Home

Iceland Background Information

Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and social cohesion are first-rate by world standards.

Iceland Quickstats

  • Population: 301,931 (July 2007 est.)
  • Area: 103,000 sq km
  • Density: 2.9 /km² (222nd)
  • GDP (total): $11.38 billion (135th)
  • GDP (per capita): $35,586 (2005) (5th)
  • Literacy: 99%

Languages of Iceland

Useful to know

  • Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK)
  • Dial code: +354

International Trade

External sites

More Resources

Iceland Internet

  • Usage: 225,600
  • Penetration: 76.5 %
  • Top Domain: .ic

WT eBusiness info:

  • Success Ranking: 100
  • Market testing: Untested
  • Overall risk: High
  • Overall reward: Low

e-maturity:

  • Tourism: 10%
  • eCommerce: 10%
  • Gaming: 10%
  • eLearning: 10%

Recent blog posts