World Atlas Iceland, Europe, locator map

Country Details

About the size of Ireland, Iceland is Europe's westernmost country, the second largest island in the North-Atlantic ocean, a little over 3 hours flight from London, Paris, Amsterdam or Copenhagen. The first settlers came to Iceland from Norway and Ireland in the 9th century. It has a strong economy, low unemployment and low inflation. Per capita income is among the highest in the world.

Quick Facts and Figures

Official Name Republic of Iceland

Capital City Reykjavik

Major Cities here

Bordering Countries none

Flag here

Climate The mild climate stems from the Gulf Stream and the warm ocean currents from the Gulf of Mexico. The weather is also affected by the East Greenland polar current curving south-eastwards round the north and east coasts. For two to three months in summer there is continuous daylight in Iceland, and early spring and late autumn enjoy long twilight. However, the days are very short in mid-winter.

Latitude/Longitude 65° 00'N, 18° 00'W

Languages Icelandic (official)

Official Currency Krona

Religions Evangelical Lutheran, others

Population 273,000

Land Area 100,250 sq km (38,707 sq miles)

Landforms It is largely an arctic desert, punctuated with mountains, glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls. Most of the vegetation and agricultural areas are in the lowlands close to the coastline. The most distinctive features are its glaciers, which cover over 11,922 km2 (4,600 sq. mil. ) or 11. 5% of the total area of the country. During the past few decades, however, they have markedly thinned and retreated owing to a milder climate, and some of the smaller ones have all but vanished. By far the largest of the glacier caps is the Vatnaj6kull glacier in Southeast Iceland with an area of 8,400 km2 (3,240 sq. mil. ), equal in size to all the glaciers on the European mainland put together. It reaches a thickness of 1 km (3,000 feet). One of its southern outlets, Breidamerkurj6kull, descends to sea level. Additionally, there are numerous geysers and hot springs.

Land Divisions 23 counties, 14 undependent towns

Maps

European Continent here

European Continent provided by University of Texas, here

Scandinavia Map here

Iceland Outline Map here

Iceland Map, CIA version here

Suggested Links

Iceland web site here!

Iceland Information Page here!

Weather in Reykjavik here!

Time and Date in Reykjavik