Demographics
The population of Iceland stood at 360,390 in 2019.
Official language
The official language is Icelandic, or 'íslenska,' a Germanic language with roots in Old Norse.
Languages in Iceland
Due to its secluded location, linguistic influences on Icelandic have been minimal. Consequently, 98% of Icelanders primarily converse in their native language, Icelandic. However, most people are highly proficient in English, making it easy for travellers to communicate. Icelandic, known for its challenging pronunciation and reading, features unique characters such as 'þ,' pronounced like 'th' in 'thing,' and 'ð,' pronounced like 'th' in 'cloth.'
People of Iceland
Icelandic individuals constitute 93% of the population. The largest non-Icelandic group is Polish, comprising 3%.
Religious affiliation in Iceland
The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland is the national church, and approximately 80% of the population adheres to this denomination. Additionally, nearly 5% practice ásatrú, the traditional Norse religion.
National Celebration in Iceland
The national holiday is observed on 17th June, commemorating the Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic in 1944.
Festive Calendar
1st January: New Year's Day (31st January is a half-day holiday).
Late March to early April: Easter (Public holidays include Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Monday).
Third Thursday of April: Day of Summer ('Sumardagúrinn') - signifying important festivities.
1st May: Labor Day.
May: Ascension Thursday.
17th June: National Day.
First weekend of August: Traders Day (Friday afternoon, Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday are public holidays in the morning, with official celebrations on Monday).
December 25: Christmas (Afternoon of December 24 and full days of December 25 and 26 are holidays). Fun fact: Icelanders welcome 13 Santas, arriving one by one from the 13th day before Christmas.
Other Icelandic festivals:
First Sunday of June: Sailors' Sunday ('Sjomannadgwinn') - honouring fishermen, with all boats in port for the day.
21st and 24th June: Summer Solstice and St. John ('Jónsmessa').
9th October: Leif Ericson Day - commemorating the Viking explorer who discovered the North American coast.
23rd December: Saint Thorlak ('Thorláksmessa') - celebrating the Icelandic patron saint.
Historical Overview of Iceland
The initial settlers of Iceland were Irish monks, later joined by Norwegian Vikings. In 930 AD, more than 30 clan leaders convened at Thingvellir to establish a parliament, known as Althingi. Annually, these leaders gathered at Thingvellir, meaning 'fields of parliament,' to discuss crucial matters. In 1,000 AD, the decision to transition from Asatru (Norse religion) to Christianity was officially made. In 1944 AD, Iceland declared independence from Denmark, inaugurated its first president, and solidified Icelandic culture on the global stage.
Government structure in Iceland
Iceland operates as a constitutional republic, with a President elected through a national vote for a renewable four-year term, although the role is predominantly ceremonial. Executive authority rests with the Prime Minister, appointed by the President, and their government. The legislative arm is the Parliament (Althingi), featuring 63 members chosen through national vote, each serving a four-year term. Established in 930 AD, the Althingi stands as the world's oldest parliament. Iceland maintains no military forces, except for 130 coastguards.
Prominent Icelanders
Vigdis Finnbogadóttir (born 1930): Iceland's president from 1980 to 1996, the first female president and a symbol of the opening of Icelandic politics to women.
Björk Gudhmundsdottir (born 1965): a renowned Icelandic celebrity, celebrated for her inventive character and music.
Jon Sigurdhsson (1811-1879): historian and politician, a key figure in the movement for Icelandic independence, with the Republic proclaimed on his birthday (17th June).
Ólafur Stefánsson (born 1973): professional handball player.
Jón Arason (1484-1550): Catholic bishop and poet, a legendary figure in Iceland who led the resistance against Lutheran Christian III of Denmark, blending poetry, national identity and religious nonconformity.
Halldor Gudhjonsson (1902-1998): also known as Halldor Laxness Kiljan, a prolific writer with around 60 books, including the famous 'Bell of Iceland', addressing Iceland's history and struggles in the 20th century, including themes of social Catholicism and Communism. Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955.
Etiquette in Iceland
In Icelandic culture, tipping is discretionary. Service charges are typically included in hotels, restaurants and bars, but a small tip can express appreciation. For drivers, a recommended tip is 1.5 to 3 euros per day, and for guides, 2 to 4 euros. Dinner tends to be early, with most people having their evening meal before 8pm, so reservations should be made accordingly. When entering an Icelander's house, it's customary to remove your shoes, a practice also observed in some stores and public places. Additionally, given the popularity of hot springs and communal pools in Iceland, it's advisable to familiarise yourself with the etiquette specific to your chosen location.
Shopping in Iceland
Central to Iceland's cultural offerings is wool, with knitted woollen goods sold throughout the island. Handmade jumpers featuring circular jacquard designs are particularly emblematic of Iceland and make for excellent gifts or mementos from your trip. The island is also renowned for its ceramics and various handmade items crafted from materials such as wood, skins (including fish skins), glass, stone and lava.
Culinary delights
Seafood takes centre stage in Icelandic cuisine, complemented by mutton and potatoes sourced from the land. Unique traditional recipes include Hákarl, fermented shark meat (which is aged over several months), and þorramatur (a selection of Icelandic foods such as testicles, sheep heads, blubber, liver sausage, shark meat, dried haddock, black bread and more, cured in a traditional manner and served sliced). These distinctive meats and fish dishes are typically enjoyed during the Nordic month of Þorri (Thorri), spanning January and February, especially at the mid-winter feast of Þorrablót (Thorrablot) - a homage to ancient culture.
Beverages
Icelandic tap water, known for its purity, is safe to drink throughout the country and ranks among the purest globally. Alcohol is expensive, and is only available in state stores (Vínbúð). Capitalising on exceptional water quality, Iceland produces high-quality beers, generally characterised as blonde and light. As for spirits, Icelandic vodka and aquavit are available, but the true national specialty is Brennivín, also known as 'Black Death' - a potato alcohol-flavoured schnapps with caraway.
