Iceland

Today I am compiling my week long study of Iceland. I find this country to be so interesting.

Some basic facts are: population-309,699 people, 39,770 sq miles of land (slightly smaller than Kentucky), Capital- Reykjavik, Government- Constitutional Republic, Language-Icelandic, Climate-Cold Oceanic (winters=mild, windy and summer= cool, damp). Their highest temperature recorded is 86.9 F and lowest is -36.4 F (that is negative)! They use the Icelandic Krona which convert 66ISK to $1.

Their language is called Icelandic. Here is a link to hear some common phrases. Their literacy rate is one the highest in the world coming in at 99%. Here is their national anthem, Our Country's God. Wouldn't that be interesting? To have a national anthem about God?

The country is predominately Luthern based. They do have 3 LDS branches and more than 200 members. The hubby seems to remember that they have 4 missionaries there but don't quote me on that. Although, the LDS website says they are open for missionary work.

Some animals they have there are the Icelandic Sheep, (regular) Cattle, Icelandic Horses and fish. Other animals would include arctic fox, mink, mince, rats, rabbits, reindeer. Birds include puffins, skuas, and skittiwakes. Only one tree is native to Iceland known as the Downy Birch.

They produce potatoes, turnips, green vegetables, mutton, dairy and fish for industry. Their fishing industry makes up 40% of their income.

Their most claimed popular tourist attraction is the geothermal spas with the most famous being The Blue Lagoon.

Some of their native cuisine includes pickled ram's testicles, putrefied shark, singed sheep head, singed sheep head jam, blood pudding, liver sausage and dried fish with butter. None of which I would eat.

From what I saw, houses are cheaper there. Just to give you an idea I found this one for E110,000. Although, it is very expensive to live there because they have to import almost everything. Flights are cheap from NYC to Reykjavik round trip coming in around $480.

They claim to be the 4th Happiest Nation in the world. They have serious gender equality there; even having a woman president for a number of years. Women even retain their surname after marriage. This is because they don't use surnames. Their entire phone book consists of first names only. Abortion is illegal but gay marriage is legal.

99% of their electricity comes from hydropower and geothermal energy. The hubby knew that one.

Their government is Constitutional Republic which is very similar to a democracy except that instead of majority of the people they go by the rule of law. Whatever that means. Their current President is Olafur Ragnar Grimsson. They have no standing army but have the Icelandic Crisis Response Unit and a Coast Guard. They are guarded by the US and Norway.

Their education system starts at age 6 and goes through higher education at 23. It is all government based but some of which you have to meet specific requirements.