Trendsetter in Gender Equality
Iceland is a trendsetter in the area of gender equality. Women here are thriving, and many of them are business owners and are challenging traditional gender roles. The country uses street signs featuring women working on the road which is a break away from the norms worldwide.
For nine years in a row, the World Economic Forum has named this country as the most gender-equal country in the world. Half of its parliamentarians are women and for two decades out of the last half-century, it has had a female president. In 2020, it became the first country that made it illegal to pay men more than women.
Iceland Has The Highest Movie-Watching Per Capita
Living in Iceland, where winter days are short and the weather is often harsh, can be a challenge. But its citizens have found a way to cope - by watching movies. These citizens watch about 3.2 movies per person per year according to a 2019 research by Motion Picture Association of America.
Iceland has a deep love for the cinematic arts, which is reflected in its own creative output. With more writers per capita than anywhere else, one in ten citizens have published a book in their lifetime. The country is also home to the oldest film festival in the world, Reykjavik International Film Festival, which was established in 1978.
Winter Swimming
Icelanders are resilient people who don't let the winter chill dampen their spirits or their swimwear. Even though the temperatures can be quite cold, they continue to engage in aquatic adventures or having icecream. One of their favorite activities is "ísbíltúr" which is having the dessert while driving!
The abundance of geothermal hot springs is what allows Icelanders to enjoy dips even when it's snowing. The volcanic waters maintain a balmy temperature, creating a warm oasis amid the cold snow. Icelanders can even visit the heated pools with temperatures of 86 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. No matter the outside temperature, they can always enjoy a dip in warm water.
Defying Last Names
Names play a very important role in Icelandic culture. Unlike many other countries where people use family surnames, Icelanders use patronymic last names, which consist of their father’s first name and a suffix for daughter or son, similar to the Arab naming tradition. Everyone in the country is referred to by their first name, regardless of their profession.
Women keep their original names when they marry and if they change their surnames when they move abroad, they have to revert back when they return to Iceland. The National Registry even allows people to have more than one name if they want to make it longer or unique.
Icelandic Christmas
In Iceland, Christmas traditions are a little different from the rest of the world. Instead of Santa Claus, these people look forward to the Yule Lads, a group of 13 mischievous characters who take turns visiting one by one, 13 days before Christmas. On the night of their visit, children will receive small gifts.
Besides that, there is also a tradition called “Jólabókaflóð” or “Christmas book flood”. Everyone in Iceland receives a book as a gift, in celebration of their love for literature. Reading has been a tradition in the country since the 13th century. Christmas eve is therefore spent while snuggled up with a book and waiting for the Yule Lads.
Marriages Are Not Important
Iceland is a country that stands out in terms of several worldly norms. While it legalized gay marriage in 2010 and became one of the first countries to do so, the country also has a lower marriage rate as compared to other places. In Iceland, it's not uncommon for children to be born to unwed parents, and marriage is not as highly valued.
Statistics show that in 2012, 108,000 people got married in the country, and the number only increased to 123,000 by 2022. Of the total population, unmarried singles make up the second-largest group, at almost 88,000, followed by around 30,000 unmarried individuals in consensual relationships.
The Comedic Mayor
Jón Gnarr is an Icelandic stand-up comedian who formed the “Best Party” with a group of people who had no political experience. To everyone's surprise, he ran for mayor of Reykjavík and won, getting 34.7 percent of the popular vote. He held the mayoral office for four years, from 2010 to 2014. Noam Chomsky, the renowned philosopher, praised Gnarr as "his favorite mayor."
Following his term, Gnarr wrote a memoir about his experience of becoming Reykjavík's mayor. In May 2021, he announced his candidacy for the country's parliament in the upcoming elections. He is running as an independent candidate in the Reykjavík North Constituency.
The Genealogy Application
In 2010, Friðrik Skúlason, an entrepreneur in the anti-virus software industry, collaborated with deCODE, a genetics company, to create the "Book of Icelanders," or "Íslendingabók." This website was built using a database that deCODE had created in 1997, and was initially created to help Icelandic people trace their genealogy.
