Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late
9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning
legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930.
Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and
Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy
and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's
population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the USA. Limited home rule from
Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944.
Literacy, longevity, income and social cohesion are first-rate by world
standards.
Iceland 