Iceland
Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 396
Currency
💱 Icelandic króna
Languages
🗣️ Icelandic
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Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, offers a breathtaking adventure for every traveler. This island nation is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, from steaming geothermal areas and vast glaciers to powerful waterfalls and rugged coastlines. Visitors can explore the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik, with its colorful buildings and lively arts scene, or venture out to witness the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights. Expect a unique blend of natural wonders and warm hospitality. First-time visitors should prepare for diverse weather, even in summer, and an abundance of awe-inspiring sights that are unlike anywhere else on Earth. Discover black sand beaches, volcanic craters, and the otherworldly beauty of ice caves. Iceland promises an unforgettable journey into nature's raw power and serenity.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Iceland
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Icelander
Independence
June 17, 1944 (from Denmark)
Top-Level Domain
.is
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+354
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Reykjavik
ISO Alpha-2
IS
ISO Alpha-3
ISL
UN Code
352
Geographic Coordinates
65,-18
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
103,000#108 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
396,500#179 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
3.90
Highest Point (m)
2,119 meters (Hvannadalshnjúkur)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Atlantic Ocean)
Land Use
Roughly 0.1% arable land; 0.3% permanent crops; 0% permanent pasture; 0.5% forest and woodland; 99.1% other.
Irrigated Land
Sparsely irrigated; data not readily available.
Coastline Length
4,970 km
Climate
Temperate; moderated by the North Atlantic Current; mild winters and cool summers.
Natural Resources
Fish, geothermal power, hydropower, diatomite.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This country has many rivers, but none are exceptionally long; examples include Þjórsá and Jökulsá á Fjöllum.
Major Lakes
Þingvallavatn is the largest lake.
Government Type
Parliamentary republic
Administrative Divisions
8 regions (landsvæði)
Legal System
Based on civil law; influenced by Scandinavian legal traditions.
Chief of State
President Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson
Head of Government
Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir
Cabinet
The Cabinet of Iceland is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Elections
Presidential elections are held every four years; parliamentary elections are also held every four years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court, district courts.
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Althing (Alþingi)
Major Political Parties
Independence Party, Left-Green Movement, Progressive Party, Social Democratic Alliance, and others.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Icelandic króna
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
38.58#107 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
32.74#148 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
98,323.48#9 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.65
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
20.06
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
66.23
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4.09#59 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
242,507
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.63#124 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
80.09
Budget
Iceland's annual budget is approximately $10 billion.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
15.48#97 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
16.35#100 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Iceland maintains foreign reserves; precise figures vary and are available from the Central Bank of Iceland.
Currency Exchange
Exchange rates for the Icelandic Króna (ISK) can be found at major financial websites and banks.
GDP by Sector
The Icelandic economy is primarily driven by services, followed by industry and agriculture.
Major Industries
Major industries include tourism, fishing, aluminum smelting, and geothermal energy.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include the United States, Norway, and Germany.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)
Iceland has a literacy rate approaching 100%.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
11.2
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.8
Net Migration Rate
Iceland typically experiences a positive net migration rate.
Median Age
The median age in Iceland is approximately 38 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
94.22#22 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Iceland's urbanization rate is relatively stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
82.8#26 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence in Iceland is very low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.98
Ethnic Groups
The population is predominantly Icelandic, with small minorities of other European and North American descent.
Religions
The majority of Icelanders are Christian, primarily Lutheran.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Icelandic
Education
Education System
Public education is free and compulsory for ages 6-16. Higher education is largely state-funded.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
19.2
Government Education Spending
High government spending on education, exceeding OECD averages.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of Iceland, Reykjavik University.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Rich Viking heritage, strong emphasis on literature, sagas, and folklore. Modern culture blends with strong environmental consciousness.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Nýársdagur (2026-01-01)
- Skírdagur (2026-04-02)
- Föstudagurinn langi (2026-04-03)
- Páskadagur (2026-04-05)
- Annar í páskum (2026-04-06)
- Sumardagurinn fyrsti (2026-04-23)
- Verkalýðsdagurinn (2026-05-01)
- Uppstigningardagur (2026-05-14)
- Hvítasunnudagur (2026-05-24)
- Annar í hvítasunnu (2026-05-25)
- Þjóðhátíðardagurinn (2026-06-17)
- Frídagur verslunarmanna (2026-08-03)
Popular Music
Björk, Sigur Rós, Of Monsters and Men, electronic music, indie rock.
Traditional Food
Hákarl (fermented shark), skyr, plokkfiskur (fish stew), hangikjöt (smoked lamb).
Sports
Football (soccer), handball, athletics, swimming, and ice hockey. Strong emphasis on outdoor activities.
Major Festivals
Reykjavík International Film Festival, Iceland Airwaves, Secret Solstice.
Famous People
Björk, Viggo Mortensen, Halldór Laxness, Ólafur Arnalds.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Þingvellir National Park, Skálholt, Snorrastofa.
