# Iceland

> Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean

**Wikidata**: [Q189](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q189)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/iceland

## Summary
Iceland is a Nordic island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean, known for its unique volcanic landscape, geothermal activity, and high quality of life. It is a sovereign state with a population of approximately 364,260 people as of 2019, and its capital is Reykjavík. Iceland is part of the Nordic countries and is recognized for its strong democratic governance, high human development index, and significant contributions to literature, music, and sports.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: Lýðveldið Ísland (Republic of Iceland).
- **Area**: 103,004 square kilometres.
- **Capital**: Reykjavík.
- **Population**: 364,260 (2019).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 65°, Longitude -19°.
- **Continent**: Europe.
- **Highest Point**: Hvannadalshnúkur (2,109 metres above sea level).
- **Lowest Point**: Atlantic Ocean (0 metres).
- **Timezone**: UTC±00:00 (Atlantic/Reykjavik).
- **National Flag**: Flag of Iceland.
- **Coat of Arms**: Coat of arms of Iceland.
- **Anthem**: Lofsöngur.
- **National Language**: Icelandic; also recognized Icelandic Sign Language.
- **Currency**: Icelandic króna.
- **Driving Side**: Right-hand traffic (since 1968-05-26).
- **Electricity**: 230 volts, 50 Hz; plug types include Europlug, Type L, AS/NZS 3112.
- **Emergency Number**: 112.
- **International Calling Code**: +354.
- **Internet TLD**: .is.
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: IS, Alpha-3: ISL, Numeric: 352.
- **M49 Code**: 352.
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: TF.
- **Licence Plate Code**: IS (since 1936).
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 251.
- **Mobile Country Code**: 274.

## FAQs
**What type of government does Iceland have?**
Iceland is a sovereign state, constitutional republic, and parliamentary republic with a presidential system of government. The head of state is the President of Iceland, and the head of government is the Prime Minister of Iceland.

**What is Iceland's current population and demographic profile?**
As of 2019, the population of Iceland is approximately 364,260. The population is highly urbanized, with the urban population reaching 338,406 in 2019 compared to a rural population of 22,157. The life expectancy at birth is approximately 82 years.

**What are Iceland's economic indicators?**
Iceland's nominal GDP was $27.8 billion in 2022. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 26.1 (2017). The unemployment rate is 5% (2014). The VAT rate is 24%.

**What international organizations is Iceland a member of?**
Iceland is a member of the United Nations (since 1946-11-19), World Trade Organization (since 1960-05-03), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Council of Europe, and many other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

**What is Iceland's human development status?**
Iceland's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.959 (2021), classified as "Very High." The Inequality-adjusted HDI is 0.923 (2023). Life expectancy at birth is 82 years (2022).

**What are Iceland's major holidays and public celebrations?**
Public holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, Easter Monday, First Day of Summer, May Day, Feast of the Ascension, Pentecost, Whit Monday, Icelandic National Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Eve.

**What is Iceland's relationship with neighboring countries?**
Iceland shares maritime boundaries with Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Svalbard. It has diplomatic relations with numerous countries including Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Latvia, Taiwan, Philippines, Mexico, United States, South Korea, Russia, North Korea, India, Greece, China, Georgia, Hungary, Kosovo, and others.

## Why It Matters
Iceland matters as one of the most stable and developed democracies in the world, consistently ranking high on democratic governance indices and human development measurements. The country has transitioned from a period of economic volatility in the late 20th century to become a regional leader in social progress, political stability, and economic openness. Its democracy index score of 9.38 (2024) places it among the most democratic nations globally.

The country's significance extends beyond its borders as a member of major international organizations and as an active participant in regional affairs. Iceland serves as a bridge between Nordic countries and maintains diplomatic relations with over 50 nations worldwide. Its commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and sustainable development has earned it recognition in international forums.

Iceland's economic model, characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs, has attracted international attention as a potential development template for other nations. The country's approach to issues such as marriage equality, marijuana legalization, and environmental protection has positioned it as a policy innovator in the region.

The nation's cultural influence, particularly through its contributions to literature, music, and sports, extends throughout the Nordic region. Reykjavík serves as a cultural hub for the Nordic countries, while the country's film and literary traditions have gained international acclaim.

