History of Iceland in Timeline
Iceland, a Nordic island nation situated between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, bridges North America and Europe. With close cultural and political ties to Europe, Iceland stands out as the least densely populated country in the region. Its capital and most populous city, Reykjavík, accommodates approximately 36% of Iceland's estimated 380,000 inhabitants. Icelandic is the official language of the country.
1900: Þórarinn Þorláksson Begins Exhibiting Icelandic Landscape Paintings
After completing his formal art training in Copenhagen in the 1890s, Þórarinn Þorláksson returned to Iceland in 1900 and began painting and exhibiting works, primarily focused on the Icelandic landscape.
1904: Expansion of Icelandic Home Rule
Iceland's home rule, granted by Denmark in 1874, was expanded in 1904, with Hannes Hafstein becoming the first Minister for Iceland in the Danish cabinet.
1915: Women's Suffrage in Iceland
In 1915, Icelandic women gained their first right to vote, although it came with certain restrictions.
January 1918: Record Low Temperature in Iceland
The lowest recorded temperature in Iceland's history, -38°C (-36.4°F), occurred on January 22, 1918, at Grímsstaðir and Möðrudalur in the northeastern part of the country.
December 1918: Danish–Icelandic Act of Union
The Danish–Icelandic Act of Union, signed on December 1, 1918, recognized Iceland as a sovereign state in a personal union with Denmark for 25 years.
1918: Danish–Icelandic Act of Union
The Danish–Icelandic Act of Union, which established the Kingdom of Iceland in a personal union with Denmark, was signed in 1918.
1920: Increased Voting Rights for Women
Iceland further expanded women's voting rights in 1920.
1924: Þórarinn Þorláksson's Death
Þórarinn Þorláksson, known for his landscape paintings of Iceland, passed away in 1924, having dedicated his artistic career to portraying the beauty of his homeland.
1929: Formation of Kvæðamannafélagið Iðunn
In 1929, Kvæðamannafélagið Iðunn was formed, marking a modern revitalization of the Icelandic tradition of rímur, epic alliterative and rhyming ballads.
June 1939: Record High Temperature in Iceland
Iceland's highest recorded air temperature of 30.5°C (86.9°F) occurred on June 22, 1939, at Teigarhorn on the southeastern coast.
April 1940: British Occupation of Iceland
Following Germany's occupation of Denmark, British forces occupied Iceland in April 1940, despite Iceland's declared neutrality.
1941: US Takes Over Iceland's Defence
In 1941, Iceland, under a pro-British government, invited the neutral US to take over its defense, allowing British troops to be deployed elsewhere.
1942: Appointment of a Non-Parliamentary Government
In 1942, Sveinn Björnsson, serving as regent at the time, took the unprecedented step of appointing a government that was not formed from members of parliament. This event holds historical significance as the last instance of such an appointment in Iceland.
December 1943: Danish–Icelandic Act of Union Expires
The Danish–Icelandic Act of Union, which had established a personal union between Iceland and Denmark, expired after 25 years in December 1943.
May 1944: Iceland's Plebiscite for Independence
A four-day plebiscite held in May 1944 saw Icelanders vote overwhelmingly (97%) to end the union with Denmark and establish a republic.
June 1944: Establishment of the Republic of Iceland
Iceland formally became a republic on June 17, 1944, with Sveinn Björnsson as its first president, marking the end of the personal union with Denmark.
1944: Iceland Votes to Become a Republic
During World War II, while Denmark was occupied, Iceland held a referendum in 1944 resulting in a vote to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic.
1944: Establishment of the Republic of Iceland
The year 1944 marked the formal establishment of the Republic of Iceland.
1946: US Defence Force Leaves Iceland
The US Defence Force departed from Iceland in 1946, marking the end of their presence in the country after World War II.
March 1949: Iceland Joins NATO
Iceland officially became a member of NATO on March 30, 1949, a decision that sparked domestic controversy and protests within the country.
1949: Planting of Iceland's Tallest Tree
In 1949, a sitka spruce was planted in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Iceland. This tree went on to become the tallest in the country.
1950: Iceland Takes Second Place in Bermuda Bowl
Iceland's bridge team achieved second place in the Bermuda Bowl, the world bridge championship, held in Hamilton, Bermuda, in 1950.
