It’s complicated, we all know. Iceland is the one with greenery (although principally moss and shrubs over a brutal, stunning tundra panorama); Greenland is the one with ice. Iceland is an unbiased, sovereign nation, whereas Greenland is a constituent nation of Denmark.
Let us demystify the misty isle of Iceland for you, and, within the course of, present you why it needs to be your subsequent European vacation spot.
Iceland is likely one of the Least Densely Populated Countries within the World
Iceland has a complete landmass of 102,775 sqm, however solely a inhabitants of simply 357,040. To put it in a different way, if you happen to have been to divide the island equally amongst all of the individuals, every individual could be entitled to three.5 km2, or about 655 soccer fields, to themselves!
While some individuals would possibly discover such a small inhabitants claustrophobic, we expect in any other case. It makes us really feel extra like we’re visiting the residents of Serangoon and Hougang (which add as much as about 360,000 individuals), which permits us to attach on a deeper and extra intimate stage with the residents of Iceland. Sure, you’ll be able to lose your self within the crowd of Times Square, however in Iceland, you’re extra more likely to lose your self within the heat of a home-cooked dinner, ready by an Icelander.
Iceland is Not as Cold as You Think
Even although Iceland lies extremely close to the Arctic Circle and Reykjavik, its capital metropolis, has a latitude that is likely one of the highest amongst all cities, it’s—opposite to standard perception (brought on by, we don’t know, possibly its identify?)—Iceland isn’t encased in ice completely, neither is it as chilly as many European and American cities.
This is as a result of Iceland is warmed by the Gulf Stream, a heat ocean present that brings to Iceland crisp summers and cosy winters, giving it a temperate, not arctic, local weather. The temperature in Iceland averages about 3 levels Celsius in winter and 12 levels Celsius in summer time, making it way more snug than someplace like New York, the place it will probably drop to unfavourable 3 levels Celsius in winter.
Iceland Runs Almost Entirely on Green Energy
The coming ecological collapse worrying you? Massive carbon footprints generated by flying placing you off abroad journey? Well, visiting Iceland is one technique to have your cake and eat it.
Almost all of Iceland’s power wants are derived from lean, renewable sources. The geothermal geysers that Iceland is known for will not be solely a vacationer attraction, however a supply of energy for Iceland’s residents; the remaining power wants are made up by hydropower vegetation.
In truth, Iceland (once more, not Greenland) is the world’s greenest island and nation, when it comes to carbon emissions. So you’ll be able to cost your telephones and laptops and GoPros with out guilt, letting you take pleasure in your travelling with out feeling such as you’re inadvertently killing that cute Arctic fox you simply noticed.
Iceland Has 24 hours of Daylight
Because of its excessive altitude, the hours of daylight that Iceland receives all year long fluctuate an excellent deal. And we do imply A Great Deal. In summer time, from round May to July, Iceland can have a full day of daylight – that’s proper, a complete 24 hours of daylight.
This brings about what is named the “midnight sun” phenomenon, through which the solar is seen even at midnight. At this time, the solar casts an ethereal, phantasmagorical glow that brushes the sky rose and orange, dips down into the ocean for the merest second and rises once more, “as if it had been down to drink,” as Knut Hamsuns, a author, places it.
Such an expertise of daylight – coupled with the superbly alien panorama of Iceland – is otherworldly and unimaginable, and makes us really feel like we’re on a faraway planet watching the solar with new eyes.
But we hear a pleasant Icelander – who has additionally been admiring the midnight solar – communicate, inviting us for a drink, and we keep in mind we’re in Iceland, this most mysterious and astounding of islands.
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The article was first revealed on 21 March 2019. Last up to date by Discoverist Team as of 26 April 2023.