| Local name: Lydveldid Island |
| Surface : 103.000 km2 (39,756
sq.miles) Iceland, the second largest island in Europe,
lies close to the Arctic Circle. It is about midway between New York
and Moscow. There are numerous islands around the coast, some of them
inhabited. The largest being is the Westman Islands in the south, Hrísey
in the north, and Grímsey on the Arctic Circle. |
| Population : 283,000 inhabitants |
| Climate: Iceland has a relatively mild coastal
climate. The average summer temperature in Reykjavik, the capital, is
10. 6°C/51°F in July, with average highs of 24. 3°C/76°F. The
average winter temperature in Reykjavik is similar to New York City's,
about 0°C/32°F in January (average highs are 9. 9°C/50°C). Usually
the weather is very changeable. The mild climate stems from the Gulf
Stream and attendant 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. The colourful Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
appear from the end of August. |
| Visas: Visitors from the US, Canada, the
European Union, Norway, Switzerland and many countries are exempted
from tourist visa requirements. Passports: A valid passport is
necessary for visitors to Iceland, except for citizens of the Nordic
countries and the European Union |
| Electricity: 220
volts AC, 50Hz. Plug fittings are normally two-pin with round section
pins 4mm in diameter with centres 2cm apart. Lamp fittings are
screw-type. Almost all the power is generated by thermal hydroelectric
stations. |
| Capital : Reykjavik (175.000) |
| System : Parliamentary Republic -
Iceland has a written constitution and is a parliamentary democracy. A
president is elected by direct popular vote for a term of four years,
with no term limit. Most executive power, however, rests with the
Government, which must have majority support of Althingi, the
Parliament. Parliamentary elections are held every four years. The
government is headed by the Prime Minister. The cabinet stays in power
until the next general election or a new government is formed. The
ministers sit in Althingi, but if not elected members of parliament
they do not have the right to vote. |
| Languages : icelandic -
English and Danish are widely spoken and understood in Iceland. |
| Religions : The established church
in Iceland is the State Evangelical Lutheran Church. There are many
other Lutheran churches in Iceland. There is a Catholic church in
Reykjavik, and a number of churches for other groups. |
| Money : Icelandic
Krona (Ikr) = 100 aurar. Notes are in denominations of Ikr5000, 2000,
1000, 500 and 100. Coins are in denominations of IKr100, 50, 10, 5 and
1. |
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