🇮🇸 Iceland Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Land of Fire and Ice?

Icelandic horses are a unique, small, and sturdy breed developed in Iceland. They are known for their gentle temperament and unique gait called the “tölt.” Importing horses is banned to protect the breed’s purity.

Due to its high latitude and dark winter skies, Iceland is one of the best places in the world to witness the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights—spectacular natural light displays in the sky caused by solar particles.

Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can see the physical rift between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. It’s also historically significant as the site of Iceland’s first parliament.

Iceland is a parliamentary republic. It has a president who serves as head of state and a prime minister who leads the government. Iceland transitioned from a monarchy under Denmark to a republic in 1944.

As of 2025, Iceland has a population of around 380,000 people. It is one of the least populous countries in Europe. Despite its small population, it has a high standard of living and is known for its strong social welfare systems.

The Yule Lads are 13 mischievous characters from Icelandic folklore who visit children on the 13 nights before Christmas. Each has a unique personality and name, like “Spoon-Licker” or “Door-Slammer.”

About 90% of Icelandic homes are heated with geothermal energy. The country’s volcanic activity provides a rich source of geothermal heat, making Iceland one of the world’s leaders in renewable energy use.

The Icelandic currency is called the Icelandic króna (ISK). The króna has been Iceland's currency since 1874. Unlike many European countries, Iceland has not adopted the Euro, partly due to economic policy independence.

Iceland has over 130 active and inactive volcanoes. Its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge contributes to frequent volcanic activity. Eruptions have shaped much of the island’s rugged landscape and created natural attractions like lava fields and black sand beaches.

Reykjavik is the northernmost capital city in the world and the largest city in Iceland. It is the cultural, economic, and political center of the country. The name means "Smoky Bay," which refers to the steam rising from nearby hot springs observed by early Norse settlers.

Iceland sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. This unique geologic setting causes frequent volcanic and geothermal activity, shaping Iceland’s dramatic landscapes.

Geographically, Iceland straddles the Eurasian and North American plates, but politically, culturally, and economically, it is considered part of Europe and participates in many European institutions.

Iceland has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. The country's strong emphasis on education and culture—combined with free education and a love of literature—contributes to this impressive statistic.

Iceland has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. The country's strong emphasis on education and culture—combined with free education and a love of literature—contributes to this impressive statistic.

Iceland was a part of the Danish kingdom but became a fully independent republic on June 17, 1944, during World War II. The move was approved by a national referendum and marked the formal end of the union with Denmark.

Iceland is located at the junction of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. While most of its coast borders the North Atlantic, the northern part of Iceland is considered to touch the Arctic Ocean, contributing to its cold climate and proximity to the Arctic Circle.

Eyjafjallajökull is a glacier-covered volcano that erupted in April 2010. Its eruption released large amounts of ash into the atmosphere, disrupting air travel across Europe for several weeks due to its fine ash cloud.

The Blue Lagoon is a world-famous geothermal spa located in a lava field near Grindavík. Its warm, mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties, making it a top tourist destination.

The Alþingi (or Althing) is the national parliament of Iceland. It was established in 930 AD, making it one of the oldest parliaments in the world. It is a symbol of Iceland’s long-standing democratic traditions.

Football (soccer) is Iceland’s most popular sport. The national team gained international attention when it reached the quarterfinals of UEFA Euro 2016 and qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, an impressive feat for such a small nation.

Iceland is a land of extremes, where volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and geysers coexist. This dramatic landscape results from its location on a tectonic boundary and its high latitude.

Despite its name, Iceland’s climate is milder than one might expect due to the North Atlantic Current. It has a subarctic maritime climate, characterized by cool summers and relatively mild winters for its latitude.

Vatnajökull is the largest glacier in Europe by volume and surface area. It covers about 8% of Iceland and is home to several volcanoes beneath its ice, making it a hotspot for glacial-volcanic activity.

Hákarl is a traditional Icelandic dish made from fermented Greenland shark. It has a strong ammonia-rich smell and is often considered an acquired taste. It reflects the island's historic need to preserve food without refrigeration.

Icelandic is a unique North Germanic language that has changed very little since medieval times. This makes ancient texts like the Sagas of Icelanders still readable to most Icelanders today. It is closely related to Old Norse and is the country’s official language.

Björk Guðmundsdóttir is an internationally acclaimed Icelandic singer and artist known for her eclectic musical style and avant-garde performances. She has played a major role in promoting Icelandic culture globally.