Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | IS, ISL |
| Official Name | Iceland |
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital | Reykjavik |
| Government Type | Unitary Parliamentary Republic |
| Currency | Icelandic Króna (ISK) |
| Calling Code | +354 |
| Member Of | United Nations, European Free Trade Association, Schengen Area |
| Population | Approximately 366,000 (as of 2023) |
| Total Area | 103,000 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Hvannadalshnúkur (2,110 meters or 6,923 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Atlantic Ocean (0 meters or 0 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | About $59,000 USD |
| Life Expectancy | Approximately 83 years |
| Internet TLD | .is |
Icelandic National Anthem
Lofsöngur (Hymn)
Oh, God of our country! Oh, our country’s God!
We worship Thy name in its wonder sublime.
The suns of the heavens are set in Thy crown
By Thy legions, the ages of time!
With Thee is each victory, in Thee each defeat,
In Thee every deed and each design.
We feel in our bosom Thy two-fold heat,
The love of our God and our kin.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Icelandic Flag
The flag of Iceland, known as the “Hvítbláinn” or “The Blue and White,” is a symbol of the nation’s unique geography and cultural heritage. Officially adopted on June 19, 1915, but it wasn’t until 1944 that it became the national flag when Iceland declared independence from Denmark.
The design consists of a blue field with a white cross, and a red cross inside the white one. The blue represents the Atlantic Ocean that surrounds the island, the white signifies the snow and ice covering much of the country, and the red symbolizes the volcanic fires. This combination of elements is deeply connected to Iceland’s natural landscape.
Historically, the flag’s origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, during Iceland’s push for independence. The design was inspired by the flags of other Nordic countries, symbolizing Iceland’s cultural and historical ties to the Nordic region. The cross design represents Christianity, which has been the predominant religion since the country was Christianized in the year 1000.
The Icelandic flag has remained largely unchanged since its official adoption. It is a source of pride and unity for the Icelandic people, representing their resilience, independence, and connection to the natural world. The flag is not just a national symbol but also an embodiment of the nation’s spirit and its enduring bond with the Nordic heritage and the unique Icelandic landscape.