However, the project eventually expanded to include a mobile app, which allowed people from Iceland to check if their potential dates were close relatives. The feature was incredibly useful in this country owing to its small population, and it wasn't a surprise when a group of college students created the "Íslendinga-App" to further simplify processes.
Proud Nation of the World's First Female President
Iceland has a long history of promoting gender equality, and it was in this spirit that the world's first democratically elected female president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, was elected in 1980. She defeated three male candidates to become the country’s fourth president, taking 33.6 percent of the votes. Since then, many other women have taken part in the country's politics.
In 1988, Finnbogadóttir won re-election with an overwhelming 94.6 percent of the votes. In the years since Finnbogadóttir has remained a powerful advocate for women’s rights. Most recently, she was honored at the Reykjavik Global Forum, where she was celebrated by Iceland’s prime minister and other high-ranking women in politics.
Baby Names and Health
Iceland takes naming newborns very seriously. Before a name can be registered, it must conform to the local language and be approved by the Personal Names Committee. Parents who wish to give their child a name that is not included in the official register must seek prior permission.
Besides that, Iceland has a unique tradition of wheeling newborns outside to get fresh air and take a nap. This tradition is native to other Scandinavian nations also. While many other doctrines suggest keeping babies warm from the fear of hypothermia, these countries believe that the cold air will induce a deeper sleep and help keep babies healthy.
Icelandic Volcanoes
Iceland is a Nordic island nation located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, sitting on the tectonic plates separating Eurasia and North America. As the plates shift and move, gaps are filled with magma, leading to 130 volcanoes erupting across the country, 30 of which are still active.
However, the geological activity that brings danger also brings beauty. An example of this is the basalt rock shaped like an elephant’s head that formed after several eruptions in the Westman Islands. The Elephant Rock has since become a natural landmark and a tourist spot. Another example includes the formation of widespread geysers, hot springs, and lava fields.
Freedom To Religious Practices
While some believe in the existence of elves and fairies, the majority of the population still belongs to the Church of Iceland. This Christian church, formally known as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland, is the officially established religion in the country and has played a significant role in shaping its society.
Iceland has historically welcomed religious diversity, and since 1874, freedom of religion has been guaranteed by the constitution. The Grafarkirkja Church, which was built in the 17th century, serves as a reminder of the country’s long-standing spiritual legacy. As the oldest church of the country, it stands as a symbol of the nation’s open-mindedness and acceptance of different faiths.
Iceland's National Beer Holiday
Iceland and the United States may have different cultures, but they have one thing in common - a history of the failed prohibition of alcohol. While America's infamous prohibition of alcohol lasted from 1920 to 1933, Iceland's ban lasted an impressive 80 years from 1908 to 1989. To commemorate the end of the ban, the citizens celebrate Bjordagur, or Beer Day.
March 1st is celebrated nationwide as a celebration of beer, with award-winning brews and a thriving beer culture. In honor of Beer Day, public buildings, restaurants, and bars are decorated with banners and flags, and people gather to drink, dance, and enjoy the festivities.
The Tiny Island Between Eurasia and the Americas
Iceland is an excellent and unique destination that might leave any traveler in awe. Among its many geological wonders, the Silfra fissure stands out as a must-see attraction. This crack between two continental tectonic plates is so narrow that it’s possible to touch both sides at the same time! Trip Advisor suggests snorkeling in the Silfra crack as one of its top five "Snorkeling & Water Sports" activities.
Additionally, most internet sources including government.is claimed that this country has the world’s cleanest water, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. To further celebrate the surrounding environment, Iceland’s currency features fish and shellfish instead of the typical dignitaries.
That's A Lot Of Sheep
Iceland may have a population of just around 350,000 people, but the country is home to twice that number of sheep. This is no surprise, as the cold temperatures make it essential for people to bundle up in woolen clothes. Icelandic sheep are known for their unique double-layered coats, which are made up of a short, coarse outer coat and a dense, insulating inner coat.
This unique quality doesn't only help them to keep warm in the colder temperatures but also contributes to premium quality wool. The country has a long history of producing top-notch woolen sweaters, made from the soft fleece of these hardy sheep.
Europe's Largest Banana Plantation - Or Is It?