UNESCO Sites
Þingvellir National Park.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a major industry, with a focus on natural attractions.
Top Tourist Attractions
Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, Northern Lights, glaciers, and black sand beaches.
Famous Cities
Reykjavík, Akureyri.
National Parks
Þingvellir National Park, Vatnajökull National Park, Snæfellsjökull National Park.
Protected Areas
Significant percentage of land is protected, including national parks and nature reserves.
Best Time to Visit
For the best chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, plan your visit between September and March. The winter months offer a magical atmosphere with snow-covered landscapes and fewer crowds. If you're eager to explore hiking trails and enjoy longer daylight hours, the summer months of June, July, and August are ideal, with the Midnight Sun providing nearly 24 hours of light. This period is perfect for exploring the highlands and enjoying outdoor activities. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer a good balance, with milder weather, fewer tourists, and the potential for both daylight adventures and aurora sightings. Cities and cultural attractions are accessible year-round, but summer provides the most pleasant conditions for urban exploration and day trips.
Tourist Visa Info
Visa requirements vary depending on nationality; Schengen Area rules apply for many visitors.
Visa Requirements Overview
Visa requirements for tourists visiting Iceland depend significantly on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, including those within the European Union and Schengen Area, can enter Iceland visa-free for short stays. Travelers from other countries may need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance, which allows access to Iceland and other Schengen member states. It is crucial to check the specific requirements based on your passport well before your travel dates. Some nationalities may be eligible for visa-free entry for short tourist stays under specific agreements. The purpose of your visit and the intended length of stay will also influence the type of entry permitted. Always consult the official immigration authorities or your local Icelandic embassy for the most up-to-date and personalized information.
Travel Advisory
Generally safe, with advisories for extreme weather conditions and volcanic activity.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Iceland consistently scores highly on healthcare quality indices.
Medical Cost
Medical costs in Iceland are comparable to other developed nations.
Number of Hospitals
Iceland has a number of hospitals, primarily located in urban areas.
Universal Healthcare
Universal healthcare system funded by taxes.
Medical Services Overview
Iceland offers a comprehensive healthcare system with both public and private services.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are readily accessible throughout Iceland.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
112
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
112
Emergency Number (Fire)
112
Crime Rate
Low crime rate.
Safety Index
High safety index.
Military Expenditure
Iceland's military expenditure is minimal, focused on Coast Guard and international contributions.
Emergency Services Overview
Comprehensive emergency services, accessible via 112, including police, ambulance, and fire services.
Safety Overview
Iceland is an exceptionally safe country for tourists, with a very low crime rate. Petty theft is rare, but it's always wise to keep an eye on your belongings in crowded tourist areas or city centers, just as you would anywhere else. The primary safety concerns relate to the powerful natural environment. Always respect warning signs near geothermal areas, hot springs, and the ocean, as conditions can change rapidly. When driving, be aware of potential hazards such as single-lane bridges, gravel roads, and sudden weather changes, especially in winter. It's advisable to check road conditions and weather forecasts regularly. Wild animals are not a significant threat, but maintaining a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter is recommended. Overall, sensible precautions will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Military Branches
Iceland has no standing army; it relies on the Icelandic Coast Guard and participation in NATO.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is universal.
Water Access
Water access is universal.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is universal.
Railways
No railways.
Roadways
Iceland has a well-maintained road network, including the Ring Road (Route 1) circling the island.
Transportation System
Well-developed road network. Public transport in Reykjavik, domestic flights, and ferries.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Akureyri International Airport (AEY), Keflavik International Airport (KEF), Bildudalur Airport (BIU), Egilsstaðir Airport (EGS), Grímsey Airport (GRY), Hornafjörður Airport (HFN)
Ports
Major ports include Reykjavík, Hafnarfjörður, and Akureyri, crucial for cargo and fishing.
Public Transit
Public transit is primarily centered in Reykjavík, with bus services (Strætó).
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
98.21#11 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
High mobile subscriptions per 100 people.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene, particularly in fintech and software development.
Innovation Index
High innovation index.
ICT Development Index
High ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Several television stations, including public broadcaster RÚV.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio stations, including both public and private broadcasters.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type F, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.52#25 of 202
Air Quality Index
Generally good, with low levels of air pollution.
Water Pollution Level
Water quality is high, with low levels of pollution.
Renewable Energy Usage
High renewable energy usage, primarily from geothermal and hydropower.
Environmental Issues
Climate change, soil erosion, and waste management are key issues.
Natural Hazards
Volcanoes, earthquakes, and glacial flooding are significant hazards.
Waste Management
Well-developed waste management system with recycling and landfilling.
Environmental Agreements
Party to numerous international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
NATO, OECD, Schengen Area
Major Treaties
Participates in numerous international treaties.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens enjoy visa-free travel to numerous countries.