Which country is Iceland a part of? Iceland map in Russian

All cities in Iceland

Climate. Best time to travel

Iceland has a subarctic maritime climate, thanks to which two seasons are pronounced on the island - winter and summer. Short spring and hasty Golden autumn in these parts they also take place, but in order to have time to notice them, you need to live at least a little in Iceland. From the point of view of economy, it is better to go to get acquainted with the beauties of the "ice country" from November to February. Yes, the daylight hours will be short and the weather is unlikely to please with stability, but the more pleasant it is to make your way to natural wonders like frozen waterfalls, ice caves and hot springs.

The Northern Lights are also a prerogative of winter, as are alien orange-purple sunsets. But you should not be afraid of Icelandic frosts. Due to the nearby Gulf Stream, in January the thermometer on the island does not fall below -2 ° C (mountainous areas do not count). Another argument in favor winter tour Trettowndinn holiday. On this day, the Icelanders escort their Santa Clauses back to the mountains, launching fireworks in their honor and treating those who wish to delicacies of Old Norse cuisine.

Spring in Iceland does not fit into the idea of Europeans about this time of year, because even with the advent of May, there is no sharp warming in the vastness of the country: +7 ° С is all that can be expected from spring days. The advantages of the Icelandic forerunner are not so many, but they are significant - a noticeable increase in daylight hours, the arrival of orange-billed puffins and the opportunity to stay at a hotel with a nice discount. By the way, the dry law was in force on the island for 74 years, which became invalid only in 1989, so in the spring it is also supposed to have a good time at the Beer Festival. It should be borne in mind that the prices of drinks on festival days skyrocket.

Iceland summer will cost an order of magnitude more expensive winter. Firstly, because, starting from June, tourists flock to the country. And secondly, due to the seasonal availability of natural attractions - from December to April, it will not be possible to get to many places of worship due to weather vagaries. Among the advantages of a summer tour are unforgettable white nights, relative warmth (sometimes up to +20 °C), the opportunity to hang out on Independence Day and the Sjomannadagurinn festival, and of course, breathtaking hiking in the most epic locations “the land of sagas and arctic fjords”.

Important: walking in shorts and a T-shirt in Iceland will not work even at the peak of the summer season. The reason for this is the piercing winds that bring rain, and in winter also snow. So, no matter what month you choose to travel, grab an extra set of warm waterproof clothes - be sure it will not be stale.

History of Iceland

Historians continue to argue over who exactly discovered Iceland to the world. According to some versions, the Irish monks were the first to explore the territory of the island. At the same time, archaeological finds make it possible to suspect the ancient Romans in this matter. But the “land of ice and fire” began to be fully populated only in the 9th century, after the Vikings landed in Iceland, who liked the lands so much that they decided to stay on them and establish their own state. As a result, the country entered the so-called era of democracy - a system of government unique for those times, headed not by the king, but by the people's assembly (althing).

At the turn of the 10th and 11th centuries, Iceland adopted Christianity, which did not prevent its population from being fond of composing heroic sagas and being afraid of trolls. And in 1262, Norway suddenly remembered the island, after which the locals had to recognize the power of the Norwegian monarch. A little over a hundred years later, Denmark joined the process of dividing the Icelandic lands, subjugating the state and including it in its own territories along with the same Norway. As a result, until the beginning of the 20th century, Iceland remained part of Hamlet's homeland and only in 1918 was able to declare itself an independent kingdom, without finally breaking the union with Denmark.

In 1944, the island changed its political status, turning from a kingdom into a republic, and in 1949 joined the NATO bloc. But the most serious test awaited the "ice country" in 2008, when the global crisis led the local economy, if not to collapse, then to something very close. As a result, until 2012, the financial situation in the state remained difficult and unstable.

Mentality and language barrier

The Icelanders are a strong-willed, athletic people who pride themselves on their ability to maintain equanimity in the most critical situations. At the same time, the ostentatious seriousness and lack of sociability, sometimes attributed to the islanders, is just a defensive reaction. Icelanders prefer to open their souls to their compatriots, and not to foreigners. As for communication at the household level, here the locals are emphatically friendly and respond politely to tourists' requests for a service.

There are many tales about the lack of punctuality of the Icelanders, and there is some truth in such jokes. In harsh climatic conditions not work for wear and tear, but the ability to find the right balance between work and leisure is held in high esteem. But the worn out clichés about the superstitions inherent in the descendants of the Vikings remain, though beautiful, but an exaggeration. Icelandic trolls and gnomes have not harmed anyone for a long time, having migrated to the category of fairy-tale characters, which are sometimes used to scare naughty children.

The official language on the island is Icelandic, which is better for the average tourist not to try to get acquainted with. Firstly, because it is as close as possible to Old Norse with its unpronounceable vocabulary: name famous volcano Eyyafyatlayokudl against the background of other words is not the most difficult option. And secondly, because 90% of the local population is fluent in English. At the same time, the natives of the island exalt their native speech as something unique, and they are happy to come up with new terms that have no analogues in other languages. For example, only in Iceland you can express the state of delight from the dirty trick done to someone with a single word - Pórðargleði.

Money

The national currency of the country is the Icelandic krone (ISK). 1 ISK is approximately 0.51 RUB (the exchange rate for November 2019). You can exchange money at the airport, bank branches and The Change Group exchangers, however, the latter usually charge a commission, the amount of which can be both fixed and dependent on the amount being converted. Bank branches in Iceland operate on a five-day schedule from 9:00 to 16:00. If for some reason it didn’t work out with banks, you can look into large hotels and inns, which almost always have their own currency exchange office.