May 1951: Defense Agreement with the United States
A defense agreement was signed between Iceland and the United States in May 1951, leading to the return of American troops to Iceland, known as the Iceland Defence Force, during the Cold War.
1951: Establishment of the Iceland Defense Force
The Iceland Defense Force (IDF), a military command of the United States Armed Forces, was established in 1951. Formed at the behest of NATO, the IDF's primary mission was to ensure the defense of Iceland.
1952: First Cod War
The first of a series of fishing disputes between Iceland and the United Kingdom, known as the Cod Wars, erupted in 1952. This particular conflict stemmed from Iceland's decision to extend its fishing zone from 3 to 4 nautical miles.
1955: Halldór Laxness wins Nobel Prize in Literature
In 1955, Icelandic author Halldór Laxness was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first and only Icelander to receive this honor.
1956: End of the First Cod War
The first Cod War, a fishing dispute between Iceland and the United Kingdom, concluded in 1956.
1958: Second Cod War
The second Cod War, another fishing dispute between Iceland and the United Kingdom, commenced in 1958, triggered by Iceland's further expansion of its fishing zone to 12 nautical miles.
1961: End of the Second Cod War
The second Cod War, a fishing dispute between Iceland and the United Kingdom, came to an end in 1961.
November 1963: Birth of Surtsey Island
In November 1963, volcanic eruptions began off the coast of Iceland, marking the beginning of the formation of Surtsey island.
June 1968: Surtsey Island Formation Completed
By June 1968, the volcanic eruptions that formed Surtsey Island had ceased, leaving behind a new island in the North Atlantic.
1969: Last Ice Incursion on Iceland's Coast
The last significant incursion of ice on Iceland's coast occurred in 1969. Despite the island's northern latitude, the warm North Atlantic Current generally prevents ice formation along the coast.
1972: Third Cod War
The third Cod War, marking another chapter in the fishing disputes between Iceland and the United Kingdom, began in 1972. This time, the conflict arose from Iceland's decision to extend its fishing zone to 50 nautical miles.
1973: End of the Third Cod War
The third Cod War, a fishing dispute between Iceland and the United Kingdom, concluded in 1973.
1974: Completion of Route 1 (Ring Road)
The construction of Route 1, also known as the Ring Road, was completed in 1974, creating a major roadway connecting most populated areas of Iceland.
1975: Fourth Cod War
The fourth and final Cod War, representing the culmination of the fishing disputes between Iceland and the United Kingdom, erupted in 1975. This particular conflict was sparked by Iceland's substantial extension of its fishing zone to 200 nautical miles.
1976: End of the Fourth Cod War
The fourth and final Cod War, a longstanding fishing dispute between Iceland and the United Kingdom, came to an end in 1976.
August 1980: Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Becomes President
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir was inaugurated as Iceland's president in August 1980, becoming the world's first democratically elected female head of state.
1980: Election of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir
In 1980, Iceland elected Vigdís Finnbogadóttir as its president, marking a momentous occasion as she became the world's first democratically elected female head of state. Her term lasted until 1996.
1983: Formation of the Women's List
The year 1983 marked a significant milestone in Icelandic politics with the establishment of the Women's List (Kvennalistinn). This political party, formed and led entirely by women, aimed to champion the political, economic, and social needs of women in Iceland.
1985: Establishment of the Iceland Stock Exchange
The Iceland Stock Exchange (ISE) was founded in 1985, marking a significant development in Iceland's financial market.
1986: "The Sacrifice" Featuring Guðrún S. Gísladóttir Released
"The Sacrifice," a film by Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky featuring Icelandic actress Guðrún S. Gísladóttir, was released in 1986.
1986: Reagan-Gorbachev Summit in Reykjavík
Iceland played a pivotal role in international diplomacy in 1986 by hosting the historic Reagan-Gorbachev summit in Reykjavík. This landmark event marked a significant step towards ending the Cold War.
1986: Reykjavík Summit
Reykjavík, Iceland, hosted a historic summit in 1986 between US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev, where significant progress was made toward nuclear disarmament.
1989: End of Prohibition in Iceland
In 1989, Iceland lifted the ban on strong beer, marking the end of a period of prohibition.
