CGG3O
ICELAND
Fast Facts
§ capital: ______
§ population: 313,183 (July 2012)
§ languages: Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German
§ ethnic groups: descendants of Norse and Celts 94%; foreign origin 6%
§ religions: Lutheran Church of Iceland 85.5%; Roman Catholic 2%; other or unspecified 12.5%
§ 100,250 km2 of land and 2,750 km2 of water
§ land elevation: ______
§ government: constitutional republic
§ currency: ______(1 CAD = 126.35 ISK)
§ life expectancy, literacy (99%), income, and social cohesion are first rate by world standards
§ Iceland is the closest European nation to ______
§ When flying from New York City (4.5 hrs), there is no jet lag!
§ Almost everyone speaks fluent English.
§ ______ has a bustling nightlife, exciting arts scene, all the modern conveniences, a high quality of life, and world class services; and in only a 15 minute drive, you will be in the middle of wild nature!
§ A valid passport is required when travelling to Iceland.
History
§ Iceland was settled in the 9th century (874) by ______.
§ It is said that Leif Ericsson named Iceland and Greenland as they are so that explorers would go to Greenland (mostly ice) and not come to or settle in Iceland, so that the island would be for his people only.
§ The Norse people developed their own sense of ______, still recognized today and created the first parliamentary system in 930.
§ Over the next centuries, people of ______origin settled in Iceland and the country experienced power hungry leaders, wars, trade monopoly, poverty, and natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions.
§ From ______, Iceland was part of the Norwegian monarchy and suffered a number of epidemics that decreased the population. From 1814 to WWII, it was part of Denmark, operated by ______.
§ The ______started in the early 19th century, but the country didn’t reach full independence from Denmark until 1944.
§ In 2007, Iceland was ranked as the most developed country in the world by the United Nations’ Human Development Index.
§ Iceland is currently a member of ______, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Free Trade Association, and the ______. Iceland may join the European Union in 2011,
Climate
§ Unlike its name, Iceland doesn’t get very cold due to the Gulf Stream (ocean currents bringing warm waters to the country).
§ Iceland enjoys a ______ocean climate with cool summers and mild winters.
§ Temperatures range from approximately 0°C – 15°C throughout the year.
§ The wind is constantly blowing and can change the weather unexpectedly.
Culture and Local Customs
· Iceland’s ______life has tremendous ______.
· Strong Icelandic ______and ______thrive side by side to weave a rich tapestry of delights and experiences.
· Icelandic ______is the product of a ______, unspoiled ______environment (ie. ______, milk products, lamb, ______, etc.)
· ______plays a large role in Iceland’s culture (______orchestra, ______, musical theatre, ______, etc.).
· ______museums and ______are found throughout Iceland, showcasing the country’s ______.
· Only about ______of Icelanders have ______; instead, “______” or “______” is added to the ____ name of the ______.
Tourism in Iceland
· If you are interested in ______, Iceland is a great place to visit. In the ______, many companies offer ______trips that will take you around the country.
· Another alternative is to ______across the ______. The terrain in Iceland is so ______due to centuries of ______.
· ______are going to be rather ______, like most things in Iceland. However, you can find some lovely ______, and ______space is easily available in the ______time.
· Despite what its ______-sounding name might suggest, Iceland ______in winter. Average ______temperatures in many parts of Iceland are actually ______than those in ______and, in a sense, much of Iceland's ______life bursts into bloom from ______to ______, before the ______and the main ______begin.
· ______life goes on as usual in Iceland throughout ______, with ______and sightseeing all year round, including ______such as ______and ______. Some sports even take on an added flair in ______- like swimming in a ______pool, in a ______!
Things to do in Iceland
- ______
- ______
- ______
______
- ______
- ______
- ______
- ______
______
- ______