There are ATMs everywhere, but in cities there is no need to cash out funds, since cards of international payment systems are accepted almost everywhere, including campsites and gas stations. In addition, a commission will be deducted for each transaction.

Attractions and entertainment in Iceland

Iceland for tourists is a “fairy tale of wanderings”, which is better to read outside of Reykjavik. Of course, in the capital of the country there are also noteworthy objects, but the vast majority of them are of an architectural plan. But to see the land "before the beginning of time" and the incomparable creations of Arctic nature can only be outside the cities, which, by the way, are very few on the island.

It is recommended to build a route depending on the amount of time to be spent in the “land of heroic sagas”. If you decide to stay in Iceland for a couple of weeks, start with a tour along the coast, periodically deviating inland, with indispensable stops to fjords, volcanoes and waterfalls.

For those who are planning a short vacation, it is wiser to drive through locations that are as close as possible to Reykjavik. For example, huddle at the Glymur waterfall, which is considered the highest on the island (198 m) and is located northwest of the capital. Or splash in the Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal pool located an hour's drive from the country's administrative center. And of course, do not miss the magnificent Esya - a snow-covered mountain range, which is only 10 kilometers from Reykjavik, on the slopes of which thousands of professional climbers and extreme sports enthusiasts climb every year.

Almost very close to the capital is the famous Hvalfjord, aka the Whale Fjord, whose surroundings have been adored by several generations of hiking adherents. Bypassing the entire fjord, which cuts into the land with a 30-kilometer “sleeve”, is not necessary, since a car tunnel is equipped under it.

One of the most "hackneyed" tourist groups, but nevertheless romantic routes - Golden ring Iceland. Everyone who sets off on this exciting path is waiting for the Kerid volcanic crater with an ultramarine lake at the bottom, the Haukadalur valley with its gigantic Geysir and Strokkur geysers, as well as the Gullfoss waterfall with an interesting, albeit quite modern legend.

Another location that is part of the Golden Circle and is relatively close to Reykjavik is Thingvellir park, listed world heritage UNESCO. It was on its territories that the Icelandic statehood was born and the Althing was going to vote. And in Thingvellir there is Sylfa - the deepest fault in the earth's crust, formed by the collision of the Eurasian and North American lithospheric plates. Today the crack is filled with crystal clean water, so in the summer it is literally “teeming” with divers and snorkelers of all stripes.

Travelers who dream of rewinding millions of years ago and finding out what the planet looked like after it was “covered” by a glacier should move away from the Icelandic capital and drive to Vatnajökull Park. The snow-covered meditative landscapes of the park hide active volcanoes, as well as stunning beauty ice caves, so get your hiking shoes and join a tourist group with an experienced guide. In addition, from June to September, visitors have a chance to make their way to the Dettifoss waterfall, which is part of a protected natural area Vatnajökull. The turbulent stream falling from the plateau resembles the Niagara water cascades, although it is somewhat inferior in size to them.

Next to Vatnajökull is another Icelandic miracle - the Jökulsarlon ice lagoon. Steaming here, as, for example, in the Blue Valley, will not work - the temperature is not the same. But flying across the blue surface on an amphibious boat and snapping a hundred fantastic shots with seals is as easy as shelling pears. Collectors of local folklore, troll hunters and simply lovers of ancient legends flock south from Vatnajökull. The place that concentrated all the otherworldly powers of Iceland is the village with the unpronounceable name Kirkjubaejarklaustur, leading its mystical history since 1186.

Third in a row national park Iceland Snaefellsjokull hid on the western tip of the island. The name Snaefellsjokull belongs not only to the park, but also to the glacier located in it. However, worldwide fame and tourist attraction The place was provided not by him, but by the writer Jules Verne, who transferred the action of his novel Journey to the Center of the Earth to the Snaefells volcano, which is located on the territory of the park area.

Architecture and monuments

The most curious creations of human hands are in Reykjavik. True, the Icelandic capital “trumps” with tourists mainly with modern constructions, but this does not in the least detract from its value as an object of study. Very unusual, for example, the building looks Concert Hall, reminiscent of glass facades of a honeycomb in the context. In the center of the city, the Town Hall is worthy of attention. The concrete structure itself looks a little alien surrounded by ascetic houses, so do not miss the opportunity to look inside to appreciate the giant 3D map of the island and plan a route for its non-mainstream attractions.

At least a couple of minutes of admiring bewilderment will provide an inspection of the facades of the church. Outwardly, the cult building resembles a rocket ready to take off, although the building project was developed long before the space age. If you want something more classic, take a walk to the Landakotskirkja Cathedral - this is an old familiar neo-Gothic, adapted to Icelandic climatic realities and made of high-strength concrete. By the way, Iceland loves to give temples an atypical look, so if you happen to get to the cities of Akureyri and Kopavogur (part of the Reykjavik agglomeration), take a walk near the original church buildings.

The subject of our review today will be Iceland. country description, Interesting Facts, attractions - all this in the material below.

general information

Iceland is an island and a state. is 103 thousand square meters. km, where about 322 thousand people live. The capital is the city of Reykjavik, where one third of the total population of the country is concentrated, and with the suburbs - more than half. The official language is Icelandic, and the currency is the Icelandic krone, which in 2016 was 122 kroons per 1 USD. Iceland is a parliamentary republic headed by a president elected for 4 years. To enter the country, Russian citizens need a passport and a Schengen visa.