1991: Iceland Wins Bermuda Bowl
Iceland emerged victorious in the Bermuda Bowl, the world bridge championship, held in Yokohama, Japan, in 1991.
1992: "Children of Nature" Nominated for Academy Award
In 1992, Icelandic filmmaker Friðrik Þór Friðriksson's film "Children of Nature" received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, marking a significant achievement for the Icelandic film industry.
1994: Iceland's Legislation on Playschools
Iceland established legislation in 1994 concerning playschools, known as "leikskóli," outlining their role in early childhood education and preparing children for compulsory education.
1994: Iceland Joins the European Economic Area
Iceland joined the European Economic Area in 1994, leading to economic diversification and growth in sectors beyond its traditional fishing and agriculture.
1996: Iceland Establishes Registered Partnerships for Same-Sex Couples
In 1996, Iceland took a significant step towards LGBTQ+ rights by passing legislation to create registered partnerships for same-sex couples, granting them nearly all the rights and benefits of marriage.
1996: Iceland's Upper Secondary School Act
The Upper Secondary School Act of 1996 governs upper secondary education in Iceland, emphasizing accessibility and outlining the framework for this level of education.
1996: Retirement of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir
Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the world's first democratically elected female head of state, concluded her tenure as president of Iceland in 1996.
1997: Rise of Whale Watching in Iceland
Whale watching in Iceland became an increasingly significant part of the country's economy beginning in 1997.
2000: Icelandic Diaspora in the United States
According to the 2000 US census, over 40,000 Americans identified as having Icelandic descent, indicating a considerable Icelandic diaspora in the United States.
2000: Björk Wins Best Actress at Cannes Film Festival
Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk won the Best Actress Award at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival for her performance as Selma Ježková in Lars von Trier's musical drama "Dancer in the Dark".
2001: Atheism and Agnosticism in Iceland
A 2001 study shed light on religious beliefs in Iceland, indicating that 23% of the population identified as either atheist or agnostic.
2001: Deregulation of Icelandic Banks
Following the deregulation of Icelandic banks in 2001, the country's economy became increasingly reliant on international investment banking and financial services.
2002: Start of Rapid Economic Growth
Between 2002 and 2007, Iceland experienced a period of rapid economic growth, with its gross national income increasing by 32%, fueled by its deregulated banking sector.
2002: James Bond Film "Die Another Day" Set Partially in Iceland
The James Bond film "Die Another Day" was released in 2002, featuring a significant portion of its setting in Iceland.
2003: Privatisation of the Banking Sector
Iceland's banking sector was privatized under the government of Davíð Oddsson, starting in 2003, a move that would later contribute to the 2008 financial crisis.
2003: Iceland's Support for the Iraq War
Iceland's decision to support the 2003 invasion of Iraq sparked considerable domestic controversy. The country contributed to the war effort by deploying a Coast Guard Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to Iraq, which was subsequently replaced by members of the Iceland Crisis Response Unit.
2003: Redivision of Constituencies
Prior to 2003, Iceland's constituencies for parliamentary elections aligned with its eight regions. However, a constitutional amendment that year led to a restructuring of the electoral map, resulting in the creation of six new constituencies.
2005: Icelandic Emigration to Norway
In 2005, 293 people emigrated from Iceland to Norway.
September 2006: Withdrawal of U.S. Air Force from Iceland
On September 30, 2006, the United States Air Force withdrew its interceptor aircraft from Naval Air Station Keflavik in Iceland, marking the end of a significant chapter in Iceland's defense history.
September 2006: US Withdraws Forces from Iceland
The United States withdrew its remaining forces from Iceland in September 2006, ending a significant chapter in Iceland's Cold War history.
2006: Icelandic Diaspora in Canada
By 2006, Canada had a significant population of over 88,000 individuals of Icelandic descent, reflecting historical emigration patterns.
2006: Abolition of Net Wealth Tax
Iceland abolished its net wealth tax in 2006, reflecting a shift in its tax policy.
2006: Iceland Grants Same-Sex Couples Equal Adoption and Parenting Rights
In 2006, the Icelandic parliament unanimously voted to grant same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples in adoption, parenting, and assisted insemination treatment, further advancing LGBTQ+ equality.
