Iceland By: Matt Masters

 Iceland is located in northern Europe. The Island is located the Greenland sea and the Atlantic ocean and northwest of the UK.  The area is slightly smaller than Kentucky.  Natural resources are fish, hydro power, geothermal power, and diatomite.  Natural hazards are Volcanic activity and earthquakes.  Climate is mild, windy winters, damp, and cool summers.  Terrain is mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peeks, ice fields, cost deeply indented by bays.

Social Geography Iceland has 0% agriculture Population is 296,737 Ethnic groups: Norse and Celts Languages: Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, and Germany Religious groups: The biggest religious group is Lutheran, Roman, Reykjavik, Hafnarfjorour htm

Iceland's economy is basically capitalistic. The economy is low in unemployment rate. They are even in distribution of income. The economy relies heavily on the fishing industry which is 70% of the export earnings and 8% of the work force. Industries: Fish processing, aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production, geothermal power, and tourism Growth rate per year: 1.8% since 2004 Unemployment rate: 3.1% since m

 Exports: Aluminum, machinery, Ferro-silicon alloys, and electronic equipment  Imports: machinery, equipment, petroleum products, foodstuff, and textiles.  Import and export partners are UK, Germany, US, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Netherlands  and.htm

 Civil War and the end of the Commonwealth  During the 11th and 12th centuries, the power of the Commonwealth had worn down. The growing power was in a few families and their leaders. Between 1200 and 1262 the two main groups in England caused problems for farmers. After the conflict was over they agreed to establish a union of the Norwegian monarch. 

Citizenship The type of government Iceland has is constitutional Republic The Branches of Iceland are Legislative, Judicial, and Executive They have a representative democracy Legal system is the civil law system based on the Danish law.

Cultural Diversity Most of the people are similar to Norway or Sweden Their traditions include weaving, jewelry making, and wood carving They have theaters, orchestra, and opera They have many women in government and business They have the most extensive and progressive child laws They outlaw spanking They are ranked fourth happiest nation in the world They are mainly Christian and were Norse before