Quck answer
Iceland is incredibly cool! With its stunning landscapes, including glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes, it is a paradise for nature lovers. The country’s unique geothermal activity allows for relaxing hot springs and geysers. Iceland also offers a chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. The vibrant capital city of Reykjavik is known for its vibrant arts and music scene, as well as its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The Icelandic culture is rich in history and folklore, and the cuisine includes delicious seafood and traditional delicacies. Overall, Iceland is a must-visit destination for its natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unforgettable adventures.
Situated in the depths of the North Atlantic Ocean is an island nation with a population of approximately 320,000 people spread across an area of about 40,000 square miles. Can you guess which country it is? It’s Iceland, of course!
Iceland is a relatively large island and ranks as the 18th largest island in the world. However, the majority of the population resides in the southwestern part of the country, particularly in and around the capital city of Reykjavik. The rest of the country has a sparse population.
Considering its name, one might expect Iceland to be predominantly covered in ice. However, if you look at a map, you’ll notice that Iceland is located just outside the Arctic Circle. Despite its location and name, Iceland actually has a temperate climate due to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream also prevents Iceland’s coastal ports from freezing during the winter.
Nevertheless, Iceland does have plenty of ice. The interior of the country consists of a vast plateau adorned with sandy fields, mountains, and glaciers. More than 60% of Iceland is classified as tundra, while around 14% is made up of lakes and glaciers. Only about 23% of the country has any kind of vegetation or plant life.
Iceland’s coastal lowlands are dotted with numerous glacial rivers that flow into the ocean. The country’s long coastline also features many fjords. In addition to lakes and glaciers, Iceland is also home to active volcanoes and geysers.
Iceland was settled in the late 800s and early 900s by Norsemen from Norway. It also received settlers from Ireland and Scotland, which gives Iceland both Norse and Celtic roots.
From the 13th century until 1918, Iceland was under the rule of Norway and later Denmark. During this time, the small Icelandic population relied on fishing and farming for their livelihood. For many centuries, Iceland remained one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world.
After World War II, international aid and the industrialization of the fishing industry transformed Iceland into one of the wealthiest nations on Earth. In 1994, Iceland became a part of the European Economic Area, which further diversified and expanded its economy.
Iceland is home to one of the world’s youngest islands. Surtsey emerged from the ocean during a series of volcanic eruptions between 1963 and 1968. Today, only scientists studying the island’s new life can visit Surtsey.
Give It a Try
Would you consider living in Iceland? Share your reasons for or against it. The northernmost parts of Iceland extend beyond the Arctic Circle and occasionally experience the midnight sun. This means that even at midnight, you can still see the sun!
Do you think it would be exciting to live in a place where the sun remains visible past midnight at certain times of the year? If the sun stayed out until midnight where you live, how would you spend those extra hours of daylight?
Write a journal entry or a poem describing what you would do during the midnight sunlight. Alternatively, you can create a drawing or another form of artwork to depict how you would make the most of the extended sunshine.
Once you’re done, share your writing or artwork with your fellow Wonder Friends on Facebook. We’re eager to read about or see the creative ideas you have for enjoying the sunlight at midnight!
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