December 2007: Foreign-Born Population in Iceland
As of December 2007, foreign-born individuals constituted 13.5% of Iceland's total population, with Polish people representing the largest minority group.
December 2007: Impact of the Great Recession on Iceland
Iceland was severely affected by the Great Recession, which began in December 2007, primarily due to the collapse of its banking system, leading to a major economic crisis.
2007: Iceland's Economy Based on Investment Banking
By 2007, Iceland's economy had become heavily reliant on international investment banking and financial services, a result of the privatization of its banking sector.
2007: End of Rapid Economic Growth Period
Iceland's period of rapid economic growth, driven by its international investment banking and financial services sector, came to an end in 2007.
May 2008: NATO Air Policing Mission in Iceland
Beginning in May 2008, NATO member states initiated periodic deployments of fighter aircraft to Iceland. These deployments, conducted under the Icelandic Air Policing mission, aimed to safeguard Icelandic airspace.
June 2008: Polar Bear Sightings in Iceland
In June 2008, two separate polar bears were spotted in Iceland during the same month. Polar bears are not native to Iceland and are believed to have arrived from Greenland on icebergs.
July 2008: Record High Temperature in Reykjavík
Reykjavík, Iceland, experienced its highest ever recorded temperature on July 30, 2008, when the mercury reached 26.2°C (79.2°F).
October 2008: Iceland Raises Interest Rates to 18%
In October 2008, Iceland increased interest rates to 18%, partially influenced by the conditions of a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), impacting the valuation of the Icelandic króna.
October 2008: Icelandic Government Takes Over Banks
In October 2008, the Icelandic parliament passed emergency legislation, granting the Financial Supervisory Authority of Iceland the power to take control of the domestic operations of the country's three largest banks in response to the financial crisis.
November 2008: Nordic Countries Provide Loan to Iceland
The Nordic countries collectively agreed to lend Iceland $2.5 billion in November 2008, offering financial support during the economic crisis.
2008: Iceland's Rise in ICT Development Ranking
Between 2008 and 2010, Iceland moved up four places in the United Nations International Telecommunication Union's ranking of ICT development, demonstrating the country's rapid progress in adopting and utilizing communication technologies.
2008: Iceland's Population Growth and Demographics
By 2008, Iceland's population had reached 320,000, marking a significant increase from previous centuries. The country boasts a relatively young population and a fertility rate that supports long-term growth.
2008: Nine Icelandic Chess Grandmasters
By 2008, Iceland, despite its small population, had produced nine chess grandmasters, highlighting the nation's strength in the game.
2008: Crisis-Management Decisions Impact Unemployment
Iceland's decision to let banks fail during the 2008 financial crisis played a role in the country's projected low unemployment rate of 2% by 2014, according to Bloomberg.
2008: Impact of the Icelandic Financial Crisis on Immigration
The Icelandic financial crisis in 2008 had a noticeable impact on immigration, with many Polish immigrants considering leaving the country due to economic challenges.
2008: OECD Economic Survey Highlights Challenges
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Economic Survey of Iceland in 2008 identified significant challenges in the country's currency and macroeconomic policies.
2008: "Journey to the Center of the Earth" Filmed Partially in Iceland
The film "Journey to the Center of the Earth," starring Icelandic actress Anita Briem, was released in 2008, with some scenes shot on location in Iceland.
January 2009: Coalition Government Collapses
Iceland's coalition government collapsed in January 2009 due to widespread public dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the financial crisis.
January 2009: Iceland's First Offshore Hydrocarbon Exploration Licenses
In January 2009, Iceland took a step towards hydrocarbon exploration by granting its first offshore licenses for a region northeast of the country, known as the Dreki area. However, these licenses were later relinquished.
February 2009: Removal of Central Bank Governor
Following public protests, Central Bank governor Davíð Oddsson was removed from his position in February 2009 after a new left-wing government implemented legal changes to facilitate his dismissal.
April 2009: Launch of New Patrol Ship
Despite facing an ongoing financial crisis, Iceland celebrated the launch of its first new patrol ship in several decades on April 29, 2009.
July 2009: Iceland Applies for EU Membership
In July 2009, Iceland's parliament, the Althing, made the decision to apply for membership in the European Union, formally submitting their application on July 17, 2009.
