Iceland is a large island in the North Atlantic close to the Arctic Circle. The landscape is wild, rugged and colourful, with black lava, red sulphur, hot blue geysers, rivers, waterfalls and green valleys. Its coastline is richly indented with bays and fjords.
Iceland is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Hekla, in the south of Iceland, has erupted no fewer than 16 times, and was once described by clergymen
as the gateway to Hell. Certainly, Iceland’s seething mountains contribute towards this sense of otherworldliness.
Yet around the coastal regions, Iceland is a bustle of activity, particularly in the capital city, Reykjavík, where more than half of Iceland’s population lives. Reykjavík is set on a broad bay, surrounded by mountains, and is in
an area of geothermal hot springs, creating a natural central heating system and pollution-free environment. It is a busy city combining old-fashioned wooden architecture and modern buildings. Despite being a relatively small capital city, Reykjavík has managed to forge a reputation for partying, and its nightclubs and bars are regularly filled with hordes of fun-loving citizens.
Whether you wish to quietly watch for birds or whales, or prefer to get active and ski, glacier skidoo or horse ride, Iceland amply provides for both.
eneral Information
Area
103,000 sq km (39,769 sq miles).
Population
300,000 (FCO estimate 2006).
Population Density
2.9 per sq km.
Capital
Reykjavík. Population: 184,000 (UN estimate 2003).
Government
Republic. Gained full independence from Denmark in 1944.
Language
The official language is Icelandic; English and Danish are widely spoken.
Religion
Lutheran, with a Catholic minority.
Time
Social Conventions
Visitors will find Iceland is a classless society with a strong literary tradition. Handshaking is the normal form of greeting.
An Icelander is called by his first name because his surname is made up of his father’s Christian name plus ‘son’ or ‘daughter’
(eg John, the son of Magnus, would be called John Magnusson, while John’s sister, Mary, would be known as Mary Magnusdóttir).
People are addressed as Fru (Mrs) and Herra (Mr). Visitors will often be invited to homes, especially if on business, and normal courtesies should be observed. Icelanders
pay careful attention to their appearance and, as for most Western countries, casual wear is widely acceptable although unsuitable
for smart and social functions.
Overview 
