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The Icelanders

© P Jerome Jayanth

The Icelanders are a people who live in one of the most remote and unforgiving environments in the world. The first permanent settlers in Iceland came in the 9th century- Norsemen from Scandinavia and Celts from the British Isles.

The Principal language is Icelandic. It is a language that was brought by the original Norse settlers. It has changed little over the centuries. English is said to be closely related to Icelandic.

Literacy is nearly cent per cent since the end of the eighteenth century. School attendance is compulsory between the ages of 7 to 16.

One of the many things that make Iceland famous is its parliament – the althingi. It is the oldest in the world. It was established in the year 930 A.D. It has 63 members who are elected by popular vote.

The people of Iceland have access to the best health services. The life expectancy is among the highest in the world – 77.5 for men and 81 for women. Infant mortality is among the lowest; around 5.5 for 1000 live births.

The Icelanders govern themselves by a parliamentary democracy. The President is elected by popular vote for a period of 4 years. The greater part of executive power, however, rests with the government headed by the Prime minister. The government must have a majority in the althingi.