The home of pop princess Björk, Iceland sits north-west of Scotland between the North Atlantic and the Greenland Sea. Its population of under 300,000 forms a cohesive society descended from the first Norwegian settlers and the later Danish rulers. Expensive for visitors, the country attracts a modest 150,000 people per year, but its tourist profile is improving.

Reykjavik, set on a bay and flanked by mountains, is a popular city-break destination, with a lively bar and nightclub scene, galleries, museums and a blend of traditional and modern architecture. Iceland's main attractions are natural - volcanic mountains, geysers, glaciers, lava mounds, waterfalls and fertile valleys.

Other big draws are the northern lights, at their best in autumn and early winter, and summer 'midnight sun' tours to the Arctic Circle. Eco-tourism, such as whale-watching, year-round skiing, fishing and swimming in natural hot springs are also popular. Environmentalists are increasingly strident in their attacks on Iceland?s whaling industry; water pollution from fertiliser runoff and poor wastewater treatment are other concerns.

News and current affairs

Iceland's online publications from the world news guide.

Language

Icelandic; English, German and Danish widely spoken.

Health

No vaccinations needed; standard of healthcare is excellent.

Climate

Iceland?s southern and western regions have surprisingly mild climates, despite proximity to the Arctic Circle, because of the warm weather fronts coming off the North Atlantic (a continuation of the Gulf Stream). The mean annual temperature in Reykjavik is about 5C (41F), ranging from -1C (31F) in January to 11C (52F) in July. In the north and west temperatures are usually lower and gales and fog are frequent.

Food

Traditional Icelandic food is not particularly palatable to mainstream European tastes. Pickled ram's testicles, decomposed shark meat, cooked sheep's head and slatur, a type of sheep intestine haggis, are some of the dishes you want to seek out or avoid. Luckily, the mainstays of the Icelandic diet are simpler: marinated herring, fresh salmon, dried fish, smoked lamb and curd, as well as whale and seal meat. Greenhouse-grown vegetables are common and of good quality. Vegetarians will find Iceland difficult, though Reykjavik has an increasing number of modern and ethnic eateries. All manner of beer, wine and spirits are available, but are very expensive.

Events

January to February: Thorroblot: Pagan feast based around scary food - delicacies such as ram's eyes and testicles or congealed sheep's blood, are prepared by locals and restaurants. If the food doesn't appeal, just enjoy the music and dancing that follow.
April 20, 2001: Parades and entertainment throughout the country celebrate the first day of summer, after the long dark winter.
June 17: People gather to celebrate independence from Denmark gained in 1918 with speeches, parades and fire-eating.
July 1-31: Reykjavik: International Viking Festival celebrating the arrival of the Norsemen on Iceland - supposedly the last country in Europe to be inhabited by man - with lots of dressing up and shouting.
August 4-5: Heimaey, Westman Island: a bank holiday throughout Iceland, bonfires are lit in this small valley, and people camp out, listening to some of Iceland's best pop and folk bands.
August 19, 2001: Reykjavik: Cultural night in the capital, with open-air concerts, craft fairs and fireworks.

What to buy

Hand-knitted woollen jumpers, socks and hats; lava pottery items; furniture or ornaments made from driftwood or fish-skin from one of the many artists' collectives. Designer clothes are reported to be cheaper in Iceland than many other countries. Visitors may wish to avoid items made of whalebone or sealskin.

Embassies and visas

UK: Icelandic Embassy, 1 Eaton Terrace, London SW1W 8EY (020 7590 1100).
Iceland: British Embassy, Laufasvegur 31, 101 Reykjavik (354 550 5100/1/2).
Visa requirements: EU and US citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 3 months.

Currency

£1 buys approx. 125 Iceland krona (ISK).

Timezone

GMT.

Getting there

All international flights land at Keflavik, 32 miles southwest of the capital, Reykjavik. Icelandair (020 7874 1000) is the national carrier. There is no direct ferry route from the UK to Iceland. Die-hard mariners must travel from Aberdeen to Shetland and the Faroe Islands with P&O Scottish Ferries (01224 572615), then catch the Smyril Line to Iceland. Ferries also travel from Iceland to Denmark, Germany and Norway.

Related literature

Independent People, Halldor Laxness: Widely acclaimed novel about a sheepfarmer who is fed up with being subservient to his master, by Iceland's leading historical novelist.

Iceland Saga, Magnus Magnusson: The Mastermind presenter's history of his native country.

Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Jules Verne: Early sci-fi classic written as the American Civil War was taking place; the journey in question commences in Iceland.