BACKGROUND

Irish Monks in a curragh (skin boat)

The SettlersThe first people said to have inhabited Iceland were Irish monks, who probably settled there in the eight century. There is no proof that the monks were really there though. They are said to have left the country on the arrival of the pagan Norsemen, who systematically settled Iceland in the period 870-930 AD. Iceland was thus the last European country to be settled

Flag

*The cross on the Icelandic flag represents Iceland's
Scandinavian connection.
*Blue: mountains
*White: ice and snow
*Red: fire and lava

National Flower
In 2004 the Mountain Avens (Dryas Octopetala) was chosen as the Iceland's National Flower after a nationwide public opinion poll. This flower grows on the mountains where the snow isn’t

National Bird

Independence
The date of June 17 is Icelandic National Day because it is the birthday of Jon Sigurosson
a major figure/leader of the 19th century.

Festival and Event

The Viking Festival in Hafnarfjordur

●The Viking Festival in Hafnarfjordur:
The Viking Festival is an annual festival in Hafnarfjordur, Iceland, where you can see Viking-style costumes, musical instruments, jewelry and crafts at the Viking Village.

●The Reykjavik Jazz Festival
The Reykjavik Jazz Festival is Iceland's jazz event of the year.

Traditional Clothes

Iceland Money
Name : Iceland Krona (ISK)
1USD=115 ISK