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By J贸hann Hei冒ar 脕rnason – Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about Iceland

Iceland is an extremely popular destination best known for its Nordic Gems. Some of the popular destinations attracting millions of tourists annually include the diamond beach, the blue lagoon,

Famously known as the land of ice and fire, Iceland has beautiful glaciers as well as active volcanoes. The thunderous waterfalls in Iceland are some natural wonders to look forward to.

Icelanders live as one big community this is due to their small population. It is easy to spot a stranger or a newbie in town. Their culture is also beautiful and the country has one of the lowest murder rates in the world.

Did you know that parents get paid leave while on maternity leave in Iceland? The leave lasts 12 months and it’s for children born, adopted or taken into foster care.

Its temperate climate and Magnifique landscape are the highlights of this Nordic country. Here are the top 10 facts about Iceland.

1. Moms in Iceland leave their babies outside at night

For centuries, a tradition by Icelandic moms is to leave their babies outside in freezing temperatures. So while in Iceland, do not be shocked when you see a pram outside a coffee shop or a home, especially at night.

They do this at least once a day. Sleeping outside in the cold is believed to be good for the children. It is believed it boosts their immune systems while giving them better rest.

Parents believe that fresh air helps build healthy lungs as well as build immunity. The babies are always wrapped in warm blankets and placed in a sleeping bag. They are placed in a pram draped in another warm blanket then left outside.

2. Iceland is not a member of the EU

By OddurBen – Wikimedia

Just like Norway, Iceland is closely associated with the European Union, this is through the European Free Trade Association and European Economic Area agreement.

The country is also a member of the Schengen Area. Icelanders are free to move within the Schengen countries for travel, work or study. Many of the foreigners in Iceland are from EU countries.   

Iceland was the first European country to have a parliament. It was established in the year 930. The open-air parliament would meet for two weeks each year to pass laws and settle disputes.

They did this until 1798. The grounds are now a UNESCO world heritage site.

3. There are several active volcanoes in Iceland

By Robert Simmon – Wikimedia

Few of us were aware that Iceland has active Volcanoes. The eruption that happened in 2010 disrupting flights in Europe got many people aware of the volcanic activities.

There are more than 100 volcanoes in Iceland. About 30 of these volcanoes are active. Much of Iceland is covered in lava due to the constant volcanic activities.

4. A committee approves baby names

New parents do not have the absolute liberty to choose their baby鈥檚 name in Iceland. A baby鈥檚 name has to come from an official register of approved names.

There is a naming committee that permits parents that want to choose a different name. this is because there are names that have been banned.

The law on naming a child in Iceland requires the name to conform to the Icelandic Language. The approved names were also gendered.   

Another fact about naming children is that they do not get to use their parent鈥檚 last name. they instead get their last name from either their father鈥檚 or mother鈥檚 first name.  

5. It is one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world

By Gretar 脥varsson 鈥� Wikimedia

Iceland is one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world. All of its power is produced from renewable energy. Iceland鈥檚 capital city won the Nordic Nature and Environment Prize in 2014.

They are working towards being a carbon-neutral city by 2040. The country supplies hydro and geothermal energy to 90% of the households. The geothermal water is pumped beneath the cities and towns.  

6. Iceland has no standing army

By Oleg Bkhambri – Wikimedia

Iceland is a peaceful and laidback country despite the rapturous volcanoes. There are low rates of crime reported annually and its population is largely made up of young people.

Iceland has no standing army, air force or navy. They however have the police and a crisis response unit. These units do not wear uniforms nor do they carry firearms.    

There is also a national coast guard and air defence system.

7. They have a national Beer Day

Beer was banned in Iceland in 1915, this was during the prohibition of beer. It lasted for 75 years; the ban was lifted in 1989. This ban was lifted after their international trade was greatly affected.

The country celebrates this day on the 1^st of March every year unofficially. Beer is one of the most popular drinks in Iceland.   

Craft beer is popular in Iceland. The breweries use geothermal energy to power their brewing process as well as bilberries in a refreshing summer ale.

8. This country has one of the smallest populations in the world

By Udm – Wikimedia

The population of Iceland is about 330,000 people making it one of the smallest populations in the world.

The majority of the population in Iceland live close to the capital city, Reykjav铆k. Outside the city, the population is small and scattered.

It is no surprise then that Icelanders know something about each other. The country releases its population data annually. 15% of the total population are immigrants and the Polish top the list.

9. There is an app that helps one not date their cousin

Since the population in Iceland is so small, it is no surprise that the dating is small as well. To help with this, there is a mobile dating app that tells if your love interest is your relative.

The app has an online genealogical database going back thousands of years. It has data of more than 700,000 Icelanders. All one needs to do is enter their details and they get instant results.

10. Everyone has a different last name

Children in Iceland do not share a last name in the family. They take their parent鈥檚 first name or the first names of both parents.

The names also need to have letters from the Icelandic alphabet.