Islandia

Islandia, known in English as Iceland, is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic. It has a small population and a landscape shaped by volcanoes, geysers, lava fields and glaciers. The area is about 103,000 square kilometers, and the capital is Reykjavik. Icelandic is the official language; English is widely spoken.

Islandia is a constitutional republic with a parliamentary system. The president is largely ceremonial, while the prime minister leads the government. The unicameral Althing has 63 members. The country gained independence from Denmark in 1944 and is a member of NATO, the European Economic Area and the Schengen Area.

The economy relies on fishing and fish processing, with growing contributions from tourism, services and energy-intensive industries. Iceland's abundant geothermal and hydroelectric power provides cheap electricity and supports industry. Tourism focuses on natural attractions such as volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs, while the country maintains a high standard of living.

Geographically, Islandia lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, with volcanic systems and dramatic coastlines. The climate is cool subarctic to temperate, moderated by the Gulf Stream; winters are mild relative to latitude, and daylight varies greatly across seasons.

History notes settlement in the 9th century by Norse and Celtic peoples, the era of the sagas, union with Norway and Denmark, and the 1944 declaration of a republic. Modern Islandia emphasizes education, cultural production and environmental stewardship.