2009: Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir Becomes Prime Minister
Iceland achieved another milestone in 2009 when Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir assumed the position of prime minister, becoming the first openly gay head of government globally.
2009: Iceland Ranks High in Network Readiness Index
Iceland secured the 12th position in the World Economic Forum's 2009-2010 Network Readiness Index, highlighting the country's strong capabilities in utilizing communication technologies competitively.
2009: Iceland's Healthcare System Ranking and Resource Allocation
In 2009, Iceland's healthcare system was ranked among the best in the world by the World Health Organization, with the country investing significant resources in healthcare compared to other industrialized nations.
2009: Global Average of Women in Parliament
In 2009, the global average of women in parliament stood at 16%, highlighting the significant progress made by Iceland in this regard.
2009: Significant Emigration from Iceland
The 2008 financial crisis hit Iceland particularly hard, resulting in a net emigration of 5,000 people in 2009, the largest exodus from the country since 1887.
2009: Significant Increase in Icelandic Emigration to Norway
The number of Icelanders moving to Norway increased substantially to 1,625 in 2009, likely influenced by the economic crisis.
March 2010: Public Opinion on Euro Adoption
A poll conducted in March 2010 revealed that 31% of Icelanders supported adopting the euro, while 69% opposed it.
March 2010: Eyjafjallajökull Eruption
The Eyjafjallajökull volcano in southern Iceland erupted for the first time in nearly two centuries in March 2010, causing evacuations and ultimately disrupting air travel across Europe due to volcanic ash.
April 2010: Special Investigation Commission Publishes Findings
In April 2010, the Icelandic Parliament's Special Investigation Commission released its report, revealing the widespread nature of control fraud that contributed to the financial crisis.
June 2010: Iceland Passes Icelandic Modern Media Initiative
On June 17, 2010, the Icelandic parliament passed the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative, aiming to strengthen free speech protections, particularly for journalists and whistle-blowers.
June 2010: Iceland Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
On June 27, 2010, Iceland's parliament amended the marriage law, making it gender-neutral and legalizing same-sex marriage. This made Iceland one of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
2010: Iceland's High Ranking in R&D Spending as a Percentage of GDP
A 2010 UNESCO report revealed that Iceland ranked ninth globally in terms of R&D spending as a proportion of GDP, underscoring its significant investment in research and development.
2010: Iceland Ranked "Greenest Country"
Iceland achieved recognition from Guinness World Records as the "Greenest Country" in 2010, attaining a remarkable score of 93.5/100 on the Environmental Sustainability Index.
2010: Tourism in Iceland
In 2010, Iceland received a significantly lower number of tourists compared to 2016.
2010: Iceland Ranks Third in ICT Development
The United Nations International Telecommunication Union ranked Iceland third in its development of information and communications technology (ICT) in 2010, showcasing the country's significant advancement in this sector.
2010: Volcanic Events and Air Travel Disruption
The year 2010 was marked by volcanic eruptions in Iceland, including the notable eruption of Eyjafjallajökull, which caused significant disruption to air travel due to its ash cloud.
2010: Significant Volcanic Events in Iceland
The year 2010 witnessed a significant eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, impacting air travel across Europe.
May 2011: Grímsvötn Eruption
In May 2011, the Grímsvötn volcano, situated beneath Vatnajökull, Iceland's largest glacier, erupted. The eruption was more powerful than the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull event.
2011: OECD Assessment of Iceland's Progress
An OECD assessment in 2011 acknowledged Iceland's advancements in various areas, including fiscal policy and financial sector stability, but also pointed out persistent challenges in the fishing industry and monetary policy.
2011: Icelandic Sign Language Recognition
Icelandic Sign Language gained official recognition as a minority language in Iceland in 2011, signifying a step towards inclusivity and linguistic diversity.
2011: Iceland Highly Ranked in Press Freedom
In 2011, Freedom House, an international watchdog organization, released a report ranking Iceland among the highest countries in press freedom, reflecting the country's commitment to freedom of expression.
2011: Iceland Ranked Most Peaceful Country
In 2011, the Global Peace Index recognized Iceland as the most peaceful country globally. This accolade stemmed from Iceland's lack of armed forces, low crime rates, and high level of socio-political stability.
