NationStates Jolt Archive

As an Icelander I am curious to know what you know about my country?

If you have any questions about The Republic of Iceland feel free to ask me and I shall give you a n honest answer.

I know is one big volcanic island, and the capitol Reijkjavik (something like that) is where almost all people live.

I only know that the capital is Reykjavik.

I know that you have the oldest parliament in history (Although obviously you didnt call it a parliament), your capital is Reykavick, where it is on a map and your current head of government is David Oddsson. A question though for Icelanders. Do you want to join the EU?

I heard Iceland has a lot of hot chicks.

Even less than what I know about New Zealand.
Bjork is from that country.

You now have all of my knowledge on Iceland.

It's a small country to the north, and contains surprisingly little ice.

Hot chicks
Atlantic Ocean
Island
Cold (hence, ICEland)
....that's it


Seriously....that's it.

It was colonized by Norewegians and Celts, controlled by Norway, then Denmark. In World War 2, control was transferred to the USA when Denmark realized that Germany was going to crush it. It became independent in 1944.

It was colonized by Norewegians and Celts, controlled by Norway, then Denmark. In World War 2, control was transferred to the USA when Denmark realized that Germany was going to crush it. It became independent in 1944.
Duuuuuuude. You're either a history student (specialty WW2) or from Iceland

It was colonized by Norewegians and Celts, controlled by Norway, then Denmark. In World War 2, control was transferred to the USA when Denmark realized that Germany was going to crush it. It became independent in 1944.

The Germans couldnt invade Britain. How would they invade Iceland?

Per square meter it's the geothermic capital of the world, at least for a country, I think?? It's in the north Atlantic. Has good fishing from what I hear. From documentaries it appears to have very interesting rock formation IMO. It has produced a poet friend of mine who seems a very interesting chap. It is a place I think I'd enjoy visiting someday.

I know that you have the oldest parliament in history (Although obviously you didnt call it a parliament), your capital is Reykavick, where it is on a map and your current head of government is David Oddsson. A question though for Icelanders. Do you want to join the EU?

No we do not want to join the EU.

No we do not want to join the EU.

Which do you consider yourself to be part of geographicly? North America or Europe?

Colodia and Trilatteral Comission.

We have no more "hot chicks" as you put it then other countrys.

Colodia and Trilatteral Comission.

We have no more "hot chicks" as you put it then other countrys.
per capita then

The Germans couldnt invade Britain. How would they invade Iceland?

I should have been more specific. I meant that the Germans were going to invade Denmark. If they had annexed Denmark while it controlled Iceland, the island would have become part of Germany.

Also, Iceland would actually be easier to invade than Great Britian. British ships probably wouldn't have placed a high priority on stopping Germans heading to Iceland. They would likely have been more concerned about their home islands.

Which do you consider yourself to be part of geographicly? North America or Europe?

I live in North America geogrphicly but we do say that we are in Europe.

We have no more "hot chicks" as you put it then other countrys.

I think Iceland is just considered part of the notion that Scandinavian girls are very attractive (Not sure where it comes from)

per capita then

I see. Well it depends on what an indevidual thinks is nice to have in a woman.
You would not think this is true but their are so many people that come here with that thought in their heads, it is so Stupid to think it is true.

I think Iceland is just considered part of the notion that Scandinavian girls are very attractive (Not sure where it comes from)
Actually, my 7th grade World History teacher taught us that Iceland has a bunch of hot chicks. He's single, BTW.

And I mean...hey, he's a WORLD history teacher...he MUST know the truth...

I see. Well it depends on what an indevidual thinks is nice to have in a woman.
You would not think this is true but their are so many people that come here with that thought in their heads, it is so Stupid to think it is true.
I don't define Iceland as the capital for hot chicks. It was just a simple statement.

Besides, be an American sometime. Then you'll see people saying stupid things about America believed to be true everywhere.

Isn't that were the Vikings tossed their retarded offspring? :P

Just know the basics.

Hey!

I have heard of a drink called "Black Death" or it was bad translation. It's clear and made there. What is it?

I should have been more specific. I meant that the Germans were going to invade Denmark. If they had annexed Denmark while it controlled Iceland, the island would have become part of Germany.

Also, Iceland would actually be easier to invade than Great Britian. British ships probably wouldn't have placed a high priority on stopping Germans heading to Iceland. They would likely have been more concerned about their home islands.

Germany did invade Denmark and it did not mean that we were under Nazis.
At that time we were a free kingdom in personal union with the king of Denmark not the Danes or the country. Denmark did not reconize us as a free republic until 1948.
Hitler only once talked about invading Iceland and it was a very vague talk, they never had real plans to come here.