## Notable For
- **High Democracy Ranking**: Democracy index of 9.38 (2024), ranking 13th globally.
- **Human Development**: Classified as "Very High" with HDI of 0.959 (2021).
- **Pioneering Social Policies**: First country in the Nordic region to legalize same-sex marriage (2010), first Nordic country to legalize cannabis (2018).
- **Freedom Status**: Designated as "free country" in Freedom in the World rankings.
- **Happy Planet Index**: Score of 48 (2019), reflecting quality of life relative to environmental impact.
- **Low Population Density**: One of the lowest population densities in Europe despite high development indicators.
- **Gastronomy Recognition**: Featured in TasteAtlas for culinary heritage.
- **Historic Capital**: Reykjavík is one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements.

## Body

### History and Independence
Iceland's path to sovereignty began with its independence from the Kingdom of Denmark on December 1, 1918, following the Icelandic Declaration of Independence. The country emerged from the Danish Realm, which had been annexed by Denmark after the Norwegian-British War. The Declaration of Independence was formalized following negotiations between Denmark and Iceland, with the Treaty of London establishing the country's boundaries.

Prior to independence, the territory was known as the Kingdom of Iceland and was contested between Danish and Norwegian colonial powers. The country's name derives from the Icelandic word "Ísland," which means "Land of Ice and Fire," reflecting its unique volcanic landscape.

### Geography and Environment
Iceland occupies a territory of 103,004 square kilometres in the North Atlantic Ocean. The country lies at coordinates latitude 65° and longitude -19°, placing it entirely in the Northern Hemisphere. The landscape is characterized by volcanic plains, geothermal activity, and glaciers, with the highest point being Hvannadalshnúkur.

The country shares maritime boundaries with Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Svalbard. The southern and eastern coasts border the Atlantic Ocean, with the lowest point at sea level (0 metres). The easternmost point is located at coordinates lat: 64.59583333333333, lon: -13.275, while the westernmost point is at lat: 65.50293716, lon: -24.53338265. The northernmost point is at lat: 67.13, lon: -18.68, and the southernmost point has coordinates of lat: 63.39402834, lon: -18.73540561.

The country is located within the Arctic region and is named after the Icelandic word "Ísland." Other significant water bodies include the Atlantic Ocean, which bisects the country, and numerous smaller rivers and streams. The climate is subarctic with four distinct seasons.

### Government and Politics
Iceland operates as a presidential constitutional republic with a parliamentary system of government. The President serves as both head of state and head of government, currently Halla Tómasdóttir, who assumed office on August 1, 2024. The executive body is the Government of Iceland.

The legislative body is the Althing, a unicameral parliament consisting of 63 members. The highest judicial authority is the Supreme Court of Iceland.

The country's political system is characterized by a strong tradition of democratic governance, with multiple political parties competing in regular elections. The Independence Party has been a significant political force in recent decades. Iceland's democracy index score of 9.38 (2024) places it among the top 15 most democratic nations.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2019, the population is approximately 364,260. The population has grown from approximately 175,574 in 1960 to over 364,260 in 2019, with urban population of approximately 338,406 versus rural population of approximately 22,157 in 2019.

The society is highly urbanized, with the urban population reaching 338,406 in 2019 compared to a rural population of 22,157. The life expectancy at birth is approximately 82 years (2022). The birth rate is 12.3 per 1,000 people (2019), and the death rate is 6.3 per 1,000 people (2019). The suicide rate is 11.2 per 100,000 people (2019).

The official language is Icelandic, with Icelandic Sign Language also recognized. Compulsory education begins at age 5 and continues until age 16. The age of majority is 18. The preferred retirement age is 66.33 years.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy is characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs. The nominal GDP was $27.8 billion in 2022. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 26.1 (2017). The unemployment rate is 5% (2014). The VAT rate is 24%.

The currency is the Icelandic króna. The Central Bank of Iceland serves as the central bank. The median income is approximately $30,000. Individual income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 36.65% to 51.75% (2019 figures).

Infrastructure includes a right-hand traffic system (since 1968-05-26). Speed limits vary by road type: 90 km/h on highways, 80 km/h on gravel roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. The electrical system operates at 230V and 50Hz using Europlugs, Type L, and AS/NZS 3112 plugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
Iceland maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Latvia, Taiwan, Philippines, Mexico, United States, South Korea, Russia, North Korea, India, Greece, China, Georgia, Hungary, Kosovo, and others. It is a member of the United Nations (since 1946-11-19), World Trade Organization (since 1960-05-03), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Council of Europe, and many other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag is the Flag of Iceland. The coat of arms is the Coat of arms of Iceland. The anthem is the Lofsöngur. The motto is "Inspired by Iceland."

Cultural highlights include the historic capital of Reykjavík, one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements. The country is also known for its contributions to literature, music, and sports, with Reykjavík serving as a cultural hub for the Nordic countries.

