10 Fascinating Iceland Facts You Never Knew About
Iceland is a magical country that holds a lot of mystery and intrigue. Its natural beauty, the unique cuisine, and the fascinating culture make it a popular tourist destination. However, there’s still a lot that you don’t know about this land of fire and ice. In this blog post, we’ll reveal 10 fascinating Iceland facts that you never knew about.
1. Iceland is Not Covered in Ice
Contrary to popular belief, Iceland is not covered in ice. In fact, it is quite green, and about 11% of the country is covered in glaciers. Iceland got its name as a political tactic to deter other people from settling in the country.
2. No Surnames Needed
In Iceland, surnames aren’t that important. Instead, they use patronymic or matronymic, meaning they’re named after their father or mother. This practice has been used since the Viking age.
3. Icelandic Language is Pure
The Icelandic language has hardly changed in the last 1,000 years. Unlike English, which evolves rapidly, Icelandic has remained virtually the same since the island’s settlers arrived in the ninth century. Today, Icelanders can read the ancient Sagas and understand them without any difficulties.
4. Everyone in Iceland Knows Each Other
Iceland is a small country, and with a population of 364,000 people, almost everyone knows each other. This close-knit community means that crime is virtually non-existent, and everyone looks out for each other.
5. Elves and Trolls are Real
Icelanders believe in elves and trolls, and many of them claim to have seen them. Elves and trolls are a significant part of Icelandic folklore, and many Icelanders believe that they share the land with these magical creatures.
6. Fire and Ice Coexist in Iceland
Iceland is home to several active volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs that sit alongside glaciers and snow-capped mountains. The country is a perfect example of how fire and ice can coexist harmoniously.
7. The Icelandic Diet is Unique
Puffin, reindeer, whale, and sheep’s head, are all part of the Icelandic diet. Icelanders have been forced to adapt to their harsh environment, and this has resulted in unique and unconventional culinary delicacies.
8. The Northern Lights are Spectacular
Iceland is one of the best places to view the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora borealis. The lights are visible between September and April, and they illuminate the night sky with a stunning display of green, blue, and purple lights.
9. Iceland Is A Gender-Equal Nation
Iceland is one of the most gender-equal countries in the world, with virtually no gender pay gap. The country also has the world’s first openly gay prime minister.
10. No Mosquitoes in Iceland
Iceland is one of the few places in the world where mosquitoes do not exist. This is due to Iceland’s cold climate, which makes it an excellent destination for those who are prone to mosquito bites.
Conclusion
Iceland is a unique and fascinating country that holds many surprises. Whether it’s their unconventional cuisine, gender equality, or belief in elves, there’s something about Iceland that continues to captivate and intrigue visitors. The 10 fascinating Iceland facts we’ve listed only scratch the surface of what this beautiful country has to offer. So, the next time you visit Iceland, keep an open mind—you never know what interesting discovery you may come across.
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