Iceland
Iceland
Iceland, after Great Britain, is Europe’s second-largest island. It enjoys intense geothermal and volcanic activity, located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in the North Atlantic Ocean east of Greenland, just south of the Arctic Circle. It lies approximately 4,200 km from New York and 830 km from Scotland.
Etymology –
The name Iceland derives from the Old Norse Ísland, literally “land of ice.” The origin of the name is attributed to the Viking navigator Flóki Vilgerðarson, who, upon arriving on the island in the 9th century, was impressed by the glacial landscape and decided to name it thus. The etymology still reflects the island’s natural duality: imposing glaciers coexisting with active volcanoes and hot springs.
Geographical Characteristics –
Located in the North Atlantic, between Greenland and Norway, Iceland lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian plates are moving apart. This positioning makes it a geologically young and highly unstable landmass, characterized by frequent volcanic eruptions, geysers, and intense seismic activity.
With a surface area of approximately 103,000 km², it is home to vast ice caps—including Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier—as well as vast lava fields, deep fjords, and rugged coastlines. The climate is oceanic and subarctic, tempered by the Gulf Stream.
Historical Notes –
The first permanent settlements date back to the Viking Age, around 870 AD. In 930, the Alþingi, one of the world’s oldest functioning parliaments, was founded. In the following centuries the island came under Norwegian and Danish influence, until it gained full independence in 1944. Icelandic history is also marked by natural events of enormous impact, such as the Laki eruption (1783–1784), which had global climatic and social repercussions.
Ecosystem –
The Icelandic ecosystem is fragile and shaped by extreme climate conditions and geographic isolation. The natural forests were almost completely destroyed by early settlers, leaving room for tundra and heathland. However, the island represents an open-air laboratory for observing the balance between volcanic activity, glaciers, and Arctic biodiversity.
Flora –
Icelandic vegetation is dominated by mosses, lichens, heather, and dwarf shrubs. Small birch forests are found mainly in the southern regions. In recent decades, reforestation programs have introduced conifers and Nordic tree species in an effort to combat soil erosion and climate change.
Fauna –
Terrestrial fauna is limited, with a few native species such as the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus). Avian fauna is much richer: puffins, Arctic terns, and greylag geese nest in large numbers along the coasts. The surrounding waters are home to seals, whales, orcas, and cod, making fishing a key historical resource for the Icelandic economy.
Environmental protection actions –
Iceland is a pioneer in sustainability policies. Over 80% of the country’s energy needs come from renewable sources, particularly geothermal and hydroelectric energy. Active programs are in place to protect glaciers, reforest, and protect marine species. Ecotourism is promoted as a sustainable alternative to mass tourism, with the aim of preserving fragile ecosystems and raising awareness among visitors and citizens about environmental protection.
Guido Bissanti