Location

Iceland - the land of ice - is located at the northern tip Atlantic Ocean, there are no more large areas of land up to the North Pole. Her Northern part located near the Arctic Circle.

The island is remote from the rest of Europe: from the nearest Faroe Islands at 420 km, from the island of Great Britain at 860 km, and from the nearest point on the continental coast of Norway at 970 km. An interesting fact is that, despite this, Iceland belongs to European countries, although it is much closer to the North American island of Greenland - 287 km.

Iceland: interesting facts about the country

The discovery of Iceland dates back to the end of the 8th century by Irish monks, and after them the Normans Nadod and Floki got here. Following these events, at the end of the 9th century, the active settlement of the island by the Vikings began - immigrants from Norway, who for half a century managed to master almost all habitable and economic development earth.

In 1264, Iceland was annexed to Norway, and in 1381, it became part of Denmark. The country gained its independence only in 1944.

The inhabitants of the island are a courageous and proud people, respecting their historical past and cultural traditions. In particular, to the old Icelandic legends - sagas, telling about tribal strife, exciting events, about elves, gnomes and other mysterious characters, in whose existence some residents still believe.

Iceland is that there is practically no crime here - there is only one prison, and no more than a dozen people are kept in it. The police here go without weapons, but there is no army at all.

The basis of the modern economy is made up of only two industries - aluminum processing and fishing. By the way, it will be said that the islanders are second only to Norway in the annual volume of catch from European countries.

Iceland is one of the wealthiest countries. So, the average per capita annual income here is $ 39,000 (according to our ruble standards, every resident here, including infant, is a millionaire).

Nature

The country of Iceland, for all its modest size, is the world's largest island of volcanic origin. The relief of the island is predominantly mountainous, the peaks are the vents of extinct and active volcanoes. The highest of them is the Hvannadalshnukur peak (2110 m), located on the southwestern coast. The lowest point is not far away - this is the glacial lake lagoon (0 meters above sea level).

Many of the active volcanoes from time to time declare themselves with powerful eruptions. by the most large volcano the island is considered the famous Hekla (1488 meters), located near the "Greater Reykjavik" and frightened local residents with its eruption in 2000.

The longest river of the island is the Tjoursau (237 km). Of other water bodies, glaciers and glacial lakes abound, occurring everywhere and in innumerable numbers.

Iceland is unique in its diversity of natural landscapes. In addition to glaciers, the surface of the country in many places is covered with lava fields. Geysers and hot springs are often found in these areas. Rocky placers covered with dense mosses and lichens, islands of birch forests and meadows of grassy herbs are widespread throughout the island. Waterfalls give special picturesqueness to the area in various parts of the island. On the west coast, numerous fjords amaze with their beauty. National parks have been created to protect the stunning nature in the country.

Climate and typical weather

Iceland is a northern country that doesn't quite live up to its icy name. Washing it, especially from the south, the Gulf Stream, do not allow it to become a cold, harsh desert.

Winters here are relatively warm, with an average monthly temperature of -1 °C, which can be the envy of many more southerly located territories of Russia. However, during some periods of this season, cold winds are frequent, which, together with clusters of drifting arctic ice, especially in the southeast, cause sharp drops in temperature to -30 °C. Daylight hours are no more than five hours.

Summer is not hot here. Average temperatures in July are only +12 °C. Warmest on south coast— up to +20 °C, with maxima up to + 30 °C. In summer, the entire island is illuminated by the sun around the clock, and there are white nights characteristic of the polar latitudes.

Precipitation is unevenly distributed across the island. For example, on the west coast their number ranges from 1300 to 2000 mm per year, on the northeast their norm is up to 750 mm, and in the mountainous part southern regions can have values up to 4000 mm.

The weather here is very changeable, and without exaggeration we can say that it can change in just a few minutes. It had just been warm and sunny, when suddenly the sky was overcast, and a cold, dank wind blew. Residents of the country jokingly tell their visiting guests and tourists: “If suddenly you didn’t like something in the weather, then don’t despair, wait half an hour and it will change.”

Attractions Reykjavik

Reykjavik - main city, the capital of Iceland. What country can not boast of a huge number of attractions? So Iceland has something to show tourists. In particular, its main city houses historical and architectural monuments, museums and modern institutions. Among them, the attention of tourists is attracted by:

Temple of Hallgrimskirkja is a cult Lutheran building of the mid-20th century, in the form of a volcanic eruption. Inside is a large organ. In front of the church is a statue of the Happy.
The Cathedral, which is the main temple, built at the end of the XVIII century.
The building of the Althingi (Parliament) in the style of classicism, erected in the 19th century.
Perlan, or pearl, looks like a camomile with a blue dome. It is located on a high hill and has a rotating platform for viewing the panorama of the city. Inside the building are the Saga Museum, a winter garden, an artificial geyser, shopping pavilions and restaurants.
Kaffi Reykjavik - this bar is unusual in that it consists of solid blocks of ice, and drinks are always served in ice glasses.
Concert Hall "Kharpa" Its façades are made up of multicolored glass cells, which, with the help of built-in LEDs, impress visitors with a play of colors.

Blue Lagoon

The lagoon is a geothermal spring and resort with all the proper infrastructure. This is perhaps the most famous and visited place for hundreds of thousands of tourists. A lagoon is an artificially created body of water with a constant temperature of 40 °C. This is the only place of its kind on the planet that is filled with visitors. all year round. It has been found that bathing in the mineral-rich waters of the lake helps to heal skin diseases.

