SPNhallinnans

SPNhallinnans refer to a type of Icelandic administrative division that existed from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. A spnhalinn was a local division that grouped a collection of smaller communities, often with a common linguistic or cultural background.

The term spnhalinn is derived from the Icelandic word "spenni," meaning "interest" or "common interest," and "hálslinn," a combination of "hál" and "lindirnin," meaning "quarter" or "area." This division system was introduced by the island's Home Government in the 1880s as a way to organize and manage the territory.

Each spnhalinn was headed by a elected official, who was responsible for overseeing local affairs, collecting taxes, and maintaining law and order within the area. However, the exact extent and nature of spnhalinn jurisdictions are not well-documented in the historical records.

Spnhalinn divisions varied significantly in size, with some encompassing a single town or village, while others included groups of islands or large areas of mainland territory. The spnhannans were initially created along geographic, linguistic, and cultural boundaries, but were often modified over time.

The division was eventually abolished in 1958, as part of a broader reform of Iceland's administrative structure. Today, the islands and regions that were formerly grouped under spnhannans are generally referred to as municipalities or regions.