Interesting Iceland Facts
Iceland is an island country located in Northern Europe where it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Norwegian Sea. It covers 103,000 km2 of land. The estimated overall population of Iceland is thought to be more than 335,025.
Find out interesting Iceland facts and information about this European country with our fact file for kids. Identify important facts about the geography, landscape, landmarks, flag, population, size, continent, language, people, culture, climate, currency and location of Iceland.
Find out important information about Europe with our interesting Iceland facts for kids based on questions such as: What continent is Iceland in? What is the main language of Iceland? What famous landmarks are there in Iceland? What color is the flag of Iceland? What are the major cities of Iceland?
Iceland Fact File: Continent: Europe * Country Name(s): Iceland * Location: Northern Europe * Bordering: the Atlantic Ocean and Norwegian Sea * Capital City: Reykjaik * Size: 103,000 km2 * Estimated Population: over 335,025 * Currency: Icelandic króna (ISK) * Language(s): Icelandic * Country Code: +354
Interesting Iceland Facts for Kids
Interesting Facts for Kids 1: Size & location facts
Iceland forms part of the continent of Europe, it is classed as an island country and is positioned in the Atlantic Ocean and Norwegian Sea in Northern Europe. Iceland, along with Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, form the Nordic countries. There are seven continents in the world: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania). Europe is the world's second smallest continent, it has 51 countries, with some countries belonging to both Europe and Asia. It occupies a total area of 10,180,000 km2 and forms 6.8% of the landmass of the world. Iceland is an island country that spans across a total area of approximately 103,000 km2. It is smaller than all the other Nordic countries, excluding Denmark. Iceland forms part of the Nordic countries together with Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland.
Interesting Facts for Kids 2: Population facts
The population of this European country is over 335,025 people. The majority of Iceland's inhabitants reside in Reykjaik which is the country's most populous city. Iceland has a low population when compared to most other countries across the world, its overall population density is approximately 3 people per sq km. The estimated population of Europe is approximately 738,442,000 inhabitants, making it the continent with the second smallest population in the world. The continents in order of population, starting with highest population first, are: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia (Oceania Region) and Antarctica. The total population of the entire world is in excess of 7.6 billion people.
Interesting Facts for Kids 3: Capital & major cities
The capital of Iceland is Reykjaik. The names of other major cities located in this country are Kopavogur, Hafnarfjordur, Akureyri, Garðabaer and Mosfellsbaer.
Interesting Facts for Kids 4: Country borders
The following details provide a guide to Iceland's approximate border lengths:
Coastline 4,970 km.
Interesting Facts for Kids 5: Climate and geography facts
The climate of Iceland can be defined as temperate, with windy conditions and mild temperatures characterizing the winter months, and cool temperatures and damp conditions defining the summer season. The North Atlantic Current helps to moderate the climate. The geography of Iceland comprises majorly of plateau and mountainous regions, and ice fields with coastal areas indented by fiords and bays. The land areas covered by glaciers are fast retreating. The four biggest glaciers in Iceland are Vatnajokull, Langjokull, Hofsjokull, and Myrdalsjokull. Much of Iceland's land is formed of recent volcanic origin. The lowest point of Iceland is the Atlantic Ocean at 0m, and the highest point of elevation is Hvannadalshnukur at 2,110m.
Interesting Facts for Kids 6: Natural Resources of Iceland
Natural resources are materials and substances that can be found occurring naturally on Earth. Natural resources are very important across the world, and can be exploited for economic gain. An individual country's natural resources can depend on many factors including the climate, geography and location. Some countries, such as Russia, The United States, Saudi Arabia and Canada, are rich with natural resources, where as others have practically none. Food, transport and construction are three of the primary uses of natural resources. For example, fish is a naturally occurring resource that can be caught for food consumption. Crude oils can be refined into different types of fuels in order to power vehicles/cars. Wood/timber from forests can be used to build homes and furniture. The natural resources of Iceland include fish, hydropower (water power), geothermal power (heat energy generated and stored in the Earth) and diatomite.
Interesting Facts for Kids 7: Language facts
The official language of Iceland is Icelandic. German, English and Nordic languages are also spoken throughout this country.
Interesting Facts for Kids 8: Religion facts
The main religion of Iceland is Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland at approximately 69% of the population. Around 3% are Roman Catholic, 2% Reykjavik Free Church and 2% Hafnarfjorour Free Church. The remaining population either belongs to other religions or no religion at all.
Interesting Facts for Kids 9: Symbols of Iceland
Each country across the world has its own unique culture, history and identity. Flags, emblems, symbols, colors, mottos, anthems and songs are used to symbolize the pride and individuality of a nation. These national symbols are forged through a nation's unique history and can represent both hardship and prosperity, embodying freedom, strength and unity. Flags, emblems, colors, songs and mottos reflect the past, present and future aspirations of a country, and create an important image to the rest of the world. National symbols can include a mixture of things that are symbolic to a nation such as wildlife, plants, geographical features, crops, tools of agriculture, and tools of war. The following facts depict some of the national symbols, songs and colors that are important to Iceland:
National symbol(s): gyrfalcon
National colors: blue, white and red
National Anthem/Song: Lofsongur (Translation: Song of Praise)
National Holiday(s): Independence Day, 17 June (1944)