Valley of Geysers

It arose in the XIII century after a strong earthquake. The main source, called the Great Geysir, throws out a jet of water of very high temperature to a height of up to 70 meters from a depth of more than two thousand meters. The contemplation of this majestic spectacle leaves a strong impression. There are also places for bathing in less hot springs. Residents use the natural heat of geysers to heat their homes.

Seljalandsfoss waterfall

The waterfall is located in the south of the island and is very popular with tourists. Water falls from a height of 60 meters. It flows down from the rocks that used to be the coastline, but now a picturesque valley has formed on this place. The beauty of the waterfall (combined with the surrounding landscape) has no equal. That is why his photographs are placed on calendars and postcards.

colored mountains

During the warm season in national park Landmannalaugar you can see a striking sight - colorful mountains. The slopes of the mountains shine with unusual stripes - brown, yellow, pink, blue, purple, green, white and black. The reason for this phenomenon is associated with the volcanic origin of rocks. The location of the park near the Hekla volcano makes it one of the most popular tourist centers country.

Vatnajökull National Park

What else can you tell about Iceland? Facts about the country, all its sights simply cannot be listed in one article. But still I would like to mention this park. It was created in 2008. It covers almost 12% of Iceland and is the largest in Europe. The main highlight of the park is the eponymous glacier with an area of up to 8100 square meters. km and ice thickness up to 500 meters. Under its shell, there are beautiful ice caves, as well as seven active volcanoes.

As an entertainment, Vatnajökull tourists can take walks along beautiful places, engage in winter sports, but bathing in hot springs located inside ice caves is in special demand.

Undoubtedly, this is only a small part of the natural attractions of the country of Iceland; many more interesting and mysterious things await tourists in its open spaces.

"Ice country" Iceland is located on north atlantic ocean.

On the detailed map Iceland is shown that the state consists of the island of the same name with an area of 103 sq. km. and a number of small islands.

The main feature of the country is its nature and volcanic origin. Bizarre landscapes, fjords, waterfalls and glaciers make an indelible impression on travelers.

Iceland on the world map: geography, nature and climate

Iceland is located in Northern Europe, northwest of Great Britain. To the west is the island of Greenland. It is separated from Iceland by the Denmark Strait. In the east, the country borders on Norway and is washed by the Norwegian Sea. Length coastline- about 5 thousand km.

The physical map of Iceland in Russian shows the relief, hydrography, reserves, minerals located on the territory of the state.

The island is located on the crest of the North Atlantic tectonic seam and consists of lava layers. Due to the divergence of plates, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. The most famous Hekla volcanoes And Lucky.

Relief

The relief of the country is a volcanic plateau with rocky shores and thousands of narrow bays. The central part of Iceland is occupied by active volcanoes, geysers, lava fields, so it is not very suitable for habitation. Life has focused on coastal areas.

Iceland got its name not by chance: 1/10 of the island is covered with glaciers. largest Vatnajökull glacier has an area of 8300 sq. km. It is located in the southeast of the island. Its integrity is violated by the presence of eight active and "sleeping" volcanoes.

Volcanic activity provoked the appearance of many thermal springs in Iceland. Great Geysir of them the most famous.

Hydrography

The rivers and lakes of Iceland are fed by snow and glacier waters. Navigation on the rivers is impossible due to a large number waterfalls and rapids. The largest river Tjoursau originates from the Hofsjokull glacier, its length is 230 km.

Tourisvatn Lake is located in the south of the island. This is the largest reservoir in Iceland: its area is 88 sq. km, depth - 109 m.

The country of contrasts, Iceland, occupies a small area on the world map, and it's amazing how many natural attractions fit in it.

Climate

The island is under the constant action of cyclones. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream influence the climate. In summer, the temperature on the coast is about 20 0 C, in winter, despite the proximity to the North Pole, it rarely drops below zero. The central part is distinguished by a continental climate: in winter the temperature drops to -20 0 C, and in summer it rarely rises above +20 0 C.

Flora and fauna

Vegetation in Iceland is sparse: most of the territory is devoid of vegetation. Moss and grass cover the soil. Trees occupy only 1% of the area: birches and conifers are the main tree species. Mammals in the nature of the island are represented by only one animal - the arctic fox. The most common bird is the Atlantic puffin.

Map of Iceland with cities. Administrative division of the country

There are different systems of territorial division in the republic. Iceland is divided:

for six constituencies for parliamentary elections;
into eight statistical regions:
1. Westfirder;
2. Nordurland-Vastra;
3. Westurland;
4. Nordurland-Eistra;
5. Sudurland;
6. Eysturland;
7. Sudyrnes;
8. Hövydborgarsvaidid;
into 23 districts (sysls) and 14 city districts;
into 75 self-governing communities.

Sisly And urban districts are part of the regions and are divided into cities and communities. Sisly do not have self-government bodies.

In the capitals of urban districts, a civil government and a civil council are in power.

City boards and councils are elected in cities. They represent the government: they are in charge of tax collection, police, civil registration. Communities represent the second level administrative division. They are responsible for education and transportation.

The idea of administrative division will be supplemented by a map of Iceland with cities in Russian.

Reykjavik

The name of the city means "smoking bay". The capital is located on the Seltjadnarnes peninsula. The Edlidau River is the water artery of the city. It is not suitable for navigation, but it is quite suitable for fishing. It is the largest city and capital of Iceland.

