Iceland

Iceland is an island country in the North Atlantic Ocean near the Arctic Circle. Despite its name, Iceland is not all ice. It has volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and glaciers. It is called the Land of Fire and Ice.

Land and People

Only about 380,000 people live in Iceland. The capital is Reykjavik, the world's most northern capital city. Iceland has active volcanoes, huge glaciers, and black sand beaches. The island sits on top of a volcanic hot spot.

Painting of the first Viking settlers arriving in Iceland.
Painting of the first Viking settlers arriving in Iceland. (Johan Peter Raadsig (1806 - 1882) / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Icelanders use natural hot water from underground to heat their homes and swim in outdoor pools all year. They love to read and publish more books per person than any other country. Old Viking sagas are an important part of their heritage.

Fun Facts

  • Iceland has no mosquitoes.
  • Icelanders publish more books per person than any other country.
  • Iceland heats most of its buildings using natural hot water from underground.

Did You Know?

Iceland gets most of its energy from volcanoes and hot springs underground. This geothermal energy heats homes, powers greenhouses, and even warms swimming pools. Icelanders swim outside in naturally heated pools even when it is snowing!