Iceland - Introduction
Iceland is a volcanic island in the North Atlantic Ocean east of Greenland and immediately south of the Arctic Circle. It lies about 4,200 kilometers (2,600 mi.) from New York and 830 kilometers (520 mi.) from Scotland. About 79% of Iceland's land area, which is of recent volcanic origin, consists of glaciers, lakes, a mountainous lava desert (highest elevation 2,000 meters--6,590 ft.--above sea level), and other wasteland. About 28% of the land is used for grazing, and 1% is cultivated. The inhabited areas are on the coast, particularly in the southwest where about 60% of the population lives. Because of the Gulf Stream's moderating influence, the climate is characterized by damp, cool summers and relatively mild but windy winters. In Reykjavík, the average temperature is 11°C (52°F) in July and -1°C (30°F) in January.
Most Icelanders are descendants of Norwegian settlers and Celts from the British Isles, and the population is remarkably homogeneous. According to Icelandic Government statistics, 94% of the nation's inhabitants live in urban areas (localities with populations greater than 200) and about 63% live in the Reykjavík metropolitan area. Of the Nordic languages, the Icelandic language is closest to the Old Norse language and has remained relatively unchanged since the 12th century. About 84% of the population belongs to the state church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, or other Lutheran Churches. However, Iceland has complete religious freedom, and about 20 other religious congregations are present.
Most Icelandic surnames are based on patronymy, or the adoption of the father's first given name. For example, Magnús and Anna, children of a man named Pétur, would hold the surname Pétursson and Pétursdóttir, respectively. Magnús' children, in turn, would inherit the surname Magnússon, while Anna's children would claim their father's first given name as their surname. Women normally maintain their original surnames after marriage. This system of surnames is required by law, except for the descendants of those who had acquired family names before 1913. Most Icelanders, while reserved by nature, rarely call each other by their surnames, and even phone directories are based on first names. Because of its small size and relative homogeneity, Iceland holds all the characteristics of a very close-knit society.
The Sagas, almost all written between 1180 and 1300 A.D., remain Iceland's best-known literary accomplishment, and they have no surviving counterpart anywhere in the Nordic world. Based on Norwegian and Icelandic histories and genealogies, the Sagas present views of Nordic life and times up to 1100 A.D. The Saga writers sought to record their heroes' great achievements and to glorify the virtues of courage, pride, and honor, focusing in the later Sagas on early Icelandic settlers. The best-known Icelandic writer of the 20th century is the 1955 Nobel Prize winner Halldór Kiljan Laxness. The literacy rate is 99.9%, and literature and poetry are legendary passions with the population. Per capita publication of books and magazines is the highest in the world.
Unlike its literature, Iceland's fine arts did not flourish until the 19th century because the population was small and scattered. Iceland's most famous painters are Ásgrímur Jónsson, Jón Stefánsson, and Jóhannes Kjarval, all of whom worked during the first half of the 20th century. The best-known modern sculptor, Ásmundur Sveinsson (1893-1982), drew his inspiration from Icelandic folklore and the Sagas for many of his works. Today, Kristján Jóhannsson and Garðar Thór Cortes are Iceland's most famous opera singers, while pop singer Björk and progressive rock band Sigur Rós are well known internationally.
Iceland’s unique nature, closely-knit population, and enterprising spirit have all contributed to a dynamic, original cultural scene. From the ancient sagas to award-winning films, Icelanders are a generally writing, acting, composing, designing, painting, sculpting, and all-round creating bunch. Many locals have “creative” professions and of those who don’t, many sing in a choir, play an instrument, write poetry, design clothing, knit, or have another vent for their creative energy.
The Icelandic national team made its major tournament debut at Euro 2016, becoming the smallest nation in history to qualify for the competition. Iceland went on to make it all the way to the quarter finals, earning respect from around the world along the way. The Icelandic supporters’ ‘Viking Clap’ chant (also called the ‘Huh!’) went viral and the country became the subject of intense media interest. “Everything that was written about Iceland, all this good coverage about the Icelandic players, the supporters, the country, the nature, and the people in general... just how Iceland and Icelandic football is spoken about—at least in my circles—is incredibly positive,” said Icelandic men’s football team Heimir Hallgrímsson Heimir.
Iceland beat England 2-1, kicking them out of the championship and advancing to the quarter finals. England beaten by a country with more volcanoes than professional footballers, said former striker Gary Lineker [There are just 120 professional players, while there are 126 volcanoes]. Just days after Britons voted to leave the European Union in a referendum that sent shockwaves around the world, England's footballers delivered their own European exit almost as stunning.
Iceland was the country with the smallest population at Euro 2016, and was the smallest to have ever qualified for the finals. With 332,000 inhabitants, the country was even smaller than Trinidad and Tobago - with its 1.2 million - which held the record for the smallest nation to reach a World Cup. The Iceland team’s success at the competition elevated the players to national hero status and Iceland’s loss to France didn’t seem to dampen Icelanders’ celebratory mood. But not until the team was welcomed home by a crowd of an estimated 30,000 people [one tenth the country's population] in downtown Reykjavík did things really hit home for the players.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
