Iceland

Iceland, a Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic, has a population density that is the lowest of any European country. Including its suburbs, the city of Reykjavk accounts for more than 65% of Iceland's total population. The central volcanic plateau of Iceland is virtually continually erupting, and the island itself is the largest component of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that is above sea level. Many glacial rivers originate in the mountains and make their way to the sea through the lowlands. The interior is characterised by a plateau of sand and lava fields, mountains, and glaciers. Although it is located at a high latitude just beyond the Arctic Circle, Iceland has a mild temperature because to the Gulf Stream. Most of the islands have a polar climate because of their high latitude and the ocean's cooling effect on the land.

Landnámabók, an old book, claims that Norwegian chieftain Ingólfr Arnarson was the first person to arrive in Iceland in 874 A.D. The next centuries saw the immigration of Norwegians and other Scandinavians to Iceland, bringing with them thralls (i.e. slaves or serfs) of Gaelic descent.

The local parliament, the Althing, one of the world's oldest legislative bodies, administered the island as an autonomous commonwealth. In the 13th century, after a period of civil war, Iceland accepted Norwegian sovereignty. In 1397, the Kalmar Union was formed, bringing together the kingdoms of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Thus, with Sweden's secession from the union in 1523, Iceland followed suit and became a part of that union under Danish administration, just as Norway had. In 1550, the Danish kingt imposed Lutheranism on Iceland.

Market economy, low taxation relative to other OECD nations, and the highest trade union membership in the world all describe Iceland. It upholds the principles of the Nordic social welfare system by providing all residents with access to high-quality healthcare and postsecondary education. When measured by median wealth per adult, Iceland is ranked third in the world, placing it towards the top of a number of equality and democracy rankings. According to the UN's Human Development Index in 2020, it was the fourth-most developed nation in the world. Meanwhile, it topped the list of countries with the most peaceful societies. Renewable resources provide almost all of Iceland's electricity needs.