Iceland – a nation with rich history, beautiful people and breathtaking beauty

Iceland though has a chilly name, is still known for the warmth that it exudes-be it its people or even its climate. It is a common perception that the Vikings were the first to settle in Iceland. But a few available documents after scrutiny have brought to light some newer facts. These documents speak of the people from British Isles being the first settlers in Iceland. Also the others suggest that the Icelanders are originally of Celtic origin. But the data on which these findings are based is very inconclusive and has many glitches. Hence this topic and the findings remain largely debatable.

Iceland has been ruled over by countries like Norway and Denmark. It is said that a Norwegian called Floki Vigerdason, who had settled here, named Iceland. Even the Icelandic law has drawn quite some inspiration from the Norwegian system.

Iceland is a very thinly populated country. But it is thanks to this that Iceland has been able to save the abounding natural beauty that it possesses. However it is a little costly, but still it is worth seeing and not giving a miss. It is exceptionally beautiful with all the geysers, waterfalls, volcanoes and hot water springs that dot its land all over. The best time to visit this country is the summer time. Wintertime is not very convenient especially for those who like to spend their time luxuriously and sightseeing. Nevertheless if you are one of those adventurous types, you will surely have plenty to do and see in Iceland. During winters say after august, Iceland is richly adorned with incredible scenic beauty. And for those who care to visit this place at around this time, they will surely not be short of any fond memories to take back home!

Iceland is a highly literate country with the literacy rate here being 99.9%. People here are passionate about poetry. Iceland has also produced a noble prizewinner in literature namely Halldor Kiljan Laxness. The most well known literary piece given to the world by Iceland are the ‘Sagas’. They have been written in the years 1180 AD to 1300 AD. These ‘Sagas’ have a detailed account of the history of Iceland, especially the heroes of Iceland who have been dealt with in them. These heroes have been glorified and all their fine qualities such as bravery, honesty, courage, etc have been extensively described in them.

Iceland has produced famous painters like Asgrimur Jonsson, Jon Stefansson, and Johannes Kjarval, the very popular sculptor Asmundur Sveinsson, the well-known opera singer Kristjan Johannsson and pop singer Bjork who sings for the rock band Sigur Ros.

Iceland is a self –declared nuclear free country. It is a part of the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). But it has no military of its own and hence USA has taken the responsibility to take care of Iceland’s defense. Though as of today the US army’s presence in Iceland is zilch, it still remains committed to its responsibilities to help Iceland, in case the need arises.

It is also rich in wildlife. Fisheries was until recently one of Iceland’s most important businesses and it still does a lot to promote fisheries and also to protect the interests of its fishermen. But now the Icelandic industry has shifted to other sectors and is developing rapidly in that direction too. Iceland is known as one of the most developed countries in the world.

Iceland is always ready to embrace anyone who visits it and the people who do visit, will never want to leave such a loving and beautiful country!

Asberg Jonsson is the manager of Iceland Visitor, a company specializing in packages for Vacation in Iceland and day tours in Iceland. For more information visit www.icelandvisitor.com