Good to know

Iceland has a population of around 390.000 inhabitants.

About 67.000 ,17% of those living in Iceland are foreign nationals.

People in Iceland live generally along Iceland’s coastline. The interior of the country, the Central Highlands are primarily uninhabitable.

The majority of the population ,65% reside in the capital region. The capital city of Iceland is called Reykjavík.

Iceland‘s currency is called Íslenska Krónan (Icelandic Krona), ISK for short.

The most common form of payment used in Iceland is via credit and debit cards. Note that American Express is not accepted everywhere.

Iceland has a mixed economy with high levels of free trade and government intervention. The economy is driven by three main pillars:

• Revenues generated through tourism
• Export of marine products (fishing)
• Export of manufacturing products (aluminium)

There are 16 public holidays annually in Iceland.

In addition to public holidays, there are also other feasts and traditions which are celebrated throughout Iceland. Click here to learn more.

Icelandic dining features traditional foods that have been a part of Icelander’s diets for centuries.

Iceland is known for high quality seafood being that fishing has always been fundamental part of the country´s history and culture.

Icelandic sheep are bred for meat and are known for quality and remain one of the purest and most protected species in the world. Icelandic lamb is one of many cherished Icelandic food traditions. Find restaurants nearby that serve quality Icelandic lamb on this interactive map.

Iceland is also know for protein rich dairy products such as Skyr, which is mentioned in a medieval Icelandic sagas, including Egil’s saga and Grettis saga.

Vegetarian and vegan dining has become increasingly popular. In Iceland vegetables are grown year round using green energy, pure spring water, and free from chemical pollution. More about The Greenhouse Revolution here.

Find more information here to learn more about Icelandic food.

To Find restaurants in Iceland click here.

The average work week is 35 – 36 hours, including lunch time and breaks. Iceland has high labour market participation rates and low rates of unemployment. Iceland is known for having strong collective bargaining agreements based on traditions for unions and worker’s rights.

For more information on workers‘ rights you can visit Work in Iceland and The Icelandic Confederation of Labour‘s website.

All workers pay into a collective pension fund. Workers also make membership payments to unions, enabling them to enjoy the rights, such as educational grants and holiday cottages. For more info on pension funds and unions click here.

Iceland‘s official language is Icelandic.

The majority of people also speak English.

Iceland has grown into an intercultural nation where many languages are spoken.

On haefni.is you can find a list of common vocabulary used in tourism. The glossary is in three languages: Icelandic, English and Polish.

Iceland is a parliamentary democratic republic.

Parliamentary elections are held every four years, where 63 members are elected. Local elections for Municipalities are also held every four years.

Iceland‘s parliament is called Alþingi (located in central Reykjavík) and is the oldest formally recognized parliament in the world.

Local laws

Iceland has relatively low crime rates, but it’s good to know some basic laws to be mindful of.

Always carry an ID, such as your drivers licence, residency card, or a copy of your passport.

Penalties for drug offences are severe. Even possession of a small amount of drugs can attract heavy fines or jail sentences.

Penalties for driving infringements are severe and include heavy fines, jail, or even deportation in serious cases.

Iceland is a member of the Schengen Agreement, meaning travellers from EU and EES/EFTA countries are exempt from border controls. Residents of Schengen country’s can stay in Iceland for 90 days without applying for a visa.

Visitors coming from outside the Schengen area need to present a valid passport upon arrival (valid for at least three months beyond the date of entry). Some people might need to have a visa to enter the country here is an interactive portal to access information about who need a visa to enter Iceland.