A myth about Iceland is that it has Europe's largest plantation for bananas. However, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations set the record straight by saying that the country does not produce the fruit commercially, and rather imports it from the Canary Islands, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.
The largest producers of bananas in Europe are France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. On the contrary, some of the largest agricultural products in Iceland include potatoes, green vegetables, barley, and oats. Although the country did try out producing bananas, the idea was infeasible as the produce took much more time than in other regions of the world.
Midnight Sun Phenomenon
During the summer months in Iceland, the sun shines for up to 21 hours a day, creating a mesmerizing phenomenon known as the 'midnight sun.' It is a period of time where daylight lingers until almost midnight and this lasts for a few days each year.
Most stores close around 5:00 p.m. and reopen the following morning at 9:00 a.m. However, souvenir shops in cities like Reykjavik often stay open later to accommodate the tourist trade. So if you're out shopping for souvenirs in Reykjavik, don't be shocked if it's still light out at 10:00 p.m.
One Of The Best Examples of Work-Life Balance
Iceland is a country known for its stunning natural wonders and Nordic culture, but it's also at the forefront of promoting work-life balance. From 2015 to 2019, the country ran the world’s largest trial of a four-day workweek. The results showed that workers had increased levels of job satisfaction, were healthier, and were actually more productive.
This trial ran across a wide range of businesses including hospitals, preschools, offices, and social services, and inspired 86 percent of Icelandic employees to work shorter weeks or have the right to request shorter weeks. Besides the lesser working hours than most countries, it boasts a GDP per capita of over $68K.
Thriving in Bio Energy
Icelanders have long been aware of the power of nature. A perfect example of this is their inventive use of geothermal heating. By utilizing the earth’s natural energy, they have managed to transform winter from a time of cold and snow to one of warmth and comfort. Having Snow-free sidewalks and shovel-free car parks is now the norm in the country.
This remarkable solution is both efficient and sustainable. Initially, geothermal energy was used to bake bread and soak in hot springs; now, it has been developed into an admirable advanced district heating system admire. This country has a fascinating renewable energy supply rate of 99.96 percent.
Midges
Iceland being a stunning land of natural wonders boasts over 1,300 different types of bugs, including midges. Although they are much smaller than mosquitoes measuring around 0.08 inches, these small black flies are still a nuisance as they can sting leaving itchy, swollen bites and even blisters.
Midges feed on plants, aquatic animals, and decaying organic matter. Although these are also found in North America and other parts of Europe, they are commonly native to Iceland. They are most active during the summer months and similar to mosquitoes, the best way to keep them out is by using insect repellents and head nets.
Graveyard Plantations
Iceland's folklore is a captivating mix of magical tales, mythical creatures, and Viking legends, and there's evidence of this enchanting history in places like the Hólavallagarður cemetery in Reykjavik. Local legend says this graveyard was once a Viking burial ground, where it was customary to plant trees on top of graves.
Now, visitors can pay their respects to their departed loved ones by touching the trees, adding a special atmosphere. The practice of planting trees in graveyards is the most logical scientific practice considering the biodegradation of bodies makes the soil fertile. In the United States, such eco-friendly burials are becoming more commonplace and made legal as of 2023.
Lovely Traffic Lights
In 2008, Iceland suffered a devastating economic crash that left its citizens feeling down. To lift everyone’s spirits, the town of Akureyri took a unique approach by adding heart-shaped fixtures to its traffic lights. Former mayor Eiríkur Björn Björgvinsson believed that this small act of kindness had a big impact.
Akureyri is the second-largest urban area in Iceland, located about 100 kilometers from the Arctic Circle. The population of Akureyri was around 19,642 as of 2022. It is a popular tourist spot, with several must-visit locations, including the Botanical Garden. This garden features a wide variety of plants and species from various neighboring countries also.
The Elf School
Iceland is renowned for its glaciers and geysers, however, it is also home to the lesser-known elf school called Álfaskólinn, which is located in Reykjavík. Headmaster Magnus Skarphedinsson founded the school to document and preserve over 1,400 stories of elf encounters.
