Iceland can be described as one of the most majestic and impressive countries in the world. It is rich in history and culture, and its people are among the friendliest anywhere in the world. Here are some things to know about Iceland to help you blend in with the locals when you visit.
Idiom
The official language is Icelandic, which is considered a Nordic language. Not much has changed since the first settlers of Iceland. Danish and English are required languages to learn, and the literacy rate exceeds 99%, which is the highest percentage in the world. Many people are known by their first names, as opposed to their last names; for example, Horoson means the son of Horo; This can make it difficult to find someone on the agenda.
Religion
Most Icelanders are Lutheran, although other religions exist throughout the region. There is a small percentage of other religions, such as Catholic, Mormon, Muslim, and Baptist.
Politics
Iceland is an entity of the republic, with a written constitution and a parliamentary government. The president is elected by popular vote and has a four-year term. There is a president and a prime minister.
Meal
Due to its proximity to the ocean, one of Iceland’s staples is fish; other popular dishes include lamb, cold cuts, and dairy. In buffets and in private homes you will always find various types of meat.
Badge
The currency of Iceland is the crown or crowns in the plural. One US dollar is approximately 115 ISK. The currency is issued by the Central Bank of Iceland.
Climate
There is a popular saying in Iceland: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” The climate can vary greatly due to its proximity to the ocean. Northern Iceland’s summer temperatures are not much warmer than winter temperatures; Southern Iceland can get quite hot, sometimes reaching as high as 30 degrees Celsius.
Industry
The main exports are marine products, aluminum, machinery, software and woolen articles. Most of the exports go to the European Union, Japan and the United States.
Iceland has a rich history and culture and offers you some of the most beautiful sights in the world. Nowhere else can you catch a glimpse of the beautiful Northern Lights or see the beautiful glaciers and ice burgs that nature has created. Chances are, your trip to Iceland will be second to none.