Iceland

Large island of volcanic origin, in the N. Atlantic. Its length is 300 and its breadth 200 m.; area ab. 40,000 sq. m. Its surface is mainly mountainous and barren. It contains the active volcano Hecla, and numerous hot springs and geysers. Reikjavik is the capital. It was settled from Norway 874. In 60 years all the habitable coast was occupied. Christianity was established by vote of the Althing 1000; schools and two bishoprics were founded. The government was at first hierarchic and aristocratic, afterward an aristocratic republic. It was brought under the sway of Norway by Hako V. 1262; in 1380 it became subject to Denmark, but has enjoyed home rule since the celebration of its 1000th anniversary, when a new constitution was granted. Six members of the Althing are now appointed by the king, and thirty chosen by the people. The raising of sheep, cattle and horses, fishing and hunting, are the chief occupations of the people. Icelandic literature saw its most flourishing period ab. 1150-1230. The language is more closely allied to the old Norse than any other now spoken. The early inhabitants were daring sailors, who discovered Green land 982, and a part of the American coast, which they named Vineland. ab. 990. Pop. ab. 69,000. See SCAND IN AVIAN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE.