“The Land of Fire and Ice:” Exploring the Wonders of Iceland

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Gender Equality at Its Best

Women in Iceland are breaking traditional gender roles, owning businesses, and challenging stereotypes. The World Economic Forum has named Iceland the most gender-equal country in the world for nine consecutive years. Half of Iceland’s parliament members are women, and the country has had a female president for two decades out of the last half-century.

Even Iceland’s street signs show women working on the road and it was the first country in the world to have a gender-neutral parental leave policy. In 2018, Iceland passed a law requiring companies to prove they are paying men and women equally for the same job, a feat still under struggle in most countries.

Astonishing Movie-Watching Trends

With short winter days and often harsh weather, living in Iceland can be a challenge. But the natives have found a way to cope. They watch more movies per capita than any other nationality. It’s not just about entertainment either; Iceland has a deep love for the cinematic arts that extends to its own creative output.

Icelandic writers continue to produce great books, and in fact, one in ten Icelanders have published a book in their lifetime. So when the cold and blustery weather arrives, Icelanders can take refuge from the elements and enjoy the warmth of a good movie or a great book.

Freedom to Practice Religion

Icelanders have a long-standing reputation for being open-minded when it comes to religion. Not only do many in the country believe in the existence of elves and fairies, but a significant portion of the population still identifies as members of the Church of Iceland. This is the officially established Christian church in the country and is also known as the National Church.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Iceland has been instrumental in influencing and shaping Icelandic society, and since 1874 freedom of religion has been enshrined in the country’s constitution. Iceland’s acceptance of new ideas is further highlighted with the existence of the 17th-century Grafarkirkja Church.

What? An Elf School?

Iceland may be renowned for its glaciers and geysers, but it is also home to an elf school. The Álfaskólinn or Icelandic Elf School is dedicated to preserving the country’s rich mythology and folklore. Founded and headed by elf expert Magnus Skarphedinsson, the school has documented over 1,400 stories of elf encounters.

There are 13 different kinds of elves in Icelandic mythology, and more than 60-percent of the natives believe in their existence. A tourist site, this school educates visitors on the five types of mythological creatures that inhabit the island nation. From hidden people to fairy tales, the Álfaskólinn is an intriguing peek into the country’s culture.

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