Internet users (Internet Service Providers (ISPs)) [time series]

20 (2001)

Internet country code [time series]

.is

Internet users [time series]

220,000 (2002)

Broadcast media (Radio broadcast stations) [time series]

AM 3, FM about 70 (including repeaters), shortwave 1 (1998)

Radios [time series]

260,000 (1997)

Telecommunication systems (Telephone system) [time series]

general assessment: extensive domestic service domestic: the trunk network consists of coaxial and fiber-optic cables and microwave radio relay links international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean), 1 Inmarsat (Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions); note - Iceland shares the Inmarsat earth station with the other Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden)

Telephones - fixed lines (Telephones - main lines in use) [time series]

196,984 (2001)

Telephones - mobile cellular [time series]

248,131 (221,231 GSM, 26,900 NMT) (2001)

Broadcast media (Television broadcast stations) [time series]

14 (plus 156 low-power repeaters) (1997)

Televisions [time series]

98,000 (1997)

Agricultural products (Agriculture - products) [time series]

potatoes, turnips; cattle, sheep; fish

Budget [time series]

revenues: $3.5 billion expenditures: $3.3 billion, including capital expenditures of $467 million (1999)

Exchange rates (Currency) [time series]

Icelandic krona (ISK)

Exchange rates (Currency code) [time series]

ISK

Debt - external [time series]

$2.6 billion (1999)

Economic aid (Economic aid - donor) [time series]

$NA

Economic overview (Economy - overview) [time series]

Iceland's Scandinavian-type economy is basically capitalistic, yet with an extensive welfare system, low unemployment, and remarkably even distribution of income. In the absence of other natural resources (except for abundant hydrothermal and geothermal power), the economy depends heavily on the fishing industry, providing 70% of export earnings and employing 12% of the work force. The economy remains sensitive to declining fish stocks as well as to drops in world prices for its main exports: fish and fish products, aluminum, and ferrosilicon. The center-right government plans to continue its policies of reducing the budget and current account deficits, limiting foreign borrowing, containing inflation, revising agricultural and fishing policies, diversifying the economy, and privatizing state-owned industries. The government remains opposed to EU membership, primarily because of Icelanders' concern about losing control over their fishing resources. Iceland's economy has been diversifying into manufacturing and service industries in the last decade, and new developments in software production, biotechnology, and financial services are taking place. The tourism sector is also expanding, with the recent trends in ecotourism and whale watching. Consumption, investment, and exports should recover moderately in 2003.

Electricity - consumption [time series]

7.02 billion kWh (2000)

Electricity - exports [time series]

0 kWh (2000)

Electricity - imports [time series]

0 kWh (2000)

Electricity - production [time series]

7.549 billion kWh (2000)

Electricity - production by source [time series]

fossil fuel: 0% hydro: 83% other: 17% (2000) nuclear: 0%

Exchange rates [time series]

Icelandic kronur per US dollar - 102.430 (January 2002), 97.425 (2001), 78.616 (2000), 72.335 (1999), 70.958 (1998), 70.904 (1997)

Exports [time series]

$2 billion f.o.b. (2002)

Exports - commodities [time series]

fish and fish products 70%, animal products, aluminum, diatomite, ferrosilicon

Exports - partners [time series]

UK 18.2%, Germany 14.9%, Netherlands 10.9, US 10.3%, Portugal 5.5%, Spain 5.4%, Norway 5.3% (2001)

Fiscal year [time series]

calendar year

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) (GDP) [time series]

purchasing power parity - $7.7 billion (2002 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin (GDP - composition by sector) [time series]

agriculture: 14% (includes fishing 12%) industry: 21% services: 65% (2001 est.)

Real GDP per capita (GDP - per capita) [time series]

purchasing power parity - $27,100 (2002 est.)

Real GDP growth rate (GDP - real growth rate) [time series]

-0.7% (2002 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share [time series]

lowest 10%: NA% highest 10%: NA%

Imports [time series]

$2 billion (2002)

Imports - commodities [time series]

machinery and equipment, petroleum products; foodstuffs, textiles

Imports - partners [time series]

Germany 12.2%, US 11.1%, Denmark 8.6%, Norway 7.8%, UK 7.5%, Netherlands 6.6% (2001)

Industrial production growth rate [time series]

0.2% (2001 est.)