2011: Reykjavík Designated UNESCO City of Literature
In recognition of its vibrant literary scene, Reykjavík, Iceland's capital, received the prestigious designation of a UNESCO City of Literature in 2011.
February 2012: Icelandic Public Rejects EU Membership
In February 2012, a poll indicated that 67.4% of Icelanders would vote against joining the European Union in a referendum.
June 2012: Landsbanki Repays Icesave Debt
By June 2012, Landsbanki, one of Iceland's major banks, successfully repaid approximately half of its Icesave debt.
June 2012: Iceland's Unemployment Rate Declines
In June 2012, Iceland's unemployment rate fell to 4.8%, down from 6% in 2011 and 8.1% in 2010, showing a consistent decline since the economic crisis.
2012: Iceland's High Life Satisfaction Ranking
A 2012 survey revealed a high level of life satisfaction among Icelanders, with around three-quarters of respondents expressing satisfaction with their lives, surpassing the global average.
2012: Religious Beliefs in Iceland According to Gallup Poll
A Gallup poll conducted in 2012 revealed insights into religious beliefs in Iceland, with 57% identifying as "religious," 31% as "non-religious," and 10% as "convinced atheists."
2012: Anna S. Þorvaldsdóttir Wins Nordic Council Music Prize
Icelandic composer Anna S. Þorvaldsdóttir received the prestigious Nordic Council Music Prize in 2012, recognizing her exceptional talent and contributions to contemporary classical music.
2012: Iceland Ranked 27th in Economic Freedom Index
In 2012, Iceland held the 27th position in the Index of Economic Freedom, indicating a decline but still placing it among the most economically free nations globally.
2012: "Prometheus" Films Scenes in Iceland
Ridley Scott's science fiction film "Prometheus" was released in 2012, with some scenes filmed in Iceland.
2012: Iceland's Economy Stabilizes
Under the leadership of Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir's government, Iceland's economy began to stabilize in 2012, achieving a growth rate of 1.6%.
February 2013: Iceland Investigates Protecting Children from Online Pornography
In February 2013, Iceland's Ministry of the Interior began exploring ways to protect children from online pornography, expressing concerns about its potential links to child slavery and abuse. However, these efforts raised concerns within the community about potential infringement on freedom of speech.
2013: Iceland's Investment in Scientific Research and Development
According to a 2013 Eurostat report, Iceland dedicated a significant 3.11% of its GDP to scientific research and development (R&D), surpassing the EU average.
2013: Shifting Public Opinion on EU Membership
By 2013, public sentiment in Iceland regarding EU membership had noticeably shifted, with opinion polls indicating growing opposition to joining the bloc.
2013: Center-Right Coalition Returns to Power
The center-right Independence Party, in coalition with the Progressive Party, won the 2013 elections and returned to power in Iceland.
2013: Measurement of Iceland's Tallest Tree
The tallest tree in Iceland, a sitka spruce planted in Kirkjubæjarklaustur in 1949, was measured at a height of 25.2 meters (83 feet) in 2013.
2014: "Interstellar" Films Scenes in Iceland
Christopher Nolan's science fiction film "Interstellar" was released in 2014, with some of its scenes filmed in Iceland, taking advantage of the country's unique landscapes.
2014: Iceland's Unemployment Rate Projected at 2%
In 2014, Bloomberg reported that Iceland was on track to achieve an unemployment rate of 2% due to effective crisis-management decisions made in 2008, including allowing banks to fail.
2015: Iceland's Public Debt Ranking
By 2015, Iceland's public debt, while decreasing since the economic crisis, ranked as the 31st highest globally in terms of its proportion to national GDP.
2015: Iceland's Ranking in Global Competitive Index
Iceland held a higher position in the Global Competitive Index in 2015 compared to its ranking in 2016.
2015: Iceland Qualifies for EuroBasket
Iceland participated in the EuroBasket tournament for the first time in 2015, marking their entry into the European Basketball final stages.
2015: Anna S. Þorvaldsdóttir Named Kravis Emerging Composer
In 2015, Anna S. Þorvaldsdóttir was honored as the New York Philharmonic's Kravis Emerging Composer, receiving a $50,000 prize and a commission to compose a piece for the orchestra.
