Iceland: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Iceland

Iceland is an island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean, just south of the Arctic Circle. It is a land of volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs and waterfalls. It is known for the northern lights, geysers and puffins.

About Reykjavík

Reykjavík lies on Faxaflói Bay in southwest Iceland and is the northernmost capital of an independent country. It is known for Hallgrímskirkja church, Harpa concert hall and its colourful houses.

Fun facts about Iceland

1. The English word "geyser" comes from Geysir, a famous hot spring in Iceland.
2. Iceland sits right on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where two of Earth's tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart.
3. Iceland has hundreds of volcanoes, with about 30 active volcanic systems.
4. Iceland's parliament, the Althing, traces its roots to an assembly founded in the year 930.
5. Hot water from underground heats almost all the buildings in Reykjavík.
6. Vatnajökull, one of Europe's largest ice caps, covers about 8 per cent of Iceland.