In the administrative division system, it belongs to the Hövydborgarsvaidid region and has the status of a community. The population is 118,814 inhabitants.

Proximity to the Arctic Circle affects the length of daylight hours. In winter it lasts only 4 hours, and in summer white nights come. The climate is quite favorable: winters are mild, without frost, and summers are cool. In winter, the temperature rarely drops below 10 0 C, in summer it is at + 10 / + 13 0 C. The water in the bay never freezes.

Kopavogur

The second largest city in Iceland. Located south of Reykjavik and is a satellite city of the capital. It has the status of a community with a population of 33,045 people.

The climate is subarctic, but softened by the proximity of warm currents. Summer is overcast, short, but not rainy. On a sunny day, the temperature can reach +23 0 C. There are no severe frosts in winter: the night temperature is kept at -5 0 C, the daytime temperature is +2 0 C.

hafnarfjordur

Hafnarfjordur is located 10 km from the capital. The city is located on the southwest coast. Population - 28 085 inhabitants. The city owes its name to the beautiful ice-free harbor in which the city is located. Literally translated, Hafnarfjordur means "fjord harbor".

In winter, the temperature is rarely below -10 0 С, in summer it stays at +10 0 С. A sharp change in weather conditions is a common phenomenon here, so snow in May does not surprise anyone. Nearby are volcanoes, geysers, lakes with warm water, attracting tourists. There are small earthquakes.

The official name is the Republic of Iceland (Ly.veidi. Island). Island state located in the northwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean. The area is 103 thousand km2, the population is 288 thousand people. (2002). The official language is Icelandic. The capital is Reykjavik (about 113 thousand people). Public holiday - Independence Day June 17 (since 1944). The monetary unit is the Icelandic krone (100 aire).

Member of international organizations: UN (since 1946), NATO (since 1949), Northern Council (since 1952), OECD (since 1961), EFTA (since 1970).

Landmarks of Iceland

Geography of Iceland

Iceland is the second largest island in Europe. His north point reaches the North polar circle, and the southern one, which is 306 km away from it, is located at a latitude of 63 ° 24 ’north latitude. From west to east, the island stretches for 480 km - between 13°28' and 24°32' west longitude and between 18° and 65° north latitude. In the north it is washed by the Greenland Sea, in the east by the Norwegian Sea, in the west the Danish Strait separates from Greenland. The surface is a plateau (height 400-800 m), almost from all sides abruptly breaking off to sea shores. The prevailing relief is volcanic plateaus with peaks up to 2 km. There are approx. 200 volcanoes, of which approx. 30 active (Khvannadalshnukur - highest point 2119 m). Frequent earthquakes. Consequences of volcanic activity - gas outlets, geysers and mud lakes. Minerals associated with volcanism: Icelandic spar, sulfur, salts, mineral springs.

A dense network of short rivers is the largest Tjoursau (237 km). There are many lakes of tectonic, volcanic and glacial origin (3% of the territory, the largest Tingvallavatn - 83.7 km2). St. 10% (11.9 thousand km2) is covered with glaciers. Europe's largest Vatnajokull (8.5 thousand km2; ice thickness up to 1000 m). The length of the coastline is 5 thousand km, the coast is strongly dissected by numerous fjords and bays.

The climate is subarctic, maritime. average temperature July in Reykjavik + 11.2 ° C, and January -1 ° C, it is colder in the mountains. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the climate is much milder, but very windy. The weather changes dramatically depending on the passage of cyclones. Precipitation from 500 to 4000 mm per year. In inland regions, there is stable snow cover in winter (up to 5 months in some places). Throughout the summer - white nights.

Soils are mineral, loess type, partly bog, enriched with derived volcanic ash. Vegetation is sparse, represented by tundra species, semi-shrub "forests" (6% of the area) and lush meadows (550 km2). 2/3 of the territory is covered with stone placers with mosses and lichens. Animal world poor: reindeer, arctic foxes and mouse-like rodents; in the waters of the ocean - seals, seals, whales. Off the northern coast are polar bears and walruses. Seabirds are numerous - 66 species. Trout in the lakes, salmon in the rivers. In the washing seas approx. 150 species of fish, incl. of great commercial importance - herring, cod, haddock, sea bass, halibut, and shrimp.

Population of Iceland

The average density is 2.3 people. per 1 km2 (in the southwestern part of the island 12 people per 1 km2).

Birth rate 14.86%, mortality 6.87%. Growth for 2002 0.68%. The average life expectancy for men is 77.2 years, for women 81.8 years. Age structure of the population: children under 14 years old - 23%, persons from 15 to 64 years old - 65%, 65 years and older - 12%. Migration rate 2.3%.

95% of the population lives in cities and towns, 40% is concentrated in Reykjavik, the second largest city is Kopavogur (18 thousand), the third is Akureyri (16 thousand). 20% of the territory is not populated.

Ethnic composition homogeneous, 99% are Icelanders - descendants of Norwegians and Irish. The Icelandic language belongs to the Germanic group and has hardly changed since the time of the original settlement. Modern Icelanders easily read the original texts of the ancient sagas and can trace their genealogy back 10 centuries. The ethnic composition of the population, natural conditions and economic activity bring Iceland closer to Norway, which is manifested in a number of essential features of their peoples.

