| Iceland though has a chilly name, is still | | | | are passionate about poetry. Iceland has also |
| known for the warmth that it exudes-be it its | | | | produced a noble prizewinner in literature |
| people or even its climate. It is a common | | | | namely Halldor Kiljan Laxness. The most well |
| perception that the Vikings were the first to | | | | known literary piece given to the world by |
| settle in Iceland. But a few available | | | | Iceland are the 'Sagas'. They have been |
| documents after scrutiny have brought to | | | | written in the years 1180 AD to 1300 AD. |
| light some newer facts. These documents speak | | | | These 'Sagas' have a detailed account of the |
| of the people from British Isles being the | | | | history of Iceland, especially the heroes of |
| first settlers in Iceland. Also the others | | | | Iceland who have been dealt with in them. |
| suggest that the Icelanders are originally of | | | | These heroes have been glorified and all |
| Celtic origin. But the data on which these | | | | their fine qualities such as bravery, |
| findings are based is very inconclusive and | | | | honesty, courage, etc have been extensively |
| has many glitches. Hence this topic and the | | | | described in them. |
| findings remain largely debatable. | | | | |
| | | | Iceland has produced famous painters like |
| Iceland has been ruled over by countries like | | | | Asgrimur Jonsson, Jon Stefansson, and |
| Norway and Denmark. It is said that a | | | | Johannes Kjarval, the very popular sculptor |
| Norwegian called Floki Vigerdason, who had | | | | Asmundur Sveinsson, the well-known opera |
| settled here, named Iceland. Even the | | | | singer Kristjan Johannsson and pop singer |
| Icelandic law has drawn quite some | | | | Bjork who sings for the rock band Sigur Ros. |
| inspiration from the Norwegian system. | | | | |
| | | | Iceland is a self -declared nuclear free |
| Iceland is a very thinly populated country. | | | | country. It is a part of the NATO (North |
| But it is thanks to this that Iceland has | | | | Atlantic Treaty Organization). But it has no |
| been able to save the abounding natural | | | | military of its own and hence USA has taken |
| beauty that it possesses. However it is a | | | | the responsibility to take care of Iceland's |
| little costly, but still it is worth seeing | | | | defense. Though as of today the US army's |
| and not giving a miss. It is exceptionally | | | | presence in Iceland is zilch, it still |
| beautiful with all the geysers, waterfalls, | | | | remains committed to its responsibilities to |
| volcanoes and hot water springs that dot its | | | | help Iceland, in case the need arises. |
| land all over. The best time to visit this | | | | |
| country is the summer time. Wintertime is not | | | | It is also rich in wildlife. Fisheries was |
| very convenient especially for those who like | | | | until recently one of Iceland's most |
| to spend their time luxuriously and | | | | important businesses and it still does a lot |
| sightseeing. Nevertheless if you are one of | | | | to promote fisheries and also to protect the |
| those adventurous types, you will surely have | | | | interests of its fishermen. But now the |
| plenty to do and see in Iceland. During | | | | Icelandic industry has shifted to other |
| winters say after august, Iceland is richly | | | | sectors and is developing rapidly in that |
| adorned with incredible scenic beauty. And | | | | direction too. Iceland is known as one of the |
| for those who care to visit this place at | | | | most developed countries in the world. |
| around this time, they will surely not be | | | | |
| short of any fond memories to take back home! | | | | Iceland is always ready to embrace anyone who |
| | | | visits it and the people who do visit, will |
| Iceland is a highly literate country with the | | | | never want to leave such a loving and |
| literacy rate here being 99.9%. People here | | | | beautiful country! |