Industries [time series]

fish processing; aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production, geothermal power; tourism

Inflation rate (consumer prices) [time series]

5% (2001 est.)

Labor force [time series]

159,000 (2000)

Labor force - by occupation [time series]

agriculture 5%, fishing and fish processing 12%, manufacturing 13%, construction 11%, other services 60% (1999)

Population below poverty line [time series]

NA%

Unemployment rate [time series]

2.8% (2002 est.)

Area [time series]

total: 103,000 sq km water: 2,750 sq km land: 100,250 sq km

Area - comparative [time series]

slightly smaller than Kentucky

Climate [time series]

temperate; moderated by North Atlantic Current; mild, windy winters; damp, cool summers

Coastline [time series]

4,988 km

Elevation (Elevation extremes) [time series]

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Hvannadalshnukur 2,119 m

Environment - current issues [time series]

water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment

International environmental agreements (Environment - international agreements) [time series]

party to: Air Pollution, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Environmental Modification, Marine Life Conservation

Geographic coordinates [time series]

65 00 N, 18 00 W

Geography - note [time series]

strategic location between Greenland and Europe; westernmost European country; Reykjavik is the northernmost national capital in the world; more land covered by glaciers than in all of continental Europe

Irrigated land [time series]

NA sq km

Land boundaries [time series]

0 km

Land use [time series]

arable land: 0.06% permanent crops: 0% other: 99.94% (23% permanent pastures) (1998 est.)

Location [time series]

Northern Europe, island between the Greenland Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, northwest of the UK

Map references [time series]

Arctic Region

Maritime claims [time series]

continental shelf: 200 NM or to the edge of the continental margin territorial sea: 12 NM exclusive economic zone: 200 NM

Natural hazards [time series]

earthquakes and volcanic activity

Natural resources [time series]

fish, hydropower, geothermal power, diatomite

Terrain [time series]

mostly plateau interspersed with mountain peaks, icefields; coast deeply indented by bays and fiords

Administrative divisions [time series]

23 counties (syslur, singular - sysla) and 14 independent towns* (kaupstadhir, singular - kaupstadhur); Akranes*, Akureyri*, Arnessysla, Austur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Austur-Hunavatnssysla, Austur-Skaftafellssysla, Borgarfjardharsysla, Dalasysla, Eyjafjardharsysla, Gullbringusysla, Hafnarfjordhur*, Husavik*, Isafjordhur*, Keflavik*, Kjosarsysla, Kopavogur*, Myrasysla, Neskaupstadhur*, Nordhur-Isafjardharsysla, Nordhur-Mulasys-la, Nordhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Olafsfjordhur*, Rangarvallasysla, Reykjavik*, Saudharkrokur*, Seydhisfjordhur*, Siglufjordhur*, Skagafjardharsysla, Snaefellsnes-og Hnappadalssysla, Strandasysla, Sudhur-Mulasysla, Sudhur-Thingeyjarsysla, Vesttmannaeyjar*, Vestur-Bardhastrandarsysla, Vestur-Hunavatnssysla, Vestur-Isafjardharsysla, Vestur-Skaftafellssysla note: there may be four other counties

Capital [time series]

Reykjavik

Constitution [time series]

16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944

Country name [time series]

conventional long form: Republic of Iceland conventional short form: Iceland local short form: Island local long form: Lydhveldidh Island

Diplomatic representation from the US [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador James I. GADSDEN embassy: Laufasvegur 21, 101 Reykjavik mailing address: US Embassy, PSC 1003, Box 40, FPO AE 09728-0340 telephone: [354] 5629100 FAX: [354] 5629139

Diplomatic representation in the US [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador Helgi AGUSTSSON chancery: Suite 1200, 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005-1704 consulate(s) general: New York FAX: [1] (202) 265-6656 telephone: [1] (202) 265-6653

