LocationNorth Atlantic, close to Arctic Circle.
Area103,000 sq km (39,769 sq miles).
Population304,000 (2008).
Population Density3 per sq km.
CapitalReykjavík.
Population: 118,000 (city); 198,000 (metropolitan area) (2008).
GovernmentRepublic. Gained full independence from Denmark in 1944.
LanguageThe official language is Icelandic; English and Danish are widely spoken.
ReligionLutheran, with a Catholic minority.
TimeGMT.
Electricity220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Plugs are two-pin.
Head of GovernmentPrime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir since 2009.
Head of StatePresident Ólafur Ragnar Grimsson since 1996.
Recent HistoryIcelandic foreign policy is dominated by two factors: fishing and relations with Atlantic powers. Iceland is a member of NATO, the Nordic Council and of the Council of Europe. Iceland has historically eschewed membership of the European Union but, since Sweden, Finland and Denmark have joined up, it is Iceland's opposition to the EU's fisheries policy of stock management by quotas that is now the decisive influence. Both main parties strongly oppose the Common Fisheries Policy, so it seems unlikely that Iceland will apply for EU membership in the foreseeable future. On the issue of whaling, Iceland has been among the few objecting to the International Whaling Commission's (IWC) ban. In October 2006, Iceland announced a return to commercial hunts, with the fisheries ministry citing the nation's dependence on living marine resources.
Iceland is one of the most visible victims of the current global economic crisis, largely due to the size of its national debt which was 10 times bigger than the country's economy. The full effects are yet to be seen, although the now weak Icelandic krona seems to have encouraged more tourists to visit this once notoriously expensive destination.
TelephoneCountry code: 354.
Mobile TelephoneRoaming agreements exist with many international companies. Coverage is good. Pre-paid GSM phonecards, which travelers can use with their own GSM phones, can be purchased at petrol stations around the country. GSM phones may also be rented at several locations.
InternetMany Internet cafes can be found, especially in Reykjavík.
MediaIcelandic National Broadcasting Service (RUV) is a public-service broadcaster owned by the state, which runs national radio and TV services. The
RUV has to promote the Icelandic language, history and culture. There is guaranteed press freedom.
PostThere is an efficient airmail service to Europe.
Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1630. The post office in Austurstræti (Reykjavík center) is also open Sat 1000-1400 (Jun-Aug). Some offices open Mon-Fri 1000-1800.
Press• Dailies include
Frettabladid,
Morgunbladid and
DV.
•
Vidskiptabladidis abusiness paper.
•
Baejarins besta provides West Fjords local news.
•
Iceland Review (
www.icelandreview.com) is an English-language magazine focusing on all aspects of Icelandic life, and also has news.
Radio• Bylgjan is the main private station.
• The
Icelandic National Broadcasting Service operates two national networks and four regional stations of public radio.
•
State Radio, FM 93.5 and FM 92.4, broadcasts a short news program every weekday morning at 0730 from June to August. You can also listen to it by telephone (tel: 515 3690).
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.
2009 1 Jan New Year's Day.
9 Apr Maundy Thursday.
10 Apr Good Friday.
13 Apr Easter Monday.
23 Apr First Day of Summer.
1 May Labor Day.
21 May Ascension.
1 Jun Whit Monday.
17 Jun National Day.
3 Aug Commerce Day.
24-26 Dec Christmas.
31 Dec New Year's Eve.
2010 1 Jan New Year's Day.
1 Apr Maundy Thursday.
2 Apr Good Friday.
5 Apr Easter Monday.
22 Apr First Day of Summer.
1 May Labor Day.
13 May Ascension.
24 May Whit Monday.
17 Jun National Day.
2 Aug Commerce Day.
24-26 Dec Christmas.
31 Dec New Year's Eve.
Contact Information:NoteIcelandic consulates no longer issue visas. Danish, Norwegian and Swedish embassies issue Icelandic visas. For information on where to get your visa, visit
www.utl.is or contact the Royal Danish Embassy directly (tel: 09065 540 755 for appointments. For further details see
Denmark section).
Icelandic Tourist BoardLaekjargata 3, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Tel: 535 5500.
Website:
www.visiticeland.com or www.icetourist.isEmbassy of Iceland in the UK2A Hans Street, London SW1X 0JE, UK
Tel: (020) 7259 3999.
Website:
www.iceland.org/uk Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1600.
There is currently no Icelandic tourist board in the UK, but the embassy can deal with all enquiries.Embassy of Iceland in the USA1156 15th Street, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Tel: (202) 265 6653.
Website:
www.iceland.org/usIcelandic Tourist Board in the USAc/o The Scandinavian Tourist Board, 655 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 885 9700.
Website:
www.icelandtouristboard.com or www.goiceland.org
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