The school provides lectures and tours which give an insight into the country’s rich mythology and folklore. It educates visitors about various invisible beings that inhabit the region, such as elfs and fairy tales. Álfaskólinn is a remarkable source of information and entertainment. This might not be strange to the locals, since over 60 percent of Icelanders believe in the existence of elves.
Coin-Tossing Will Not Grant Wishes
Iceland is a popular tourist destination, attracting more than two million visitors each year. Tourists are expected to abide by certain rules when visiting the country and one of these rules concerns the magical properties of springs; throwing coins into them will not grant wishes. This has become a problem for the Environment Agency of Iceland.
Visitors to the Geysir geothermal area had been throwing coins into the geyser Blési for years. To combat this, ranger Lárus Kjartansson has considered installing more prominent signs to discourage this behavior. It is important to respect Iceland's natural wonders and to leave coin-tossing to other destinations.
Access to Clean Drinking Water
Iceland is known for its fresh and pure drinking water, which is safe to drink straight from the tap. The water is naturally filtered through layers of volcanic rock and river beds and is collected from underground wells. This makes it almost like drinking from a natural spring.
The geothermal pools found in Iceland, such as the famous Blue Lagoon Spa, are renowned for the milky white silica mud and warm water. The water in them is rich in calcium, magnesium, and sodium and is believed to have healing properties, making them a popular destination for tourists. It is also naturally alkaline, with a pH level of 8.8 to 9.0
The Icelandic Railway
Iceland surprisingly does not have a public railway system even though it does have one for freight. This is due to the country's sparse population and extreme weather conditions. The citizens have, however, managed to keep their adventurous spirit alive by creating the “Sword Road” on the Snaefellsnes peninsula.
This road is a tribute to their Viking ancestors who settled in Iceland over 1000 years ago, providing breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. The Sword Road serves as a reminder of Iceland’s heroic past and brings to life the legendary sagas of the Vikings. The destination captivates visitors from around the world with its stunning landscape and fascinating history.
Iceland Has No McDonald's
McDonald's is one of the most recognizable fast-food chains in the world, with locations in over 100 countries. Surprisingly, however, there are no McDonald's restaurants in Iceland. With a population of nearly 350,000, according to the United Nations in January 2023, Icelanders have not had access to the fast food restaurant since the last outlet closed in 2009.
The global economic crisis and the increasing expense of imported food caused Iceland to be particularly affected. McDonald's products, which are largely imported, were too costly for customers. On the day they shut down operations, the fans of the fast food chain rushed to get their last meal at the restaurant.
Some Deep Words
Iceland may be well known for its complex language, however, the locals make it simple for tourists by speaking remarkable English. Additionally, the country's linguistic peculiarities are interesting as Icelanders have a precise vocabulary of 50 words for the wind to describe its speed or direction among other characteristics.
This profundity of language is even seen in ancient texts, as many Icelanders can read Old Norse. Despite abundant volcanoes, the summer in the country is surprisingly pleasant with average high temperatures of around 57 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime lows of around 43 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the summer an ideal time to visit the country.
The Haukadalur Geothermal Area
The Haukadalur Geothermal Area is populated with many thermal features, like boiling mud pots, geysers, and water spouts. It is located in the southwestern region of Iceland. The area's most popular feature is Geysir, the world’s first-recorded geyser, and it draws people from all corners of the globe who come to observe its amazing eruptions.
Visitors who travel to this tourist spot in Iceland are greeted with a sign that serves as a reminder of both their mortality and the strength and beauty of nature. Another popular spring named Strokkur is the more active of the two geysers and erupts every 5-10 minutes.
Aurora Borealis Alerts
This image displays the fascinating Aurora Borealis, or northern lights, pictured from the Grótta Island Lighthouse in Reykjavík. These fluorescent lights are a captivating sight that has been mesmerizing people for thousands of years. Over the past years, it has become difficult to miss one of these sights all thanks to the helpful alerts.
Many hotels offer a service where staff members will wake their guests up if the lights appear. For those who prefer to stay in control, there is an app called Aurora Alerts that sends notifications when the lights are visible. Tourists visiting the country most likely have these on their bucket lists.