Discover Fascinating Iceland Facts

Dive into the history, culture, and unique insights about Iceland.

Iceland

Background

๐Ÿž๏ธ Iceland's Rich History ๐Ÿž๏ธ
Did you know that Iceland was settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants in the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D.? ๐Ÿฐ๐Ÿ“œ This beautiful island is home to the Althingi, the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, which was established way back in 930! How cool is that? ๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธโœจ

Year of Althingi Establishment

930

Exports - commodities

Iceland ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ is known for its unique exports, especially when it comes to commodities! Let's dive into what Iceland is sending out into the world! ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ’ผ

In 2022, the main commodities exported from Iceland were:

  • Fish ๐ŸŸ
  • Aluminum โ›๏ธ
  • Iron Alloys โš™๏ธ
  • Aluminum Wire ๐Ÿ”Œ
  • Animal Meal ๐Ÿ„

These exports play a significant role in Icelandโ€™s economy, showcasing its rich natural resources and industrial capabilities. Isn't it fascinating how different products can represent a country on the global stage? ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ’ก

Exports - partners

Iceland's Export Partners ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ

Iceland has a diverse range of export partners that contribute significantly to its economy. ๐Ÿšข In 2022, hereโ€™s how the exports were divided:

  • Netherlands: ๐Ÿ“Š 27%
  • UK: ๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง 9%
  • US: ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ 8%
  • Germany: ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช 8%
  • France: ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท 6%

These partnerships help Iceland thrive, connecting the country to global markets! ๐ŸŒ

Letโ€™s take a look at these export percentages using a pie chart! ๐Ÿฅง

Export Percentage to Netherlands

27%

Export Percentage to UK

9%

Export Percentage to US

8%

Export Percentage to Germany

8%

Export Percentage to France

6%

Iceland's Export Partners (2022)

Capital

๐ŸŒ The capital city of Iceland is Reykjavik! It's not just the heart of the country; it's also the northernmost capital of a sovereign state in the world! ๐Ÿฅณ Reykjavik is famous for its stunning Northern Lights, vibrant culture, and rich Viking history. Explore its colorful buildings and art scene, and dive into the geothermal waters that make Iceland so special! ๐Ÿ’ฆ

Imports - commodities

Iceland relies on a mix of essential commodities to fuel its economy! ๐Ÿš—๐ŸŒ In 2022, the country imported several key products, ensuring that its industries keep running smoothly. Let's take a look at what Iceland brought in last year:

  • Refined Petroleum: A vital resource for energy and transportation.
  • Aluminum Oxide: Crucial for producing aluminum, an essential material in various sectors.
  • Cars: Importing vehicles to keep the roads busy!
  • Carbon-Based Electronics: Copper and other electronics that power everything from our phones to our fridges!
  • Aircraft: Taking to the skies for transportation and tourism. โœˆ๏ธ

These imports play a major role in keeping life's gears turning in Iceland! โš™๏ธ

Climate

๐Ÿ”๏ธ Iceland has a temperate climate, which means it experiences mild temperatures thanks to the North Atlantic Current! ๐ŸŒŠ This special current keeps the weather from getting too cold, especially during the mild, windy winters. โ˜ƒ๏ธ And during the damp, cool summers, the refreshing air is perfect for exploring the stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿฆ‹

Executive branch

Iceland's Executive branch is led by some important figures! ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ

The chief of state is President Halla TOMASDOTTIR, who took office on August 1, 2024. This marks an exciting time for Iceland as a new president brings fresh ideas and leadership! ๐ŸŽ‰

The head of government is Prime Minister Bjarni BENEDIKTSSON, who has been in office since April 9, 2024. The Prime Minister plays a critical role in running the government and making decisions that affect the lives of Icelanders every day! ๐Ÿ›๏ธ

Current President of Iceland

Halla TOMASDOTTIR since August 1, 2024

Current Prime Minister of Iceland

Bjarni BENEDIKTSSON since April 9, 2024

Legislative branch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ In Iceland, the legislative branch is a unicameral Parliament, which means there is only one chamber! ๐Ÿ›๏ธ It consists of 63 seats where representatives come together to discuss and make decisions that shape the country. ๐Ÿค This structure allows for streamlined debates and decisions, making the legislative process efficient and focused.