Evangelical Lutherans - 87% of believers, Catholics and Protestant communities - 3%. Christianity (Lutheran rite) was the state religion from ser. 16th century

History of Iceland

The name Iceland ("ice country or land of ice") was given by the Norwegian Viking Flowki. The first Scandinavian settler was Ingoulfur Adnarson, who in 874 landed in the area of the current capital of Reykjavik (translated as "smoking bay"). The nature of the settlement determined the features of the social and political system of the country. The leading role was played by representatives of the clan nobility. The meeting of the nobility and free people - bonds at a national meeting - the Althing (the representative body of direct democracy was first convened c. 930) issued laws and made judicial decisions.

Isolation from the outside world and the peculiarities of economic life led to the long-term preservation of tribal traditions. In 1262-64, Iceland was subjected to the Norwegian king due to the weakening due to the civil war during the Sturlung era. In 1380, Iceland, together with Norway, found itself in a union with Denmark, and then (since 1397) as part of the Danish-Swedish-Norwegian Kalmar Union. With the loss of Norway's status as a kingdom in 1537, control passed to the Danish government. The spread of the Reformation and the introduction of Lutheranism (1540) meant for the Icelanders the loss of the remnants of independence. The trading monopoly of the Danes (1602) was limited only to the end. 18th century The eruption of the Laki volcano in 1783 led to a mass death of sheep and famine.

In the beginning. 19th century Icelanders began to seek political freedom and self-government. The national liberation movement was led by Jón Sigurdsson (1811-79). The first success was the restoration of the Althing in 1843, followed by the abolition of the Danish trade monopoly in 1854 and the adoption of the Constitution in 1874. On December 1, 1918, a union treaty was concluded between Iceland and Denmark for 25 years, which recognized the formal equality of the two countries and declared their permanent neutrality. In the beginning. 2nd World War, after the occupation of Denmark by Nazi troops (April 1940), on May 10, 1940, British troops landed on the island. After the expiration of the Danish-Icelandic Union Treaty in December 1943, a referendum was held on May 20-23, 1944. The majority of Icelanders voted for the termination of the union and the proclamation of a republic. On June 16, 1944, the Althing adopted a republican constitution, and on June 17, Iceland was proclaimed a republic. Svein Bjornsson became the first president. In 1952 he was replaced by Ausgeir Ausgeirsson, who was also elected president in 1956, 1960 and 1964. He was succeeded in 1968 by Kristjan Eldjarn, who in 1980 gave way to the first woman, President Vigdis Finnbogadottir, who served four terms until 1996. She was succeeded by the current President Olafur Grimsson, former leader of the left-wing People's Union.

Since 1959 coalition governments have been in power. From the beginning 1990s conservative party Independence Party (PN) and the liberal Progressive Party (PP) lead the two main coalition blocs, gaining 55-65% of the vote each. The post of prime minister was held by Steingrimur Hermansson (1983-87) from the PP, from PN: Thorstein Palsson (1987-91) and David Oddsson (since 1991).

State structure and political system of Iceland

Iceland is a democratic unitary legal state, a republic with a presidential form of government. The Constitution of 1944 is valid with amendments and additions (May 30, 1984 and May 31, 1991). Elections are held every 4 years and all citizens over the age of 18 have the right to vote.

Administratively, it is divided into 23 districts (sisla), 200 rural communities and 23 cities.

The head of state - the president, personifies the highest executive power, is elected by direct vote for a term of 4 years. The President's power is limited and representative. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson has been President since August 1, 1996. In 2000, the parliament decided, given the great popularity of the president and the lack of opponents, to extend his powers without holding elections. President's residence - Bessastadir.

The government - the cabinet of ministers headed by the prime minister - is responsible to the Althing, but the ministers are appointed by the president. Following the results of the elections to the Althingi on May 10, 2003, the coalition government consisting of the PN and PP continued its work. Prime Minister - Chairman of the PN D. Oddsson - a political long-liver in Europe, he heads the fourth government (in 1991-95 in coalition with the Social Democratic Party of Iceland (SDPI), in 1995-99 in coalition with the PP).

Legislative power belongs to the unicameral Althingi (Althingi), which is considered the oldest in Europe, it is called the "great-grandfather of parliaments." Consists of 63 deputies.

The party-political system is close to the Scandinavian, although inter-party cooperation is carried out "over ideological barriers." On the right flank, the largest - PN (conservative - Sjalfstaedhisflokkur), took shape in 1929. Adjacent to it is the PP (Agrarian-Liberal Union - Framsoknarflokkurinn), founded in 1916. The left flank is represented by the Social Democratic Union - SDS, the successor to the SDPI (Althydhuflokkurinn), founded in 1916, which traditionally enjoys the support of part of the Federation of Icelandic Trade Unions. The People's Union, NS (Althydhubandalagid), founded in 1956 as an electoral bloc of leftist socialists and communists, is ideologically close to it.

In the regular parliamentary elections held on May 10, 2003, the PN, led by the current Prime Minister Oddsson, received 33.7% of the vote (22 deputies). Cabinet ally PP, headed by Halldor Asgrimsson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, - 17.7% (12 seats). The largest increase compared to the previous elections in 1999 was received by the SDS, led by the popular Gisladottir, the former mayor of Reykjavik, their result was 31% (20 deputies). Left Green Alliance - 8.8% (5 seats), liberals - 7.4% (4 deputies). Although the ruling coalition has lost 4 mandates compared to 1999, it managed to form a cabinet of ministers and maintain the former directions of its policy.

The judicial system is carried out at two levels: the Supreme Court of 5 members, who are appointed by the president for life, and 26 local (in addition to a number of special) courts.