I don't define Iceland as the capital for hot chicks. It was just a simple statement.

Besides, be an American sometime. Then you'll see people saying stupid things about America believed to be true everywhere.

It is that way for all countrys.

I should have been more specific. I meant that the Germans were going to invade Denmark. If they had annexed Denmark while it controlled Iceland, the island would have become part of Germany.

Also, Iceland would actually be easier to invade than Great Britian. British ships probably wouldn't have placed a high priority on stopping Germans heading to Iceland. They would likely have been more concerned about their home islands.

True, but I suppose the Dainish had ships in Iceland ready to defend it (did they?). Or at least there is some kind of Icelandic defence force.

Actually, my 7th grade World History teacher taught us that Iceland has a bunch of hot chicks. He's single, BTW.

And I mean...hey, he's a WORLD history teacher...he MUST know the truth...

He was just naive I think.

It is that way for all countrys.
it's true, to an extent.

But I think Iceland is one of those few countries with the rare COMPLIMENTING stereotype.

What party is David Oddsson from?

Germany did invade Denmark and it did not mean that we were under Nazis.
At that time we were a free kingdom in personal union with the king of Denmark not the Danes or the country. Denmark did not reconize us as a free republic until 1948.
Hitler only once talked about invading Iceland and it was a very vague talk, they never had real plans to come here.

Yes, you were self-autonomous, but other countries still counted Iceland as part of Denmark.

Let's see...
I know that they speak one of the coolest languages ever there, and they supplied the world with Sigur Rós.

Go Iceland!

it's true, to an extent.

But I think Iceland is one of those few countries with the rare COMPLIMENTING stereotype.
I think Iceland is a country almost without stereotype

Let's see...
I know that they speak one of the coolest languages ever there, and they supplied the world with Sigur Rós.

Go Iceland!
D'oh

How could I forget....

True, but I suppose the Dainish had ships in Iceland ready to defend it (did they?). Or at least there is some kind of Icelandic defence force.

The Danish tyrants would not have defended Iceland, they had a weak military.
We do not have a military but we do have armed Coast Gaurd ships, ariplanes, helicopters, Víkingasveitin (Armed Special Forces Police) and armed immigration officers.

Let's see...
I know that they speak one of the coolest languages ever there, and they supplied the world with Sigur Rós.

Go Iceland!

Takk fyrir.

Thank you

What party is David Oddsson from?

Icelandic Independance Party - Sjálfstæðisflokkurinn http://www.xd.is/xd/intern/
Halldór Ásgrímsson is the new prime minister Davíð Oddsson is the new minister of foreign affairs.

Yes, you were self-autonomous, but other countries still counted Iceland as part of Denmark.

True, but it is our land if we say we are free then that is so.
The U.S. supported Icelandic independance from the start.

Icelandic Independance Party - Sjálfstæðisflokkurinn (www.xd.is)
Halldór Ásgrímsson is the new prime minister Davíð Oddsson is the new minister of foreign affairs.

What other parties are there and how does your democracy work

As an Icelander I am curious to know what you know about my country?

If you have any questions about The Republic of Iceland feel free to ask me and I shall give you a n honest answer.

Iceland? Large island, lots of volcanism, relatively homogonous populaton, low crime rate, friendly people, beautiful women! That's pretty much it, as far as my information. :)

Takk fyrir.

Thank you
Hvernig segir maður "you're welcome" a íslensku?

What other parties are there and how does your democracy work

Icelandic Independance Party
Progressive Party
Left Green Alliance
The Alliance
Liberal Party

Alþingi.
Althingi (parliament) and the president of the republic jointly hold legislative power;according to the constitution. Presidential powers are held by the government ministers.
The system of parliamentary democracy entails that the appointment of the government is contingent upon parliamentary majority, and that parliament may censure the government, or compel it to resign by means of a motion of no confidence.
The principal work of Althingi is to legislate. Debates also take place in the chamber on many other subjects than bills for legislation. Parliament may declare its policy on some issue by means
of a resolution, without legislating. In the chamber, questions are put to government ministers, and these are answered orally or in writing. Ministers submit reports to parliament on various public issues, whether on their own initiative or in response to a request from parliament. A major aspect of parliamentary work consists of unscheduled debates, on issues upon which urgent debate is deemed necessary.
The role of parliament is generally viewed as being to monitor the executive branch, both the government (e.g. by means of questions to ministers), and the administration as a whole. Two parliamentary bodies play an important role in this context: the National Audit Bureau and the
parliamentary Ombudsman. Parliament also elects influential government-appointed boards and committees.
Yes, it does work well.

