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IcelandIceland is an island country that lies just below the Arctic Circle in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is about 320 kilometres east of Greenland and about 1,050 kilometres west of Norway. Iceland is sometimes called the Land of Ice and Fire because large glaciers lie next to steaming hot springs, geysers, and volcanoes. The country was named Iceland by an early settler who was upset by seeing the coastal waters choked with ice after an unusually cold and long winter...more Information on Iceland . Also Read: Special Feature on Background of Iceland Full country name: Republic of Iceland History of IcelandIceland was settled in the late 9th and early 10th centuries, principally by people of Norse origin. In 930 A.D., the ruling chiefs established a republican constitution and an assembly called the Althingi–the oldest parliament in the world. Iceland remained independent until 1262, when it entered into a treaty establishing a union with the Norwegian monarchy. Iceland passed to Denmark in the late 14th century when Norway and Denmark were united under the Danish crown...More on Iceland History. Overview of Iceland EconomyGDP: US$227.7 billion Also Read: Special Feature on Economy of Iceland Political System of Iceland- Political Condition Climate, Vegetation and FaunaThe vegetation of Iceland is of the arctic European type. Grass and heather are extensive along the southern coast and afford pasturage for sheep and other farm animal. considerable forests likely existed on the island in past history times, but present-day trees, such as birch and spruce, are comparatively scarce. Bilberries and crowberries are the only kinds of fruit that grow on the island. The arctic fox was likely living in Iceland at the time of the first human settlement. Reindeer were introduced about 1770; rodents were brought in on ships.About 100 species of birds inhabit the island; many of these species are aquatic, among them the whistling swan and several kinds of duck. The eider duck is valued for its down. Whales and seals live along the coast, as do cod, haddock, halibut, and herring. Many salmon and trout inhabit Iceland's freshwater rivers and lakes. Population: The first comprehensive census in Iceland was taken in 1703, at which time 50,358 people were reported...People and Populatiion of Iceland. Culture: Traditional Icelandic food is not as bad as it sounds: in fact several dishes are actually edible...More about Culture of Iceland. Education: Literacy in Iceland approaches 100 % of the adult population. Education is free...more on education and Iceland Religion: The state church of Iceland is the Evangelical Lutheran church, with which more than 93 % of the people...Religion and Iceland Envoirnment: Iceland, the second largest island in Europe, boils and splutters in the Atlantic Ocean northwest of Scotland, west of Norway and southeast...more on envoirnmental conditions in Iceland Life and Lifestyle: The population of Iceland is extremely homogeneous, being almost entirely of Scandinavian and Celtic origin..more Facts for the TravelerVisas: Western Europeans and citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and at least two dozen other countries do not require visas. Tourist stays are granted for up to three months and can be easily extended at local police stations.
Health risks: hypothermia (Hypothermia is something you want to be aware of if you're trekking in Iceland. It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and the core temperature of the body falls. It is frighteningly easy to progress from very cold to dangerously cold due to a combination of wind, wet clothing, fatigue and hunger, even if the air temperature is above freezing. If the weather deteriorates, put on extra layers of warm clothing immediately: a windproof and/or waterproof jacket, plus wool or fleece hat and gloves, are all essential. Have something energy-giving to eat and ensure that everyone in your group is fit, and feeling well and alert. Symptoms of hypothermia are exhaustion, numb skin (particularly toes and fingers), shivering, slurred speech, irrational or violent behaviour, lethargy, stumbling, dizzy spells, muscle cramps and violent bursts of energy. Irrationality may take the form of sufferers claiming they are warm and trying to take off their clothes. To treat mild hypothermia, first get the person out of the wind and/or rain, remove their clothing if it's wet and replace it with dry, warm clothing. Give them hot liquids – not alcohol – and some high-energy, easily digestible food. Do not rub victims: instead, allow them to slowly warm themselves. This should be enough to treat the early stages of hypothermia. The early recognition and treatment of mild hypothermia is the only way to prevent severe hypothermia, which is a critical condition) Time Zone: GMT/UTC 0 Dialling Code: 354 Electricity: 220V ,50Hz Weights & measures: Metric Also Read:Money and Cost Required | Transport System in Iceland When to Go in IcelandEvery year after 31 August, someone puts on the brakes and Icelandic tourism grinds slowly to a halt. Hotels close, youth hostels and camping grounds shut down and buses stop running. Many late-summer travellers are disappointed to find that all the most popular attractions are practically inaccessible by 15 September, and by 30 September it seems the entire country, save Reykjavík, has gone into hibernation. Although it's safe to predict that the situation will change in coming years, for now it's a good idea to plan your trip with this in mind. Also Read: Getting Around Iceland | Iceland: Getting There and Away What to See in IcelandMajor Tourist Attractions in Iceland Other Tourist Attractions in Iceland
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