ICELAND

                                        An Interesting Country

       Iceland, an island of almost 40,000 square miles and about the size of Ohio is a land of massive glaciers and mountains, rumbling volcanoes, lava fields, bubbling mud holes, geysers, powerful waterfalls, desolate highlands, fertile river valleys, and abundant bird life, but only 300,000 people. It is a geology, biology and history class without a textbook. Glaciers and snowfields cover only 13% of the land mass and only 7% of the land is fertile. Iceland's highest peak, Hvannadalshnukur, towers 6,500 feet. The coastline is dotted with more than one hundred fjords, and green, fertile valleys extend from them. Iceland also has more than 10,000 waterfalls and countless hot springs. 

One of many waterfalls

      Iceland is a hot spot of geothermal activity. Thirty post-glacial volcanoes have erupted in the past two centuries, and natural hot water supplies much of the population with cheap, pollution-free heating. Rivers are harnessed to provide inexpensive hydroelectric power. The Gulf Stream moderates south and west coast temperatures, but rain is common when warm and cold weather systems meet.

      Fishing is the nation's greatest resource. About 66% of the workforce is employed in the service industry. Icelanders enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. Icelanders still speak the language of the Vikings (Old Norse).

      Irish monks first arrived in Iceland in 700 AD, but regarded it as a hermitage. Iceland was not settled until Norwegians arrived in 874-930 when political strife on the Scandinavian mainland forced many to head westward. The people are quite Scandinavian, their mainly Norwegian Viking ancestors brought along some Irish slaves over 1100 years ago who quickly blended into the population, and many Icelanders actually celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!  There are no Eskimos in Iceland.

      In 1281, after 200 years of peace, violent feuds and raids by private armies led to the end of control by Norway. In 1397 a union of Norway, Sweden and Denmark brought Iceland under Danish rule. Disputes between church and state in 1550 resulted in the Danes seizing church property and imposing Lutheranism on the population.

      In the 16^th century natural disasters of volcanic eruptions, four severe winters and crop failures resulted in 9000 people dying from starvation. In the 1800s nationalism grew, and free trade returned in 1855.

      The country has no army. During WWII concern about Germany led the British to protect Iceland. In 1941 the United States replaced the British. In 1874 a constitution was drafted, and the Republic of Iceland finally became a reality in 1944.

      Iceland is home to ten million Atlantic Puffins, and is the largest breeding ground for the beloved bird, a graceful swimmer and diver. The only native animal in Iceland is the wolf. There are no frogs nor turtles. Now mice, rabbit, mink introduced in 1931, and horses are included. The horse is small, strong, resilient and was used for farm work and transport. The 70-80,000 horses are docile and easy to handle. The only native trees are the birch and willow.  Glacial rivers are milky.  Sagas are Viking stories from the 12-13^th centuries that are hand written.

      My visit was in July and it was warm enough for all of us to wear shorts the entire time. It was a most interesting visit to a pedestrian friendly walkable city and an intriguing environment..