Hvernig segir maður "you're welcome" a íslensku?

Good!

You say: Þú ert velkomin

The Germans couldnt invade Britain. How would they invade Iceland?

From Norway. They had a small plan for it but did not go ahead with it because of the hard task of supplying the country with armes.

It's a small country to the north, and contains surprisingly little ice.

Well we do have the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull and many others but the name is missleading I know.

It was colonized by Norewegians and Celts, controlled by Norway, then Denmark. In World War 2, control was transferred to the USA when Denmark realized that Germany was going to crush it. It became independent in 1944.

Germany never wanted to "crush" Iceland.
It was independant for 300 years and then went into personal union with the Norwegian King and later in the Kalmar Union control went to the Danish King.
The Americans came here to "defend" Iceland but Icelandic government was in control, the Danes never had a say on that matter.

From Norway. They had a small plan for it but did not go ahead with it because of the hard task of supplying the country with armes.

Norway is even further away from Iceland than Britain is from France. I think if Britian discovered they were invading Iceland and commiting serious resorces to it then the British would take the advantage of shooting out of the water lots of German troops and ships.

I know that Icelandic is somewhat similar to Old English.

Per square meter it's the geothermic capital of the world, at least for a country, I think?? It's in the north Atlantic. Has good fishing from what I hear. From documentaries it appears to have very interesting rock formation IMO. It has produced a poet friend of mine who seems a very interesting chap. It is a place I think I'd enjoy visiting someday.

True.
We have very good fishing and that is the main reason we do not want to join the EU, our econamy depends on it, and we will not allow other nations to fish as they please here and that is what would happen if we join the EU.
Who is your poet friend?

I know you have a lot of geothermal activity, that you hosted both Bobby Fischer's most famous chess match and the most famous Reagan vs. Gorbechev talks. Capital is Rejkyavik, arctic maritime climate, small horses, really old parliament called a "Thing" if I remember right, fish and fishing pretty popular, Sigur Ros and Bjork come from there, from what I hear petty theft makes front page news, prisoners are allowed to visit home on holidays, you host one of the foremost helicopter rescue squadrons in the world (U.S. Air Force), that a lot of Icelanders don't like that, home of Snorri Sturlsson, Icelandic is pretty much exactly Old Norse, the sagas are taught in schools, and that there is a special branch of your government devoted to linguistic purity and hence the word for computer translates as "number prophet."(I am a linguist, sorry) I hear prices are pretty high, the scenery is beautiful, the nightlife is crazy. All in all, it is #1 on my list of intended travel destinations.

I know that Icelandic is somewhat similar to Old English.

Well, not really. It's Old Norse, but in very few ways it can seem similar.

I know you have a lot of geothermal activity, that you hosted both Bobby Fischer's most famous chess match and the most famous Reagan vs. Gorbechev talks. Capital is Rejkyavik, arctic maritime climate, small horses, really old parliament called a "Thing" if I remember right, fish and fishing pretty popular, Sigur Ros and Bjork come from there, from what I hear petty theft makes front page news, prisoners are allowed to visit home on holidays, you host one of the foremost helicopter rescue squadrons in the world (U.S. Air Force), that a lot of Icelanders don't like that, home of Snorri Sturlsson, Icelandic is pretty much exactly Old Norse, the sagas are taught in schools, and that there is a special branch of your government devoted to linguistic purity and hence the word for computer translates as "number prophet."(I am a linguist, sorry) I hear prices are pretty high, the scenery is beautiful, the nightlife is crazy. All in all, it is #1 on my list of intended travel destinations.

Great!
Capital: Reykjavík
Thing: Althingi-Alþingi (IS)

Germany never wanted to "crush" Iceland.
It was independant for 300 years and then went into personal union with the Norwegian King and later in the Kalmar Union control went to the Danish King.
The Americans came here to "defend" Iceland but Icelandic government was in control, the Danes never had a say on that matter.

As I stated in a later post, I meant to say that Germany was going to crush Denmark.

Volcanic Island. While actually geographically quite nice, it was named Iceland to deter new settlers in much the same ways as Greenland was named to encourage them.
The language is the most similar modern language Old Norse, (though they certainly aren't mutually intelligible), and uses the characters Thorn and Eth, which i believe were adopted from Old English.
Oldest parliament in the world, the Althing.
Patro/Matronynimic surname system by law: e.g: Children whose father's name is Bjorn have the surname Bjornsson or Bjornsdottir for the son and daughter respectively. (Unless the mother's name is being used, which is fairly rare, i'm led to believe.)
Very keen on geothermally generated energy.
Old Norse religion survived much later here than other places, and even when Christianity finally dominated, people were allowed to practise their old religion ion the privacy fo their own homes for a time.