### Administrative Divisions
Iceland is divided into 8 regions: Northeast, Northwest, Reykjavík North, Reykjavík South, South Constituency, Southwest. Each region has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
The country uses the .is top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +354. The aircraft registration prefix is TF. The license plate code is IS (since 1936). The maritime identification digits are 251. The mobile country code is 274.

The ISO codes are Alpha-2: IS, Alpha-3: ISL, Numeric: 352. The M49 code is 352. The emergency number is 112. The timezone is UTC±00:00 (Atlantic/Reykjavik).

## References

1. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/place/iceland)
2. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/place/Reykjavik)
3. [Source](https://eng.menntamalaraduneyti.is/media/MRN-pdf/Icelandic-Language-Act-tr-260711.pdf)
4. Virtual International Authority File
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6. [Source](https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:IS)
7. OpenStreetMap
8. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki/Q679302)
9. [Source](http://mtcr.info/partners/)
10. [Interpol](https://www.interpol.int/Member-countries/World)
11. [Source](https://www.interpol.int/Who-we-are/Member-countries/Europe/ICELAND)
12. [Nuclear Suppliers Group](http://www.nuclearsuppliersgroup.org/en/participants1)
13. [Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons](https://www.opcw.org/about-opcw/member-states/)
14. [Source](https://www.opcw.org/about-us/member-states/iceland)
15. [International Hydrographic Organization](https://www.iho.int/srv1/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=452&lang=en)
16. [Source](http://www.unesco.org/eri/cp/ListeMS_Indicators.asp)
17. [Source](http://www.upu.int/en/the-upu/member-countries.html)
18. [Source](https://www.upu.int/en/Universal-Postal-Union/About-UPU/Member-Countries?csid=-1&cid=148)
19. [Source](https://www.itu.int/online/mm/scripts/gensel8)
20. [Source](https://www.touteleurope.eu/les-pays-membres-de-l-espace-schengen.html)
21. [Source](https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements)
22. [Source](https://public.wmo.int/en/members/iceland)
23. [Source](https://www.who.int/choice/demography/by_country/en/)
24. [Source](https://www.wcoomd.org/-/media/wco/public/global/pdf/about-us/wco-members/list-of-members-with-membership-date.pdf)
25. [Source](https://www.ncnk.org/sites/default/files/content/resources/publications/NCNK_Issue_Brief_DPRK_Diplomatic_Relations.pdf)
26. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
27. [Source](https://unstats.un.org/unsd/methodology/m49/)
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31. The World Factbook
32. World Bank Open Data
33. [Source](http://px.hagstofa.is/pxen/pxweb/en/Ibuar/Ibuar__mannfjoldi__2_byggdir__sveitarfelog/MAN02005.px/table/tableViewLayout1/?rxid=e07ea3de-99f1-46d1-a4d8-18245042f1e8)
34. [Source](http://www.statice.is/publications/news-archive/population/population-in-the-4th-quarter-2017/)
35. [Source](https://www.statice.is/publications/news-archive/population/population-in-the-1st-quarter-2018/)
36. [Population in the end of the 4th quarter of 2018. Statistics Iceland](https://hagstofa.is/utgafur/frettasafn/mannfjoldi/mannfjoldinn-a-4-arsfjordungi-2018/)
37. [Population in the end of the 4th quarter of 2019. Statistics Iceland](https://hagstofa.is/utgafur/frettasafn/mannfjoldi/mannfjoldinn-a-4-arsfjordungi-2019/)
38. [Source](https://px.hagstofa.is/pxen/pxweb/en/Ibuar/Ibuar__mannfjoldi__1_yfirlit__yfirlit_mannfjolda/MAN00101.px/table/tableViewLayout1/?rxid=f2eba250-2009-43b2-b7d5-1dc9eac1ca64)
39. [Source](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SI.POV.GINI)
40. [Source](http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
41. [Source](http://cnig.gouv.fr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/CNT-PVM_r%C3%A9vis%C3%A9_2020-01-27-1.pdf)
42. [Source](https://www.ui.se/landguiden/lander-och-omraden/europa/island/)
43. The National Terminology Database for Irish
44. [Source](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/freedom-world-2017)
45. [World Bank](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD)
46. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=DEMO_DS)
47. [UNESCO Institute for Statistics](http://data.uis.unesco.org/index.aspx?queryid=3372)
48. BabelNet
49. [International Numbering Resources Database](http://www.itu.int/net/itu-t/inrdb/e129_important_numbers.aspx)
50. [World Plugs](http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/list_bylocation.htm)