Political Overview
Iceland is a parliamentary republic with a strong tradition of democratic governance. Its head of state is the President, currently Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, who serves largely in a ceremonial role, while executive power rests with the Prime Minister and the Althing, Iceland’s unicameral national parliament. The Althing, founded in 930 AD, is one of the oldest continuous parliaments in the world, reflecting Iceland’s deep-rooted commitment to representative decision‑making. The capital city, Reykjavík, hosts the main governmental institutions, including the Presidential Residence (Bessastaðir) and the Parliament House (Alþingishúsið). Over the past decades, Iceland has earned global recognition for its transparent political system, high levels of civic participation, and its leading role in gender equality and environmental policy.
Cultural Heritage and Identity
Iceland’s cultural identity is firmly anchored in its medieval sagas, folklore, and literary tradition. The sagas epic narratives penned in the 12th and 13th centuries chronicle the lives of Norse settlers and are celebrated worldwide as masterpieces of early European literature. Today, these works are integral to Iceland’s national curriculum and continue to inspire modern writers and artists. Reykjavík, often referred to as the “Cultural Capital of the North,” boasts numerous festivals such as the Reykjavík Arts Festival and Iceland Airwaves music festival that draw international visitors. Icelanders are also renowned for their preservation of the Icelandic language, which has changed little since medieval times, and for pioneering contributions to contemporary art, design, and cinema.
Geographical Landscape, Area and Climate
Iceland is a volcanic island nation covering approximately 103,000 square kilometers in the North Atlantic Ocean, straddling the Mid‑Atlantic Ridge. Its dramatic landscape features active volcanoes, vast lava fields, glaciers (including Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap), and numerous geothermal hot springs, such as the world‑famous Blue Lagoon near Reykjavík. The climate varies from cool oceanic in the lowlands to arctic tundra in the highlands; coastal areas experience milder winters and cooler summers, moderated by the North Atlantic Current. Tourism is a major economic driver: visitors flock to the Golden Circle route encompassing Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area, and Gullfoss waterfall and to witness natural phenomena like the Northern Lights and midnight sun. Globally, Iceland is recognized for its pioneering use of renewable energy, with over 85% of its electricity generated from hydropower and geothermal sources.