Norway is even further away from Iceland than Britain is from France. I think if Britian discovered they were invading Iceland and commiting serious resorces to it then the British would take the advantage of shooting out of the water lots of German troops and ships.

I know but they did control Norway and it was the best way to go to Iceland without clashing with the blockade near Scotland.
It was not really possible to hold Iceland if they would have done it and that is why they did not come here.

Well, not really. It's Old Norse, but in very few ways it can seem similar.

Ah. Well I don't know Icelandic or Old English, I was just repeating what somebody told me.

Norway is even further away from Iceland than Britain is from France. I think if Britian discovered they were invading Iceland and commiting serious resorces to it then the British would take the advantage of shooting out of the water lots of German troops and ships.

The problem is, the British were more paranoid about a possible German invasion of their home islands. They probably wouldn't have been willing to shift enough resources away, as it would have left them more vulnerable to an amphibious invasion. However, they would probably have taken the island back by the time they won the Battle of Britian, as it would have meant the Brits were surrounded on three sides by the Germans.

Volcanic Island. While actually geographically quite nice, it was named Iceland to deter new settlers in much the same ways as Greenland was named to encourage them.
The language is the most similar modern language Old Norse, (though they certainly aren't mutually intelligible), and uses the characters Thorn and Eth, which i believe were adopted from Old English.
Oldest parliament in the world, the Althing.
Patro/Matronynimic surname system by law: e.g: Children whose father's name is Bjorn have the surname Bjornsson or Bjornsdottir for the son and daughter respectively. (Unless the mother's name is being used, which is fairly rare, i'm led to believe.)
Very keen on geothermally generated energy.

Good!
"(though they certainly aren't mutually intelligible)"-What do you mean?

Icelandic letters: Áá Éé Íí Óó Þþ Ðð Öö Ææ Ýý

"(though they certainly aren't mutually intelligible)"-What do you mean?

Some people seem to act under the pretense that Icelanders can read Old Norse. I just put that in in case there was some confusion. Clarifying a point before it was brought up.

I've flown over it, Bjork is from there.

It is by all accounts a wonderful place and to be honest I would move there if somone picked up the bill.

By the way, how do Icelanders pronouce the y in, for example, Þrymskiða?

By the way, how do Icelanders pronouce the y in, for example, Þrymskiða?

We pronounce Y just like I, in Icelandic that is.
In English it would be ,i, like in invitation.

I know the national joke of Iceland.

At least, I know a joke that a friend of mine interpreted to be the national joke, since almost every person he met there tried to tell it to him.

"What do you do if you're lost in the Icelandic forest?"
<beat>
"Stand up."

I know the national joke of Iceland.

At least, I know a joke that a friend of mine interpreted to be the national joke, since almost every person he met there tried to tell it to him.

"What do you do if you're lost in the Icelandic forest?"
<beat>
"Stand up."

National joke? No it's probably a joke he heard from some drunk Icelanders.
They were just messing with him, but it is kind of funny the first time you hear it.

I know that Iceland is absolutely gorgeous, and I try and visit almost every summer since it is where I would LOVE to end up in a few years.

They were just messing with him, but it is kind of funny the first time you hear it.
Ha, I just sat there staring at that joke for almost a full minute wondering "Wait, why is that funny?"
Then I remembered, "Oh right! I'm an idiot and obvious things fly right over my head, and I get it now. Yay!"

I know that Iceland is absolutely gorgeous, and I try and visit almost every summer since it is where I would LOVE to end up in a few years.

Aerou, from Missouri or Minnesota or atleast M something so I am told Iceland is a long way from your state and if you would move here it would take some time to get use to it all but the majority of the poeple that move here like it and the ones that do not say it is too cold for them. But you would probably like it very much as you seem to know a litle about the land.
Did you win the vote?
So you have come here before?
Do you stay in Reykjavík or have you gone to the countryside?

The problem is, the British were more paranoid about a possible German invasion of their home islands. They probably wouldn't have been willing to shift enough resources away, as it would have left them more vulnerable to an amphibious invasion. However, they would probably have taken the island back by the time they won the Battle of Britian, as it would have meant the Brits were surrounded on three sides by the Germans.

The British did come here 1940, two ships, the name of one ship was Glasgow.

I know that Iceland is kickass, it rocks because Eve Online originates from there. Iceland RULES

Iceland is one of the genetic most homogenouse countries in the world.