2015: Iceland Pauses Pursuit of EU Membership
In 2015, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson, Iceland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, communicated to the European Union that the country would be putting its pursuit of EU membership on hold. However, the application was not formally withdrawn.
2015: "Trapped" Premieres
The Icelandic television crime series "Trapped" premiered in 2015.
March 2016: "Trapped" Receives Critical Acclaim in the UK
The Icelandic television crime series "Trapped" aired in the UK on BBC4 in February and March 2016, garnering critical acclaim and being hailed by The Guardian as "the unlikeliest TV hit of the year".
August 2016: Guðni Th. Jóhannesson Becomes President
On August 1, 2016, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson assumed the role of President of Iceland.
2016: Iceland's High CO2 Emissions
Despite its green reputation, Iceland recorded a high level of CO2 emissions per capita in 2016, reaching 16.9 tonnes, largely attributed to transportation and industrial activities.
2016: Tourism Boom in Iceland
Iceland experienced a surge in tourism in 2016, welcoming 1.7 million visitors, a threefold increase from 2010.
2016: Iceland's Ranking in Global Competitive Index
Iceland ranked 29th in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitive Index in 2016, slipping one spot from its 2015 ranking.
2016: Resignation of Prime Minister and Panama Papers Scandal
Iceland's Prime Minister, Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson, resigned in 2016 after being implicated in the Panama Papers scandal, a leak of financial files that exposed a network of more than 200,000 tax havens involving high-net-worth individuals and public officials.
2016: Iceland's High Ranking in the Global Green Economy Index
Iceland's commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability earned it a place among the top 10 greenest economies in the world, according to the 2016 Global Green Economy Index.
2016: Iceland's Democratic Strength and Transparency
In 2016, Iceland earned recognition for its strong democratic institutions, ranking second globally. The country also demonstrated a high level of government transparency, securing the 13th position in that area.
2016: Iceland Ranks Third in Global Coffee Consumption Per Capita
In 2016, Iceland ranked third globally in per capita coffee consumption, reflecting the beverage's popularity within the country.
2016: Archaeological Discovery of a Longhouse
In 2016, archaeologists unearthed a longhouse in Stöðvarfjörður, Iceland, dating back to 800 AD, providing further evidence of early settlement.
October 2017: New Coalition Government Formed
Following snap elections in October 2017, a new coalition government was formed in Iceland, consisting of the Independence Party, the Progressive Party, and the Left-Green Movement, with Katrín Jakobsdóttir as Prime Minister.
2017: Iceland's Second EuroBasket Appearance
Iceland qualified for EuroBasket for the second time in 2017, demonstrating their growing presence in international basketball.
2017: Religious Affiliation Data in Iceland
Registers Iceland maintains data on the religious affiliation of Icelandic citizens, providing a snapshot of the country's religious landscape in 2017.
2018: High Trust in Legal Institutions
By 2018, Iceland exhibited a high level of public trust in its legal institutions, including the police, parliament, and judiciary. With a mean trust rating of 73%, Iceland secured the second-place position in Europe.
2018: Iceland's FIFA World Cup Debut
Iceland made its debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 2018, becoming the smallest nation by population to qualify for the tournament.
2018: Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson Wins World's Strongest Man
Icelandic strongman Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson won the World's Strongest Man competition in 2018, adding to Iceland's impressive record in the competition.
August 2019: Iceland's Interest Rate at 3.5%
As of August 2019, Iceland's interest rate stood at 3.5%, significantly lower than the 18% rate implemented in October 2008.
2019: Iceland's Previous Ranking in the Global Innovation Index
In 2019, Iceland held the 20th position in the Global Innovation Index, highlighting its innovative capacity.
2019: Iceland's Age-Adjusted Suicide Rate
The age-adjusted suicide rate in Iceland was recorded at 11.2 cases per 100,000 in 2019, providing insight into public health concerns.
2020: Declining Reliance on Fishing in Iceland's Economy
By 2020, Iceland's economic dependence on fishing had significantly decreased, with its share of export earnings dropping to 20% compared to 90% in the 1960s. This shift highlighted the diversification of Iceland's economy, with sectors such as tourism, aluminium, and ferrosilicon gaining prominence.