Domestic politics is dominated in various combinations by a coalition of four political parties. The most important topics of election campaigns are issues of tax policy, the struggle for access to fishing quotas and environmental issues. fleet.

The main topic of internal political discussions is relations with the EU. Although the country in 1994 (together with Norway and Liechtenstein) signed an agreement with the EU on the Common Economic Space (CES) and thereby regulated its trade and economic relations, Reykjavik fears full membership because of the EU's fishing policy.

Iceland stubbornly opposed attempts by international environmental organizations to impose a moratorium on whaling and agreed to it only in 1989 under the threat of a trade boycott. All R. 1990s the government approved the resumption of whaling on a limited scale, and later decided to resume it from 2006, which caused a sharp debate: whalers are not satisfied with the delay, and travel companies believe it will undermine their business.

The main directions of Icelandic foreign policy are based on: 1) northern cooperation, in particular within the framework of the Nordic Council; 2) NATO membership; 3) close ties with the EU through the CES agreement; 4) participation in the UN, especially on environmental and environmental issues, and 5) continued cooperation on defense issues with the United States.

The security policy is determined by the geostrategic position of the island, which plays a key role in protecting North America. In 1946, the Althingi decided to transfer the airfield in Keflavik (50 km from Reykjavik) to the US Air Force base. In 1948 the country joined the Marshall Plan, and in 1949 joined NATO. In a difficult international situation, on May 5, 1951, an American-Icelandic agreement "on defense" was concluded, which consolidated the status military base USA. The unfolding movement for the withdrawal of foreign troops forced the government to repeatedly discuss the issue of their presence. In 1985, the Althing declared Iceland a "nuclear-free zone", banning NATO from placing any nuclear weapons on its territory.

Relations with European neighbors and their integration associations - the EU and EFTA developed depending on the solution of fisheries problems. Struggling to preserve the conditions for the reproduction of fish resources, Iceland expanded in 1952 the boundaries of the fishing zone from 3 to 6 nautical miles. In 1958, Iceland extended its jurisdiction to 12 nautical miles, which provoked protests from Great Britain. In 1972, the border was again extended to 50 nautical miles, which led to a "fish war" and skirmishes between Icelandic and English ships. In 1975 - already up to 200 nautical miles, which provoked the third and most serious "cod" war. These contradictions were resolved only by the beginning. 1990s during negotiations between EFTA and the EEC. The final document, adopted in 1994, recognized the rights of Iceland in its concessions to the EU, which did not eliminate mutual disputes.

In accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (entered into force on November 16, 1994), Iceland needs to resolve the problem of limiting the shelf to the south - the Reikney ridge and the Hatton Rokal area, to the west - in the Herring Luphall area. Iceland, Denmark (on behalf of the Faroe Islands), Great Britain and Ireland are involved in difficult negotiations. The principle - demarcation or joint exploitation - is not defined, but Reykjavik in the spring of 2000 invited London to start bilateral consultations.

Since the EU fishing policy is contrary to the economic interests of Iceland, its government refrains from participating in this organization. After the fifth enlargement of the EU, the Commission of the European Union put forward a requirement for Reykjavik to pay contributions to EU funds at the level of 127 - 155 million euros for the access of Icelandic products to its enlarged markets. When joining the EU as a full member, Iceland's contribution may range from 57 to 86 million euros in case of the loss of national control over the access of foreign seiners to Icelandic waters. Only the SDS advocates from a pro-European position for holding a referendum on the integration issue until 2007. Preserving the ruling coalition, consisting of the PN and PP, will not lead to a change in the policy of the ruling leadership.

In NATO, small Iceland intends to keep up with the allies and participate in peacekeeping operations: a list of 100 volunteers (policemen, doctors, engineers, rescuers) has been formed for such missions. As an active member of the UN, Iceland nominated and was supported by the Nordic countries as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for 2009-10. Icelandic fishing companies are actively sharing their experience and technology with the UN Fisheries Commission.

With the exception of a few patrol boats of the Coast Guard Service - 120 people, the country has no armed forces. But it remains a strategically important member of NATO and, on the basis of the bilateral Icelandic-American treaty of 1951 (extended in 1996), Keflavik Airport is the base for the US Air Force. Here are St. 2 thousand people American military personnel and civilian Icelandic citizens, the Icelandic Defense Forces are deployed in NATO as part of the 85th US Air Force Group (AWACS, R-3C, RS and KS-135 aircraft) and 25 services and commands.

Iceland has diplomatic relations with Russian Federation(installed from the USSR in 1944, and from 1926 supported through Denmark). She is the first among Western countries recognized the independence of the Baltic countries, its embassy in Moscow represents interests in the CIS.

Economy of Iceland

Iceland belongs to the countries with a monocultural economy, since it is based on catching fish and its subsequent processing, even despite the emergence of new industries and industries. Fishing and fish processing (25-30% of the value of GDP) remain an international specialization of the country, where it occupies one of the leading places in the export of fish products. Fisheries (in 2001 - 55% of exports and 62% of the country's foreign trade income, agriculture - 2%, industry - 32%) is a powerful industry. Organs for the control of bioresources, relying on constant monitoring of marine areas, determine quotas for fishing. They are distributed through auctions without state intervention. Fierce competition has led to a reduction in the number of quota holders and a significant concentration of capital, making Icelandic anglers competitive on the global market. The productivity per fisher in Iceland is more than 200 tons per year, while the next Norway has 60 tons, and in the EU countries - 30 tons.

