🇮🇸map Iceland [Overview]

Iceland, known in Icelandic as Ísland, sits isolated in the North Atlantic between Greenland and Norway, just below the Arctic Circle. Most people live in and around Reykjavík on the southwest coast, with smaller towns sprinkled along the dramatic shoreline and fjords. The country’s population is just under 400,000, giving it one of the lowest population densities in Europe, yet it runs on robust infrastructure and a high standard of living. A fun cultural thread runs through everyday life: Icelanders still trace stories and place-names to the sagas, and many families can recite lines from medieval poetry as if it were yesterday’s news.

Travelers notice quickly how the landscape shapes life: volcanoes, glaciers, and geothermal fields are everywhere, and the weather changes on a dime. Roads are excellent, but distances can feel long, so locals plan errands and weekend trips with the forecast in mind. Daily routines are modern and tech-forward—contactless payments are ubiquitous, English is widely spoken, and coffee culture is serious—yet the country’s identity remains closely tied to the sea and self-reliance. Reykjavík feels like a small creative capital: street art, bookshops, and cozy cafés are part of the rhythm, and public spaces are kept tidy and well-loved.

Economy

Iceland’s economy leans on a few sturdy pillars: fisheries and fish processing, energy-intensive industries powered by abundant geothermal and hydropower, and a sophisticated services sector that includes tourism, tech, finance, and creative industries. Fishing and fish products are still core export earners, while locally produced dairy and lamb remain staples; grain and many consumer goods are imported. Greenhouse farming harnesses geothermal heat to grow vegetables year-round, and the clean-energy grid has attracted data centers and specialized manufacturing. People generally work in urban, service-oriented roles, though many families maintain strong ties to coastal and rural communities.

Despite its remoteness, Iceland is well connected. Keflavík International Airport serves as the main hub between North America and Europe, and air links keep the island plugged into global business and tourism flows. Iceland participates in European and transatlantic institutions, trades extensively with Nordic neighbors and the EU, and coordinates closely with Western partners on standards and security. Digital connectivity is excellent, making remote work straightforward for many professionals. For expatriates, the business environment is pragmatic, English-friendly, and collaborative, with a premium on reliability and direct communication.

Culture

Icelandic is the dominant language, cherished for its continuity with the medieval sagas, and you’ll see it on signs, in literature, and on national broadcasts. Most Icelanders also speak fluent English, and many learn Danish or other Nordic languages in school. The population historically blends Norse and Celtic roots, a mix that shows up in place-names, folklore, and genetic studies, and the sense of national identity is shaped by centuries of living with the sea, isolation, and a tough climate. Modern life is comfortable and egalitarian, and there’s a visible pride in civic spaces and social supports like education and healthcare.

People are avid readers, heavy coffee drinkers, and enthusiastic swimmers in year-round geothermal pools. Cultural life centers on music, literature, and festivals, with a thriving indie scene and a strong tradition of writers and poets. The religious landscape is led by the Evangelical Lutheran Church, alongside other Christian groups and a secular population that’s grown in recent decades. Public holidays highlight both heritage and community—Independence Day on 17 June brings parades and concerts, the midwinter festival Þorrablót revives old foods and storytelling, and summer weekends fill with music festivals and town fairs. Whether you’re in a Reykjavík café or a small harbor town, the vibe is welcoming, self-sufficient, and quietly proud.

Liam
Liam is an international business advisor and expatriate consultant originally from Dublin, Ireland, with over 16 years of experience in European, Middle Eastern, and Asia-Pacific markets. Having worked for major global consulting firms and managed corporate relocations across the UK, Ireland, UAE, and Oceania, Liam has extensive experience helping professionals navigate international assignments in English-speaking markets and key business hubs. His background includes facilitating moves for both European professionals expanding globally and international talent relocating to the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and the Gulf region.