Iceland

The land of fire and ice

  Intro
 History
Presentation  Geography
 Culture
Main Points  Videos
 Summary
 A Quote

“Those who want to reap the benefits of

this great nation must bear the fatigue of
supporting it..”
~ Thomas Paine
 About
Iceland – Smallest country in Europe
Iceland, a Nordic island nation, is defined by its dramatic landscape with
volcanoes, geysers, hot springs and lava fields. Massive glaciers are
protected in Vatnajökull and Snæfellsjökull national parks. Most of the
population lives in the capital, Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power
Capital : Reykjavik and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking
Largest City : history.
Reykjavík
Population : 377,099
 History
1.Settlement by Vikings (9th - 10th Century): Norse settlers, primarily
from Norway, established Iceland and formed the Althing, one of the
earliest parliaments.
2.Commonwealth Era (10th - 13th Century): Iceland operated as a
decentralized society with a flourishing literary tradition, highlighted by
the creation of sagas.
3.Danish Rule (16th - 19th Century): Iceland came under Danish rule
after being part of the Kalmar Union, leading to economic hardships and
limited autonomy.
4.Independence Movement (19th - 20th Century): The 19th century saw
the rise of the independence movement, culminating in limited
autonomy in 1874 and full independence as a republic in 1944.
5.Modern Iceland (20th Century - Present): Iceland has since developed
into a prosperous nation with a diversified economy, strong democracy,
and active role in global affairs, particularly in environmental
sustainability and human rights.

https://www.pexels.com/@mikebirdy
Geography
and climate
Geography:
•Iceland is a North Atlantic island country located between Europe and North America.
•It is characterized by a rugged landscape of volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and fjords.
•The country has numerous active volcanoes and geysers due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Climate:
•Iceland has a cold oceanic climate moderated by the Gulf Stream, resulting in relatively mild winters and cool summers.
•The weather is often unpredictable, with frequent changes and rapid shifts.
•Summers are short and cool, while winters are cold with long nights, and the country experiences polar nights in winter and the
midnight sun in summer.
•Precipitation is common year-round, with snowfall in winter and frequent rain showers.
Appearance:
•Iceland's landscape is characterized by vast expanses of lava fields, rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and glaciers.
•Geothermal activity is evident with steam rising from hot springs and geysers.
•Vegetation is sparse, with mosses, lichens, and hardy grasses covering much of the land, particularly in the highlands.
•Despite its harshness, Iceland's landscape is breathtakingly beautiful and attracts visitors from around the world.

SPORTS
Sports play a significant role in Icelandic
culture, with popular activities including
football (soccer), handball, basketball, and
swimming.
The national football team has gained
international recognition, particularly after their
remarkable performance in the 2016 UEFA
European Championship and their historic
qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Iceland's unique natural environment also
fosters a love for outdoor activities such as
hiking, skiing, and fishing.
Culture
MUSIC
Iceland has a vibrant music scene, with a
diverse range of genres including rock,
pop, folk, and electronic music.
Internationally renowned artists such as
Björk, Sigur Rós, and Of Monsters and
Men have contributed to Iceland's
reputation as a musical powerhouse.
The country hosts several music festivals
throughout the year, including the Iceland
Airwaves festival, which showcases both
Icelandic and international acts.
ARTS
Icelandic literature has a rich tradition dating
back to the medieval sagas, and contemporary
authors such as Halldór Laxness have received
international acclaim.
Visual arts, including painting, sculpture, and
photography, are also thriving in Iceland, with
many artists drawing inspiration from the
country's unique landscapes and folklore.
Reykjavik, the capital city, is home to numerous
galleries, museums, and cultural institutions
showcasing Icelandic art and culture.
Map
 Did You Know?
“Iceland doesn’t have any
military, navy nor air forces.”
This Presentation is prepared by
Hein Khant Maung