So, North Island, can Icelanders read Old Norse?

I know that Iceland is kickass, it rocks because Eve Online originates from there. Iceland RULES

You like that game? Many do.
But thanks.

So, North Island, can Icelanders read Old Norse?

Yes.
At least I can do so.

Yes.
At least I can do so.That's what I thought. Someone above, who was managing to pull off sounding very authoritative, said that you couldn't. Thanks for the clarification.

What do I know about Iceland?

- Capital is Reykjavik
- Bjork and Sigur Ros come from there
- Is a part of Europe although Greenland belongs to N. America
- Has hot springs
- Located southeast of Greenland and northwest of Britain
- About the size of Greece

That's about it.

Eve online looks cool. Do I have to buy it in stores?

Eve online looks cool. Do I have to buy it in stores?

Here you do but I do not know how it is in other countrys. I should think you could buy it online.

The Germans couldnt invade Britain. How would they invade Iceland?
If it had remained part of Denmark then Germany wouldn't have had to invade! It would have automatically become an occupied territory just like Denmark. You are right that Germany couldn't have invaded it thergo why they gave it to the states...

If it had remained part of Denmark then Germany wouldn't have had to invade! It would have automatically become an occupied territory just like Denmark. You are right that Germany couldn't have invaded it thergo why they gave it to the states...

They could have invaded but that would have meant that the intire German fleet would have to hold it.
They did not give it to the America for it was not for them to give, you people do not seem to understand that we were in personal union with the King not Denmark and not the Danish people and that we were a free Kingdom at that time. We just had the same King that is all.

Here you do but I do not know how it is in other countrys. I should think you could buy it online.
But...but...but...I want to get it for free......I don't have a creditcard. :(

Aerou, from Missouri or Minnesota or atleast M something so I am told Iceland is a long way from your state and if you would move here it would take some time to get use to it all but the majority of the poeple that move here like it and the ones that do not say it is too cold for them. But you would probably like it very much as you seem to know a litle about the land.
Did you win the vote?
So you have come here before?
Do you stay in Reykjavík or have you gone to the countryside?

Missouri. But Poland orginally, the cold doesn't bother me :). I tied with Shaed (if thats the vote you mean). I've been to Iceland about 7 times, and I have stayed in Reykjavik 5 of the 7 times I've been to Iceland, and stayed with friends twice in Vik. Although Vik was rather small, it was incredibly serene and I could have stayed there forever and not cared, it was really peaceful.

Missouri. But Poland orginally, the cold doesn't bother me :). I tied with Shaed (if thats the vote you mean). I've been to Iceland about 7 times, and I have stayed in Reykjavik 5 of the 7 times I've been to Iceland, and stayed with friends twice in Vik. Although Vik was rather small, it was incredibly serene and I could have stayed there forever and not cared, it was really peaceful.

WSPANIAŁY,
Good Vík is great but you should next time go to the Easern Fjords (Reyðarfjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður etc.) and Hallormsstaðaskógur near Egilsstaðir (largest forest in Iceland).
Congratulations on the vote.
You just let me know if you want more information about Icelandic places to visit (the kind tourists do not get to see on those charter trips around Iceland) or the best places to have fun (partying) in Reykjavík.

Hmm you can download it as a bitTorent file. Whatever that is. At least they didn't ask my credit card number. But I guess they will want one once I create an account. *checks* Yep. 19,95 Euro's for an account.
Oh crap. And I need a minimum of 256 MB of memory. And I only have 224. :(

But...but...but...I want to get it for free......I don't have a creditcard. :(

Well I do not think it costs that much, Really. Just ask someone who has a card to lend you the money, he or she pays with the card and you pay him or her, or you could just go to your nearest pc store or something like that and ask them. Some times they can order it special for you.

Well I do not think it costs that much, Really. Just ask someone who has a card to lend you the money, he or she pays with the card and you pay him or her, or you could just go to your nearest pc store or something like that and ask them. Some times they can order it special for you.
First I need to upgrade my memory.

First I need to upgrade my memory.
Ye, have you seen this site? http://eve.is/
Check the Icelandic sites for further info, they are the first with news and info.

Does any one know something about the "Cod Wars"? If so let me know.

Capital: Reykjavik(something like that)
Its an island with hot springs I think. You're descendants of Vikings. People use your country as an example of how unperfect other countries are.

Capital: Reykjavik(something like that)
Its an island with hot springs I think. You're descendants of Vikings. People use your country as an example of how unperfect other countries aren't.

Aren't or are?

