Iceland (Island)

Geography

Iceland straddles the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the only place where this oceanic boundary surfaces above sea level. About 11 percent of the country is covered by glaciers, including Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest ice cap. Hvannadalshnúkur, on its southern flank, is the highest peak at 2,110 m.

Geology

Roughly 30 volcanic systems remain active. Recent eruptions include Eyjafjallajökull in 2010, which disrupted European air travel, and the ongoing Reykjanes Peninsula eruptions that began in 2021.

Culture

Settlers from Norway arrived in the late 9th century. The Alþingi, established in 930 CE, is among the world’s oldest surviving parliaments.