According to the employment structure, Iceland looks like an industrialized country: in agriculture 7.8%, in industry 22.6%, and in the service sector 69.6%. The fish processing complex employs 12% of the economically active population, 1% foreign workers, in particular from Poland. In terms of fish catch (in 2001, 1986 thousand tons), the country occupies 6-7th place in Europe. The main products are mainly herring and cod: frozen, salted (herring) and dried fish, fish oil and fish meal. The sustainable technological development of the fishing industry continues, despite the reduction of fish resources. The Icelandic economy is at a fairly high level. Although the GDP in 2002 was 774.418 million Isl. kroons (8.5 billion dollars), but per capita - 29.446 dollars. The increase for 2002 was 0.5%, while for 1955-2001 it was 3.9%.

The second pillar of national wealth is hydropower, whose reserves are estimated at 30 billion kWh, and geothermal reserves are estimated at 1.5 million GWh annually. Only 1/8 of the energy potential of the rivers is used. Electricity production in 2001 8.02 billion kW (28 thousand kW - 3rd place in the world in terms of per capita consumption). Hydroelectric power plants produced 16.7% of energy, geothermal - 55.4%, and imported oil and coal - 28%. St. 3/4 of the population lives in houses heated by geothermal waters.

Icelanders seek to diversify their industry based on energy, which employs 1/3 of the population. The main industrial production is an aluminum plant, powered by local electricity and imported raw materials. Import of aluminum dioxide - 50-60 million dollars, and export of aluminum - 220-250 million dollars. The development of energy-intensive industries is carried out with the participation of foreign capital (Norwegian, Swiss): the production of nitrogen fertilizers in Guvunes, aluminum - in the Hafnarfjordur area, Ströumsvik, a factory mineral fertilizers near Reykjavik.

There are many small shipyards and ship repair companies serving the fishing fleet. For the domestic market, a number of food products, clothing, furniture, electrical industry and building materials are produced. The country participates in the processes of globalization through information technologies related to the new economy: design and software production. Icelanders are striving to develop alternative energy sources, R&D is being conducted to produce hydrogen fuel by electrolysis of water. The government subsidizes a hydrogen energy project involving foreign companies. Within 20 years, the government intends to transfer vehicles and the fishing fleet to the so-called. fuel cells by producing methanol from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, which can be distributed through the existing network of auto-filling stations.

Agriculture focuses exclusively on meat and wool sheep breeding and dairy farming. Agricultural land makes up 23% of the territory (2.3 million hectares) and is used for meadows and pastures. Forage grasses and potatoes are grown on the 1,000 hectares cultivated. Significant progress in the development of greenhouse management (in the south of the island) based on the use of thermal springs. The country is self-sufficient in meat, fresh vegetables and dairy products, but imports grains and other foodstuffs. The state is supporting 6,000 farms by providing subsidies and restricting imports.

Shipping plays a leading role in the transport system - 1.2 thousand ships with a total displacement of 233 thousand tons, of which: merchant fleet - 40 ships with a tonnage of 10 thousand registered tons, 1 thousand trawlers and other fishing vessels - 200 thousand tons. Domestic transportation is carried out by road and air transport, coastal ships. Railways no. Length highways 13 thousand km, of which 4 thousand km are paved. Most roads are gravel. Hringvegur ring road with a length of 1400 km. There are 160 thousand cars, 548 cars per 1 thousand people. In 2001, 12 airports with concrete runways carried 1.36 million passengers.

The government, as in other Scandinavian countries, pursues an economic policy aimed at economic growth and full employment. Public sector 43.9% of GDP in 2000. The main problems are the volume of fish caught, fluctuations in fish prices and the level of costs associated with fuel prices, since the fishing fleet will remain the main consumer of imported oil products. Here they are guided by the model of the "welfare state", in which social programs are widely implemented (25.9% of GDP in 2000). Wage growth in 2002 was 5.6%. Thanks to the policy of the authorities, the unemployment rate does not exceed 3.9% with a 43-hour work week and an inflation rate of 6.7%.

The main problem of foreign trade is to ensure a positive foreign trade balance (in 2001 - 0.9% of GDP), which is associated with limited natural resources and world market conditions. Total debt 96.2% of GDP in 2001. Exports $2 billion (25% of GDP) and imports $2.5 billion (27.4%). The country's external debt is at the level of 2.2-2.6 billion dollars. Export geography: EU countries 65%, USA 13%, Japan 5%. Import geography: EU 56%, Norway 9%, USA 11%. The country received 1.2 million tourists. The trade turnover between Iceland and the Russian Federation is $43.8 million, with a positive balance of the Russian Federation.

Science and culture in Iceland

The country is distinguished by a high level of cultural development due to a long literary tradition and high standard learning. In public schools, education is compulsory and free of charge for all children from 6 to 15 years of age. In 2001, 31.5 thousand students were enrolled in primary education (from 6 to 12 years old), 12.6 thousand in secondary education (from 13 to 15 years old), 20.7 thousand in high school students. Those who graduate from high school are given the right to continue four years of college education or vocational schools, after which you can enter the University of Iceland (founded in 1911) or the new university in Akureyri. There are 12 thousand students in the country and 2 thousand abroad. All educational institutions receive subsidies from central and municipal authorities.

Sufficiently developed Scientific research in the humanities and some exact sciences. The coordinating body - the National Research Council - actively participates in the organization of R&D in leading areas. The University has a Research Institute. Natural science research is carried out by the National Museum, various societies, special organizations and foundations.