12:49 PM  •  609 views
European Nations Protest IMF's Plan to Resume Russia Consultations

European Nations Protest IMF's Plan to Resume Russia Consultations

Nine European countries express strong opposition to the IMF's decision to restart consultations with Russia, citing concerns about the Fund's reputation and potential impact on support for Ukraine.

Economics, Politics • September 13 2024, 11:06 AM  •  409 views
25 Years of Global Wonders: Washington Post Readers' Travel Photos Shine

25 Years of Global Wonders: Washington Post Readers' Travel Photos Shine

Washington Post celebrates 25 years of reader-submitted travel photos, showcasing global diversity from Antarctica to local D. C. Winners and honorable mentions capture nature, culture, and urban scenes worldwide.

Society, Culture • September 5 2024, 10:08 AM  •  427 views
Swiss-India Free Trade Deal Advances to Parliament, Promising Economic Boost

Swiss-India Free Trade Deal Advances to Parliament, Promising Economic Boost

Switzerland moves closer to a landmark free trade agreement with India, potentially opening up vast market opportunities. The deal, involving EFTA countries, aims to boost Swiss exports and secure significant investment.

Business, Economics, Politics • September 5 2024, 06:54 AM  •  2617 views
Global Tourist Taxes Surge: Cities Combat Overtourism with New Fees

Global Tourist Taxes Surge: Cities Combat Overtourism with New Fees

Tourist taxes are on the rise worldwide as destinations combat overtourism. From Venice to New Zealand, authorities are implementing or increasing fees to protect local environments and infrastructure.

Society, Economics • September 5 2024, 05:40 AM  •  817 views
American Tourist Dies in Iceland Ice Cave Collapse

American Tourist Dies in Iceland Ice Cave Collapse

An ice cave collapse in southern Iceland resulted in one American fatality and another injured. The incident occurred at Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, part of Vatnajökull National Park, prompting a search operation.

Society, Science • August 26 2024, 05:40 PM  •  1355 views
Tragic Ice Cave Collapse in Iceland: One Dead, Two Missing

Tragic Ice Cave Collapse in Iceland: One Dead, Two Missing

An ice cave exploration in Iceland ended in tragedy as one person died and two went missing. Rescue efforts are underway at Breidamerkurjokull glacier, part of Europe's largest ice cap.

Society, Science • August 26 2024, 01:13 PM  •  1188 views
Tragic Ice Cave Collapse in Iceland: One Dead, Two Missing

Tragic Ice Cave Collapse in Iceland: One Dead, Two Missing

A glacier ice cave in southern Iceland partially collapsed during a tourist visit, resulting in one fatality and two missing persons. Rescue efforts are ongoing amidst challenging conditions.

Society, Science • August 26 2024, 05:04 AM  •  1350 views
Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula Sees Sixth Volcanic Eruption Since 2023

Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula Sees Sixth Volcanic Eruption Since 2023

A new fissure eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula marks the sixth volcanic event since December 2023. Experts say the eruption poses no immediate threat to nearby towns or air travel.

Culture, Science • August 23 2024, 04:42 AM  •  918 views
Australia Implements "Right to Disconnect" Law, Boosting Work-Life Balance

Australia Implements "Right to Disconnect" Law, Boosting Work-Life Balance

Australia introduces a new law allowing employees to ignore work-related contact outside working hours. The "right to disconnect" legislation, effective August 22, 2024, aims to improve work-life balance.

Society, Politics • August 22 2024, 09:24 AM  •  666 views
Portugal's Tourism Sector Hits Record High in First Half of 2023

Portugal's Tourism Sector Hits Record High in First Half of 2023

Portugal's tourism industry achieves unprecedented growth in early 2023, with foreign visitor numbers reaching 8. 8 million. The sector's significant economic impact underscores its crucial role in the country's GDP.

Economics, Culture • August 14 2024, 12:18 PM  •  342 views
Global Markets Rocked by 'Carry Trade' Unwinding: What You Need to Know

Global Markets Rocked by 'Carry Trade' Unwinding: What You Need to Know

Recent market turmoil linked to 'carry trade' strategy. Borrowing in yen for higher-yield investments led to massive sell-offs. Markets recovering, but future risks remain uncertain.

Business, Economics • August 6 2024, 02:55 PM  •  401 views