Ma bad..._

What do you know about Iceland?
Next to nothing. :(

Iceland. Speaks a language with insanely difficult grammar. I've been to Reykjavic once, and i loved it. I'm going back there some day soon.
Cool geysers, volcanoes and glaciers.

Great!

WSPANIAŁY,
Good Vík is great but you should next time go to the Easern Fjords (Reyðarfjörður, Fáskrúðsfjörður etc.) and Hallormsstaðaskógur near Egilsstaðir (largest forest in Iceland).
Congratulations on the vote.
You just let me know if you want more information about Icelandic places to visit (the kind tourists do not get to see on those charter trips around Iceland) or the best places to have fun (partying) in Reykjavík.

You'll have to show me around, my Icelandic friends in Vik are kind of....not very into going out. I'm actually heading back in June, I'm uber excited.

You'll have to show me around, my Icelandic friends in Vik are kind of....not very into going out. I'm actually heading back in June, I'm uber excited.
I am actually planning a trip in June. Maybe we'll run into each other. I mean, the country isn't that big, is it? ;)

I know that Iceland has one of the strictist quarantines of any country; any animal that leaves is forbiden re-entry.

I wanted to start this thread again.
So what do you know?

Is my country not known to anybody here?

As an Icelander I am curious to know what you know about my country?

If you have any questions about The Republic of Iceland feel free to ask me and I shall give you a n honest answer.

What do I know about Iceland? In all honesty, next to nothing. :(

Though, admittedly, I would be quite interested to learn. :)

Iceland rocks, I got 3 packets of Mars bar ice creams for the price of 2. Their stuff is all GM free as well.
http://www.iceland.co.uk

What do I know about Iceland? In all honesty, next to nothing. :(

Though, admittedly, I would be quite interested to learn. :)

Ask what you want. :)

Iceland rocks, I got 3 packets of Mars bar ice creams for the price of 2. Their stuff is all GM free as well.
http://www.iceland.co.uk/iceland/icehome.nsf/(websearch)/athomehome
Thats, emm...very funny he he

Umm. Before I read anymore to cheat.
Let's see, I seem to recall something about a large Bauxite exporting industry.

Bjork.

Geo-Thermal heat.

Birthplace of Asatru as a recognized religion

Last holdout of Viking paganism which finally made the transition for economic reasons with very little input from inquisitions or witchfinders.

Site of many Viking sagas, the point of which seem to be that the Viking court system essentially consisted of being charming enough to get friends to kill people who piss you off.

A regional food of shark which is dangled in a woodshed for 6 months until the natural anti freeze, enabling that particular breed of cold blooded fish to survive in the freezing waters, degrades leaving a rancid nasty fish meat that smells like bathroom cleaning products.

Appearantly very bad food.

Umm. Before I read anymore to cheat.
Let's see, I seem to recall something about a large Bauxite exporting industry.

Bjork.

Geo-Thermal heat.

Birthplace of Asatru as a recognized religion

Last holdout of Viking paganism which finally made the transition for economic reasons with very little input from inquisitions or witchfinders.

Site of many Viking sagas, the point of which seem to be that the Viking court system essentially consisted of being charming enough to get friends to kill people who piss you off.

A regional food of shark which is dangled in a woodshed for 6 months until the natural anti freeze, enabling that particular breed of cold blooded fish to survive in the freezing waters, degrades leaving a rancid nasty fish meat that smells like bathroom cleaning products.

Appearantly very bad food.

Ásatrú - We still use that religion very much, Christianity is more a cover.
Alþingi - First parliment/congress in the world and in the Vikingage you had to have a solid case for the Lögréttumenn (Leaders and members of Alþingi). We had no execusion penalty but we could make men "Réttdræpa" and "Útlaga", that is to say you were outlawd and it was legal to kill them if you wished to.
Icelandic Food - Well people outside of Iceland do not seem to like our food but have you tasted it? I recomend that you taste this - Harðfiskur, Hangikjöt, Hvalakjöt and Slátur. Oh and just to be clear we do not use Anti Freeze on the shark meat, we urinate on it. We also have something calld Saltfiskur, it's a fish that is salted and put in the ground for 6 months and then we eat it, foreigners DO NOT LIKE THAT but its good and you better have "Brennivín" ready to drink.

Ásatrú - We still use that religion very much, Christianity is more a cover.
Alþingi - First parliment/congress in the world and you in the Vikingage you had to have a solid case for the Lögréttumenn (Leaders and members of Alþingi).
Icelandic Food - Well people outside of Iceland do not seem to like our food but have you tasted it? I recomend that you taste this - Harðfiskur, Hangikjöt, Hvalakjöt and Slátur. Oh and just to be clear we do not use Anti Freeze on the shark meat, we urinate on it.

