20 Weird & Wonderful Facts about Iceland
There is just something so mystical about Iceland, an unspoken force that grabs a hold of your travel soul and refuses to let go. The allure is just so strong. It is a country with a unique personality that I am yet to come across in other parts of the world.
Iceland | Photography by Chantelle Flores, www. kzaravisual .com
Iceland | Photography by Chantelle Flores, www. kzaravisual .com
Here are a few weird facts about this North Atlantic Island.
1. 80% of the land is uninhibited with a population of 300 000 people.
2. There are no mosquitos.
3. Beer was only legalized in 1989.
Iceland | Photography by Chantelle Flores, www. kzaravisual .com
4. The Icelandic language remains unchanged over the last 1000 years. A bible found in the
Skogar folk museum from the early 1500s can still be read.
5. The whole country is the size of the American state of Ohio.
6. Iceland has the longest working week in Europe – 43,5 hours per week.
Iceland | Photography by Chantelle Flores, www. kzaravisual .com
7. There are no surnames or family names in Iceland. Their last names are made up of their
father’s or mother’s first name with the addition of –dottir (daughter) or – son. This is still
part of the Nordic naming system.
8. Iceland is home to Europe’s first Parliament.
Iceland | Photography by Chantelle Flores, www. kzaravisual .com
9. It has no strip clubs following a ban in 2010.
10. Iceland had the first democratically elected female and openly gay Prime Minister.
11. It is the last place on earth to be settled by humans.
12. First names not previously used in Iceland must be approved by the Icelandic Naming
Committee.
Iceland | Photography by Chantelle Flores, www. kzaravisual .com
13. It is illegal to own a pet snake, lizard, or turtle.
14. 10% of Iceland’s population would have published a book in its lifetime. Who wouldn’t feel
inspired in the land of fire and ice?
15. Looking through a telephone directory you will notice that Icelander’s first names are
categorized alphabetically.
Iceland | Photography by Chantelle Flores, www. kzaravisual .com
16. Raw puffin heart is considered a delicacy.
17. You can walk between two continents at Thingvelir National Park.
Iceland | Photography by Chantelle Flores, www. kzaravisual .com
18. Iceland is amongst the safest countries in the world with a very low crime rate.
19. You can go hiking during the midnight sun with 24 hours of daylight.
20. Icelandic horses are direct descendants of the horses brought in by early Viking
settlers.
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