Metrakerfið

Metrakerfið, also known as the Icelandic System of Weights and Measures, was established in Iceland by a law enacted in 1910. This system aimed to standardize measurement units across the country, aligning them with international standards. Prior to Metrakerfið, various local and foreign units of measurement were in use, leading to confusion and trade difficulties. The introduction of this system was part of a broader effort to modernize Icelandic infrastructure and economic practices.

The system adopted metric units, which were becoming the global standard for science, industry, and trade. This included meters for length, grams for mass, and liters for volume. The implementation involved a transition period where older units were gradually phased out. Education and public awareness campaigns were crucial in ensuring the adoption of the new system by the general population and businesses.

Metrakerfið played a significant role in facilitating international trade for Iceland and improving the accuracy and efficiency of domestic transactions and scientific endeavors. Its establishment marked a crucial step towards integrating Iceland into the global economy and scientific community through the adoption of universally recognized standards. The system remains the foundation of measurement in Iceland today.