Ahem. Are you sure you're from Iceland?

Ahem. Are you sure you're from Iceland?

YES I AM SURE

What is your point?

you do not urinate on the shark

you want to join the eu

old english is very much akin to icelandic

Whalemeat is entirely disgusting (unless served in very thin slices and served with relish of mustard, ginger and horseradish)

No, I do not have a point, just mouthing off :)

I know they had the right idea about protecting their fisheries for their own people! And brought about the 200 mile limit for territorial waters. Shame the UK did not then follow suit but gave it's fish to the rest of Europe!

you do not urinate on the shark

you want to join the eu

old english is very much akin to icelandic

Whalemeat is entirely disgusting (unless served in very thin slices and served with relish of mustard, ginger and horseradish)

No, I do not have a point, just mouthing off :)

We do not want to join the EU, NEVER!!!!
Old English is not like Icelandic but it is kind of close, yes.
Some farmers urinate on shark meat, what would you know about it?
Whalemeat is good plain just give it a try.

(Not looking at all the prior posts to avoid any conmtamination.)

I've seen some real beauties from Iceland.
Bjork is Icelandic (but not one opf the beauties IMO).
Serious drinking culture, like most Nordic countries.
Sagas.
Erik the Red and Leif Erikson.
Patronyms.
Oldest continuous democracy
Strong womens rights (stemming from Nordic laws)
volcanos and hot springs
Reagan and Gorby
Tom Clancy's Red Storm Rising took place there, in part
Long nights
WWII battle of the Atlantic
Reykjavik
Whaling
The GIUK line of sonar
Icelandic is the closest living language to Anglo-Saxon/Old English

Whalemeat is good plain just give it a try.

I did, at least here in Japan. I didn't know what it was at the time - just another bit of sashimi. It was OK, but not great.

Oh, and add me to the list who want to visit.

Iceland, Beijing, Greeenland, Madagascar, and Alice Springs are the among the top places I wanted to see as a kid that I haven't yet visited.

As an Icelander I am curious to know what you know about my country?

If you have any questions about The Republic of Iceland feel free to ask me and I shall give you a n honest answer.

I know there is a NATO base at Keflavik(exuse my spelling), there is no organized military except for harbor patrols and police, some of the Icelanders know how to party at all hours of the night (even though the sun is up) its rocky and barren for the most part with volcanic rocks about.

* For legal purposes "I know" also can be read as "I think I know" or "I believe"
**I have answered without having read the rest of the thread except for post #2 which i could not avoid.

Iceland is a small, introverted, backward U.S. protectorate in the North Atlantic, which subsists on fishing - like Norway, but worse. The island has been first inhabited by Norse pirates in the Middle Ages, and then run over first by the Viking robbers and then by the Americans, who now keep the island as a base for bomber jets. The land is extremely inhospitable, as volcanic land, mountains and glaciers cover most of its area, making it unsuitable for agriculture. No railway lines nor roads cannot be built, because lava flows and earthquakes destroy them quickly, so the small settlements live isolated from each other, susceptible to inbreeding. The inland is almost uninhabited with only a few pathetic settlements of nomads living with horses here and there. Most people live in the small towns of Rövejafit and Åkyråyri, which is the U.S. base.

The same imagined moral and racial superiority that plagues the Nordic-language-speaking peoples is rampant: the government is utopian socialist, taxes are record-high, and getting rich is outlawed. For example, alcohol is extremely expensive due to government interference. Nevertheless, the cultural life consists mostly of heavy drinking and fighting anyway.

The language is a degenerate, slurred form of Old Norse. It has no written form, and in school, children learn to write in Danish instead. Danish was the previous colonial language. Today, it's English, which gaining momentum among the youth, so that the next generation is unlikely to speak any Icelandic at all.

Like Norway, Iceland refuses to join the EU. Joining the EU would mean forbidding the sale of the fish tainted by radioactive poisons leaked from the Russian nuclear submarines. As the country subsists on this fish, it cannot outlaw it. Moreover, joining the EU would mean the end to the many of the government's ruling practices. Vessels going close to the territorial waters of Iceland should be careful, because the Socialist government forces are known to seize ships.

Hmm... what do I know of Iceland...

Well, you are a fellow member nation of the Nordic Council. Your capital is Reykjavik. The population of the country is somewhere between 200 000 - 300 000. A substantial number of the people live in and around the capital. The Icelandic language is a less altered form of the original Norse language, in fact, it has remained relatively pure up right until now; I believe an Icelandic person can easily read the Viking sagas still now. Your currency is the crown, and inflation can sometimes be a problem in Iceland. Iceland, I believe, is within NATO, but is not a member of EU. I believe USA has a military prescene, Iceland has not got a military.

