Iceland is a small state on the same island. Despite the fact that Iceland is located far to the north, the industrious descendants of the Vikings managed to recreate a real corner of paradise on earth. Iceland has long occupied one of the top lines in the list of countries with the highest standard of living. Severe northern nature, the friendliness of the native Icelanders, incredible beauty landscapes – all this is undoubtedly worth it to visit these regions at least once.
The territory of Iceland because of severe weather conditions was populated by one of the last on Earth – people came to this region only in IX century AD.
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik is the most northern capital on earth.
Iceland is consistently among the ten most prosperous countries in the world.
Residents of Iceland seriously believe in the existence of trolls and elves – for example, before the design of a new road builders consult with folklore specialists, so as not to accidentally invade the possessions of these fantastic creatures.
Icelanders often build small churches in their gardens, hoping to convert a small Huldoufolk people into Christianity, which, according to legend, hides in the local mountains.
The Icelandic parliament is the oldest working in the world, it was first formed in 930.
Icelandic cuisine is widely known for its unusual dishes – for example, Icelanders eat a little faded shark meat (hakarl), as well as sheep hips soaked in lactic acid.
For the unknown reason, it is not allowed to bring horses to Iceland. If a horse is taken out of the country, it can not be brought back.
Iceland does not have its own armed forces, and the Coast Guard and the police do not issue firearms.
Hot and cold water supply of Icelandic houses is provided by local sources and geysers. The water in them is so clean that it is suitable for drinking without additional filtration.
The inhabitants of Iceland have a middle name, but there are no names. The name for the newborn is chosen from a special register. If the desired name is not there – you need to contact the authorities and agree with them on this issue.
There are no railways on the territory of Iceland. Yes, none at all.
Icelandic language is almost no borrowing, due to which it has been preserved for more than a thousand years unchanged. For the Icelander, it will not be a problem to read a book published several centuries ago.
The widespread opinion that Iceland is very cold, does not correspond to reality – for example, in January the air temperature averages -0.4 degrees.
Modest in size, Iceland, thanks to its natural resources, could provide energy throughout Europe.
Icelanders were forbidden to sell and drink beer until May 1, 1989. Now the day of lifting the ban is almost a national holiday.
Iceland is the world leader in sales of scientific literature.
Almost all residents of Iceland (90%) have access to the Internet – such a spread of the network can not boast even the United States.
In Iceland, there is no mosquito.
Icelandic waterfall Dettifoss with a width of 100 meters and a height of 40 meters is the most powerful in Europe.
In the territory of Iceland there are 130 volcanoes, almost half of which erupted in the last 1000 years.
Iceland is the only European country where striptease is legally banned. The ban was introduced in 2010.
Cliffs of Latrabiarg in Iceland are not only the westernmost point of Europe, but also the world’s largest bird habitat.
In Iceland is located the largest glacier on the Earth (not counting those that cover the poles) with the unpronounceable name of Vatanyokyudl.
Icelanders go to the cinema more often than residents of all other countries of the world.
In Iceland, the world’s largest number of children (65%), born out of wedlock.
