Iceland
Green Energy
Iceland is a greener country than most, and her location on a fault line certainly contributes to this. Geothermal energy, harnessed from hot springs, is used in abundance, even heating houses and buildings. Hydropower comes from the country’s plentiful waterfalls and rivers. With a long term aim to be carbon and oil free by 2050, around 80% of Iceland’s energy is taken from renewable resources – not just impressive, but sustainable too.
Language
The national language of Iceland is Icelandic. English and Danish are widely understood, with French and German taught in most schools.
Names
It is common for Icelanders to address each other by Christian name, and in very formal situation by both Christian and surname. The patronymic system of taking your father’s name as your surname is still very much in place; the son of a man named Jón would earn the surname Jónson, a daughter Jóndottir. A matronymic system is sometimes used, but is less common.
Religion
Over 85% of Icelanders belong to the national church, the Evangelical Lutheran, although in recent polls most natives tend to believe in a more spiritualistic interpretation of God, as opposed to the more Biblical understanding found in traditional Christianity.
Sport
Many sports are popular in Iceland. Association football leads the way, alongside basketball and athletics, with the country regularly taking part in track and field events on an international stage. Iceland’s most famous sportsman is probably Jón Páll Sigmarsson, a power lifter and former World’s Strongest Man. Skiing, hiking, swimming, and horse riding are all popular pastimes, and whilst technically not a sport, chess is widely played, with the 1972 World Championship being held there. The winner, American Bobby Fischer, ended 24 years of Soviet domination by beating Boris Spassky, and came to live in Iceland until his recent death.
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Currency of Iceland
Króna is used in Iceland, with electronic payment largely accepted. At present the Euro cannot be used, but its adoption may not be far off. Following the global financial crisis of 2007, the value of the króna fell dramatically, proving a hindrance to trade on an international level. In 2009, the Icelandic Parliament voted to apply for membership of the European Union, with the adoption of the Euro currency likely to follow should the application be successful.
Dining Etiquette
Iceland’s excellent cuisine is detailed here. When dining out it is not normal to tip, but no one will be offended if you choose to do so. If attending a private dinner, etiquette is generally the same as in any European country – taking flowers and/or wine is polite, and dress smart/casual unless told otherwise. You may also offer to remove your shoes upon entering someone’s house, although again this is more out of politeness than tradition.
Disability Access
Most places are accommodating to individual needs, and wheelchair access is generally good. As in any country, building layouts and services can differ widely from one area to another, so it’s best to check ahead before you travel.
Elves & Trolls
An important part of Scandinavian mythology, it’s easy to see why so many Icelanders prefer to keep an open mind on the subject once you’ve seen the country’s untamed landscapes of mountains, volcanoes and glaciers. With folk stories dating back centuries, it’s probably best to do the same – after all, you never know when the elves and trolls are listening...
Ethnic Groups
The majority of Iceland’s population is Icelandic, descended from the very Norse settlers who first arrived on the island en masse, but Icelanders are very welcoming to persons of all cultures, colours and backgrounds, and has regular visitors from across the globe – very few people visit Iceland only once!
Gay Rights in Iceland
Iceland is ahead of much of the rest of the world when it comes to equality legislation. Homosexuality was legalised in 1940, and a law has recently been passed to allow same-sex couples to marry, a step on from the recognition of civil partnerships in the mid-Nineties. All couples, regardless of gender, have the same rights when it comes to adoption.
Green Energy
Iceland is a greener country than most, and her location on a fault line certainly contributes to this. Geothermal energy, harnessed from hot springs, is used in abundance, even heating houses and buildings. Hydropower comes from the country’s plentiful waterfalls and rivers. With a long term aim to be carbon and oil free by 2050, around 80% of Iceland’s energy is taken from renewable resources – not just impressive, but sustainable too.
The Icelandic Language
The national language of Iceland is Icelandic. English and Danish are widely understood, with French and German taught in most schools.
Names
It is common for Icelanders to address each other by Christian name, and in very formal situation by both Christian and surname. The patronymic system of taking your father’s name as your surname is still very much in place; the son of a man named Jón would earn the surname Jónson, a daughter Jóndottir. A matronymic system is sometimes used, but is less common.
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