2020: Re-election of Guðni Th. Jóhannesson
Guðni Th. Jóhannesson secured a resounding victory in the 2020 presidential election, securing his second term as President of Iceland.
2020: Iceland's Target for R&D Spending
Iceland aimed to increase its spending on R&D to 4% of its GDP by 2020, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and scientific advancement.
2020: Fiann Paul Achieves Ocean Explorers Grand Slam
In 2020, Fiann Paul from Iceland became the first person to complete the Ocean Explorers Grand Slam, which involves rowing across all five oceans using human-powered vessels.
2020: Renewed Volcanic Activity in Reykjanes Peninsula
The year 2020 saw the beginning of renewed volcanic activity in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula after a dormant period of approximately 800 years.
March 8, 2021: Iceland's Formal Recognition of Judaism
On March 8, 2021, Iceland marked a significant moment by formally recognizing Judaism as a religion, granting Jewish Icelanders various rights, including civil recognition of religious ceremonies.
March 2021: Fagradalsfjall Eruption
The Fagradalsfjall volcano on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula erupted in March 2021. This marked the end of nearly eight centuries of volcanic inactivity in the region.
2021: Parliamentary Elections and Coalition Government
Following the 2021 parliamentary elections in Iceland, the Independence Party, the Progressive Party, and the Left-Green Movement formed a ruling coalition government headed by Katrín Jakobsdóttir.
2021: Iceland's Ranking in the Global Innovation Index
Iceland's dedication to innovation was reflected in its improved ranking in the Global Innovation Index, moving up to 17th place in 2021 from 20th in 2019.
2021: High Representation of Women in Parliament
In the 2021 elections, women constituted 48% of the members of parliament in Iceland, reflecting a strong commitment to gender balance in politics.
2021: Coalition Government Continues
The 2021 parliamentary election in Iceland resulted in the continuation of the tri-party coalition government consisting of the Independence Party, the Progressive Party, and the Left-Green Movement, with Katrín Jakobsdóttir remaining as Prime Minister.
2022: Iceland's Global Innovation Ranking
Iceland secured the 20th spot in the Global Innovation Index for both 2022 and 2023, highlighting its strong innovation capabilities.
2022: Iceland's High Productivity and Renewable Energy Use
In 2022, Iceland distinguished itself as the eighth-most productive country worldwide in terms of GDP per capita, reaching US$78,837. Additionally, the country ranked thirteenth in productivity based on GDP at purchasing power parity, standing at $69,833. Iceland's remarkable achievement in renewable energy was evident in its reliance on domestically produced renewable sources for approximately 85% of its total primary energy supply.
December 18, 2023: Eruption at Sundhnúkur Crater Row
An eruption began at the Sundhnúkur crater row in Iceland's Eldvörp–Svartsengi volcanic system on December 18, 2023. The eruption was preceded by significant seismic activity that led to the evacuation of the nearby town of Grindavik and the closure of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
2023: Iceland's Global Innovation Ranking
Iceland maintained its position as the 20th most innovative country in the world in the 2023 Global Innovation Index, demonstrating consistent performance.
2023: Electric Vehicle Adoption in Iceland
In 2023, battery electric vehicles made up a significant portion of new car registrations in Iceland, reaching 50.1%.
January 14, 2024: Volcanic Eruption near Grindavik
A new volcanic eruption began on January 14, 2024, near Grindavik, Iceland, prompting evacuations. The eruption involved two fissures, with lava flows reaching the town and damaging homes.
April 2024: New Prime Minister Takes Office
Bjarni Benediktsson of the Independence Party succeeded Katrín Jakobsdóttir as Prime Minister of Iceland in April 2024, marking a shift within the existing coalition government.
2024: Expansion of Akureyri Airport
Akureyri Airport opened an expanded international terminal in 2024.
2024: Growth of Iceland's Electric Vehicle Fleet
By 2024, approximately 18% of Iceland's vehicle fleet was electrified, reflecting the country's shift towards sustainable transportation.
2030: Iceland's Goal for Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction
Iceland has set an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by the year 2030 as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.
2040: Iceland's Carbon Neutrality Goal
Iceland aims to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2040, signifying a commitment to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
