þingi

Þingi is the Old Norse and Icelandic term for a formal assembly or parliamentary gathering. The word derives from Proto-Germanic *þingą, meaning an assembly or meeting, and is the root of related terms in other Germanic languages (such as the English word thing). In Icelandic, þingi denotes a legislative assembly, while the national parliament is called Alþingi, literally the All-Thing.

Alþingi, Iceland’s national parliament, was established in 930 CE at Þingvellir as a general assembly of free men to create laws, settle disputes, and oversee legal matters. It is regarded as the oldest continuous parliamentary institution in the world. For much of its history it met at Thingvellir, but it was suspended in 1798 by Danish authorities and reestablished in Reykjavík in 1845. It gained home-rule status in 1904 and full independence with the establishment of the republic in 1944.

Today Alþingi is a unicameral legislature with 63 members elected for four-year terms by proportional representation. Its primary functions are to pass laws, approve the state budget, and oversee the executive branch. The President of Iceland serves as head of state in a largely ceremonial role, while the Prime Minister is the head of government. The presiding officer in the chamber is the Forseti Alþingis (Speaker of the Parliament).

Outside Iceland, the term þingi historically referred to assemblies in Norse culture, and appears in place names such as Þingvellir. It is cognate with related Nordic terms and with the English word thing, reflecting a common Germanic heritage.