Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world’s oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark.

Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island’s population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US.

Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and social cohesion are first-rate by world standards.
The first settlers came to Iceland from Norway and Ireland in the 9th century.

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, directly east of Greenland, Iceland is Europe’s westernmost country, the second largest island in the North-Atlantic ocean, and a little over 3 hours flight from London, Paris or Copenhagen.

It has a strong economy, low unemployment and low inflation, and its per capita income is among the highest in the world.