Total number of seats in Parliament

63

Natural resources

Natural Resources in Iceland ๐ŸŒ

Iceland is known for its abundant natural resources! From the cold, clear waters surrounding this beautiful island, we catch delicious fish ๐ŸŸ, to harnessing the power of nature with hydropower and geothermal power โšก. Additionally, we also find valuable diatomite, which is used in various industries.

Hereโ€™s a fun rundown of Iceland's key resources:

  • Fish: A vital part of Icelandโ€™s economy and diet!
  • Hydropower: A major source of renewable energy, used to power homes and industries.
  • Geothermal Power: Providing heating and electricity, Iceland is a leader in using this natural resource!
  • Diatomite: A unique resource that contributes to different products and applications.

Icelandโ€™s natural resources not only support the economy but also contribute to the beautiful landscapes we cherish! ๐Ÿ’š

Main Natural Resources

Fish, Hydropower, Geothermal Power, Diatomite

Economic overview

Iceland is a high-income country located in the incredible North Atlantic. ๐ŸŒŠ Although it's not part of the European Union (EU), it enjoys market integration through the European Economic Area (EEA). The economy is currently dominated by key industries including tourism, fishing, and aluminum. However, these sectors can be quite vulnerable to changes in demand and unpredictable volcanic activity ๐ŸŒ‹.

Inflation rates are currently above the target range, marking a challenge for the economy. Additionally, there are barriers that make it hard for foreign businesses to enter the market and limits on economic diversification. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ

Economic Vulnerability Factors

Tourism, fishing, and aluminum dominance with exposure to demand swings and volcanic activity

Inflation Status

Inflation remains above target rate

Market Integration

Non-EU member with EEA integration

Business Access

Barriers to foreign business access

Government type

Iceland is a unitary parliamentary republic! ๐Ÿ›๏ธ This means that they have a strong central government, with power concentrated in a parliament elected by the people. The parliament is responsible for making laws and decisions, and the prime minister is in charge of the government. Sounds pretty cool, right? ๐ŸŒโœจ

Ethnic groups

Iceland is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, with the majority of its people identifying as Icelandic, making up a whopping 78.7% of the population! ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ But that's not all! The vibrant Polish community accounts for 5.8%, while the Danes and Ukrainians both represent 1% each. ๐ŸŒ What about the rest? Well, 13.5% of the population comes from various other ethnic backgrounds! ๐Ÿ˜„

Let's take a closer look at these numbers with a pie chart to visualize the diverse ethnic groups in Iceland!

Percentage of Icelandic Ethnic Group

78.7%

Percentage of Polish Ethnic Group

5.8%

Percentage of Danish Ethnic Group

1%

Percentage of Ukrainian Ethnic Group

1%

Percentage of Other Ethnic Groups

13.5%

Ethnic Groups in Iceland

Religions

In Iceland, the religious landscape is quite diverse! ๐ŸŒ The largest group is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland, which has a significant following of 58.6%. Other notable religions include:

  • ๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ Roman Catholic: 3.8%
  • ๐Ÿ  Independent Congregation of Reykjavik: 2.6%
  • ๐Ÿ™๏ธ Independent Congregation of Hafnarfjordur: 1.9%
  • ๐ŸŒฟ Pagan worship: 1.5%
  • ๐Ÿค Icelandic Ethical Humanist Association: 1.4%
  • ๐ŸŒˆ Other (including Zuist and Pentecostal) or unspecified: 18.7%
  • ๐Ÿšซ None: 7.7%

As you can see, while most Icelanders belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, there are plenty of other beliefs that make Iceland's religious culture vibrant!๐ŸŽ‰

Percentage of population in Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland

58.6%

Percentage of Roman Catholics

3.8%

Percentage of Independent Congregation of Reykjavik

2.6%

Percentage of Independent Congregation of Hafnarfjordur

1.9%

Percentage of Pagan Worship

1.5%

Percentage of Icelandic Ethical Humanist Association

1.4%

Percentage of Other or Unspecified

18.7%

Percentage of None

7.7%

Religious Distribution in Iceland

Languages

Languages in Iceland ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ

Iceland is a fascinating country with a rich culture, and its languages reflect this diversity! ๐Ÿคฉ Here are the main languages spoken in Iceland:

  • Icelandic: The official language, closely related to Old Norse. Itโ€™s like a treasure chest of history! ๐Ÿ’Ž
  • English: Widely spoken and understood, making it easier for visitors to get around. ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ๐ŸŒ
  • Polish: A growing community brings this vibrant language to Iceland. ๐Ÿฅณ
  • Nordic Languages: Other Nordic languages are also spoken due to geographic and historical ties. โ„๏ธ
  • German: Another prevalent language, showcasing Icelandโ€™s connections with Europe. ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช

