Place details
Place nameIceland
Other namesLydveldid Ísland, Lydhveldidh Ísland, Island, Ísland, Republic of Iceland, Islande, République d'Islande, Islandia, Islândia, Islanda, IJsland, ISL, IS, ISO352, Icelandic
Latitude65
Longitude-18
SourceThesaurus of Geographic Names
Overview
Comprises the island of the same name and surrounding islands, all of relatively recent geological origin. Norwegian farming and fishing communities were established here in the 9th century, during the Viking age of exploration, by a mixed Norse and Celtic population. Noted as the world's oldest democracy; a national assembly (Althing) was established in 930. It united with Norway in 1262, with Denmark in 1380. Was an independent kingdom in union with Denmark in 1918, it ended in 1944. The official language is Icelandic.