I have no idea who is currently the Prime Minister or President (Arnur Grimsson?) is. I know that one of the major parties is Independence Party, and that David Oddsson was Primeminister until recently.

Icelanders generally do not have surnames, instead the traditional Norse system of names. So, if you're called Thomas and have a son and daughter called Mikael and Martina, there Icelandic surnames would be Mikael Thomasson and Martina Thomasdottir or something like this.

Also, you have lots of thermal springs, and much public heating and electricity is naturally powered.

That's just about all my knowledge on this exhausted. Please point out the errors!

As an Icelander I am curious to know what you know about my country?

If you have any questions about The Republic of Iceland feel free to ask me and I shall give you a n honest answer.

American F-15s were stationed there for the longest time. IIRC, most of them have been removed.

Cold weather, volcanic activity, hot springs. Very, very few people live there (around 300,000), but most of them in and around the capital - most of the island is uninhabited.

Read the Gisli Saga when I was in college. Probably not the most seminal work of Iceland, but it was translated into English, so I read it.

Only 300 000 inhabitants.

Isn't that were the Vikings tossed their retarded offspring? :P

Just know the basics.

Hey!

I have heard of a drink called "Black Death" or it was bad translation. It's clear and made there. What is it?

Black Death is a sweet vodka from Luxemburg, made of sugar beets and it is rather sweet.

As an Icelander I am curious to know what you know about my country?

If you have any questions about The Republic of Iceland feel free to ask me and I shall give you a n honest answer.
Your the second Icelander who asked me this... and I don't meet a lot of Icelanders. Be more confident of your country. ;)

i know it was first settled by vikings like eric the red who was exiled and went to greenland. His son Lief ericson discovered america.

:upyours: Columbus.

Iceland is a small, introverted, backward U.S. protectorate in the North Atlantic, which subsists on fishing - like Norway, but worse. The island has been first inhabited by Norse pirates in the Middle Ages, and then run over first by the Viking robbers and then by the Americans, who now keep the island as a base for bomber jets. The land is extremely inhospitable, as volcanic land, mountains and glaciers cover most of its area, making it unsuitable for agriculture. No railway lines nor roads cannot be built, because lava flows and earthquakes destroy them quickly, so the small settlements live isolated from each other, susceptible to inbreeding. The inland is almost uninhabited with only a few pathetic settlements of nomads living with horses here and there. Most people live in the small towns of Rövejafit and Åkyråyri, which is the U.S. base.

The same imagined moral and racial superiority that plagues the Nordic-language-speaking peoples is rampant: the government is utopian socialist, taxes are record-high, and getting rich is outlawed. For example, alcohol is extremely expensive due to government interference. Nevertheless, the cultural life consists mostly of heavy drinking and fighting anyway.

The language is a degenerate, slurred form of Old Norse. It has no written form, and in school, children learn to write in Danish instead. Danish was the previous colonial language. Today, it's English, which gaining momentum among the youth, so that the next generation is unlikely to speak any Icelandic at all.

Like Norway, Iceland refuses to join the EU. Joining the EU would mean forbidding the sale of the fish tainted by radioactive poisons leaked from the Russian nuclear submarines. As the country subsists on this fish, it cannot outlaw it. Moreover, joining the EU would mean the end to the many of the government's ruling practices. Vessels going close to the territorial waters of Iceland should be careful, because the Socialist government forces are known to seize ships.

...

Shocked? This is the exact same way the Uralic peoples are usually depicted. (For example, go read descriptions about the Sámi, Nenets, Karelians, Ingrians, Izhorans, Mordvins, the Mari and so on.) The only defence is international co-operation by an independent state. This is impossible for Iceland, because it is not independent and does not and will not co-operate internationally.
interesting

Sjálfstæðisflokkurinn is the funniest word ever.

Let me try to pronounce it with English spelling.

Syalf-st-eye-this-flok-koo-ren.

What I know about Iceland prior to reading this thread...


I remember reading somewhere that Icelanders are the least depressed people in the world.

Volcanic

3 months of total lightness in summer, 3 months of darkness in winter

Hot springs

Bjork is from there


That's about it.

Any country of less than 300,000 people that can produce musicians of the caliber of Björk, Múm and Sigur Rós within a mere 20 years surely must rule*!











*200 miles radius of fishing waters

Fischer-Spassky, 1972. I had a book about that, once. Didn't learn much about iceland from it, though.