All these languages come together to create a rich tapestry of communication in this beautiful island nation! ๐ŸŒˆ

Imports - partners

๐ŸŒ Let's dive into Iceland's trade partners for imports in 2022! Hereโ€™s how Iceland sources its goods from different countries:

  • Norway steals the spotlight with 12% of imports! ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ด
  • Netherlands follows closely behind with 10%! ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ
  • Meanwhile, Denmark and Germany each contribute 8%! ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช
  • Rounding out the list is China with 7%! ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ

These trade relationships show how Iceland connects with the world! ๐ŸŒโœจ

Total import percentages

100%

Iceland's Import Partners (2022)

Population

๐ŸŒ The total population of Iceland is 364,036 people! ๐Ÿฅณ This vibrant country is known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture. Let's dive into some fascinating statistics about its population! โšก๏ธ

Total Population

364,036

Area

๐ŸŒ Area of Iceland

Did you know that Iceland is made up of land and water? Let's break it down!

  • Total Area: 103,000 sq km
  • Land Area: 100,250 sq km
  • Water Area: 2,750 sq km

This means that most of Iceland is land, while a small part is made up of beautiful waters! ๐Ÿ’ง

Check out this cool pie chart to see how the areas compare visually! ๐Ÿฅง

Total Area of Iceland

103000 sq km

Total Land Area of Iceland

100250 sq km

Total Water Area of Iceland

2750 sq km

Iceland Area Composition

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)

๐Ÿ“ˆ Let's dive into Iceland's economic performance! Ireland's Real GDP, measured in purchasing power parity, is on an upward trend! Here's how it looks over the last three years:

  • 2021: $23.084 billion
  • 2022: $25.134 billion
  • 2023: $26.155 billion

This growth indicates that the economy is getting stronger and wealthier! ๐ŸŒŸ

Real GDP in 2023

$26.155 billion

Real GDP in 2022

$25.134 billion

Real GDP in 2021

$23.084 billion

Iceland's Real GDP Over Time

Real GDP per capita

๐ŸŒ Let's take a look at how Iceland's economy is doing by checking out its Real GDP per capita over the last few years! This is a really important number because it shows how much money, on average, each person would have if the total economic output was shared evenly. Hereโ€™s what we found:

  • 2021: $62,000
  • 2022: $65,800
  • 2023: $66,500

As you can see, the numbers are getting higher each year! ๐Ÿ“ˆ This means Iceland's economy is growing, and people might be feeling a bit wealthier! ๐ŸŽ‰

Iceland's Real GDP per Capita Over Time

Imports

๐ŸŒ Iceland is a vibrant country with lots of trade! Let's take a peek at its import numbers over the years. In 2023, Iceland's imports were estimated at a whopping $13.484 billion! ๐Ÿ˜ฎ That's a little up from $13.146 billion in 2022 and significantly up from $10.065 billion in 2021. This shows growth in Iceland's economy and its connections to the world! ๐Ÿ“ˆโœจ

Imports in 2023

$13.484 billion

Imports in 2022

$13.146 billion

Imports in 2021

$10.065 billion

Iceland's Import Growth Over Time

Exports

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ Iceland's Exports ๐Ÿš€

Iceland is making waves in the export market! ๐Ÿ“ˆ Check out the estimated exports over the past few years:

  • In 2023, Iceland's exports are estimated at $13.49 billion! ๐Ÿ’ฐ
  • Just a year before, in 2022, it was $13.109 billion.
  • Going back further to 2021, the exports were at $9.606 billion.

As you can see, Iceland's exports have been on a rising trend, showcasing the growth and dynamism of its economy! ๐ŸŒŠ

Letโ€™s dive into a chart to visualize this exciting growth!

Exports in 2023

$13.49 billion

Exports in 2022

$13.109 billion

Exports in 2021

$9.606 billion

Iceland's Export Growth Over the Years

Population growth rate

๐ŸŒ Did you know that Iceland's population growth rate is estimated to be 0.85% in 2024? This means that the number of people living in Iceland is slowly but steadily increasing! ๐Ÿ“ˆ Isnโ€™t it exciting to think about how communities can grow and change over time?

Estimated Population Growth Rate 2024

0.85%