Executive branch [time series]

chief of state: President Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON (since 1 August 1996) head of government: Prime Minister David ODDSSON (since 30 April 1991) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved by Parliament election results: Olafur Ragnar GRIMSSON ran unopposed in 2000 and was reelected elections: president, which is largely a ceremonial post, elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 29 June 1996 (next to be held NA June 2004); President GRIMSSON ran unopposed in June 2000 so there were no elections; prime minister appointed by the president

Flag (Flag description) [time series]

blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

Government type [time series]

constitutional republic

Independence [time series]

1 December 1918 (became a sovereign state under the Danish Crown); 17 June 1944 (from Denmark)

International organization participation [time series]

Australia Group, BIS, CBSS, CCC, CE, EAPC, EBRD, ECE, EFTA, FAO, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IEA (observer), IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, NATO, NC, NEA, NIB, OECD, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNU, UPU, WEU (associate), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Judicial branch [time series]

Supreme Court or Haestirettur (justices are appointed for life by the Minister of Justice); eight district courts (justices are appointed for life by the Minister of Justice)

Legal system [time series]

civil law system based on Danish law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Legislative branch [time series]

unicameral Parliament or Althing (63 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) election results: percent of vote by party - Independence Party 40.7%, Social Democratic Alliance (PA, Social Democratic Party, Women's List) 26.8%, Progressive Party 18.4%, Left-Green Alliance 9.1%, Liberal Party 4.2%; seats by party - Independence Party 26, Social Democratic Alliance 17, Progressive Party 12, Left-Green Alliance 6, Liberal Party 2 elections: last held 8 May 1999 (next to be held by April 2003)

National holiday [time series]

Independence Day, 17 June (1944)

Political parties (Political parties and leaders) [time series]

Independence Party or IP [David ODDSSON]; Left-Green Alliance or LGP [Steingrimur SIGFUSSON]; Liberal Party or LP [Sverrir HERMANNSSON]; Progressive Party or PP [Halldor ASGRIMSSON]; Social Democratic Alliance (includes People's Alliance or PA, Social Democratic Party or SDP, Women's List)or SDA [Ossur SKARPHEDINSSON]; Social Democratic Party or SDP [Sighvatur BJORGVINSSON]; Women's List or WL [Kristin ASTGEIRSDOTTIR]

Political parties (Political pressure groups and leaders) [time series]

NA

Suffrage [time series]

18 years of age; universal

Background [time series]

Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing, established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and social cohesion are first-rate by world standards.

Military - note [time series]

defense is provided by the US-manned Icelandic Defense Force (IDF) headquartered at Keflavik

Military and security forces (Military branches) [time series]

no regular armed forces; Police, Coast Guard

Military expenditures - dollar figure [time series]

$0

Military manpower - availability [time series]

males age 15-49: 71,142 (2002 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service [time series]

males age 15-49: 62,556 (2002 est.)

Age structure [time series]

0-14 years: 23% (male 33,189; female 31,155) 15-64 years: 65.1% (male 91,704; female 90,199) 65 years and over: 11.9% (male 14,828; female 18,309) (2002 est.)

Birth rate [time series]

14.37 births/1,000 population (2002 est.)

Death rate [time series]

6.93 deaths/1,000 population (2002 est.)

Ethnic groups [time series]

homogeneous mixture of descendants of Norse and Celts 94%, population of foreign origin 6%

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate [time series]

0.14% (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths [time series]

less than 100 (1999 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS [time series]

200 (1999 est.)

Infant mortality rate [time series]

3.53 deaths/1,000 live births (2002 est.)

Languages [time series]

Icelandic, English, Nordic languages, German widely spoken

Life expectancy at birth [time series]

total population: 79.66 years female: 82.07 years (2002 est.) male: 77.42 years

Literacy [time series]

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 99.9% (1997 est.) male: NA% female: NA%

Nationality [time series]

noun: Icelander(s) adjective: Icelandic

Net migration rate [time series]

-2.27 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.)

Population [time series]

279,384 (July 2002 est.)

Population growth rate [time series]

0.52% (2002 est.)

Religions [time series]

Evangelical Lutheran 87.1%, other Protestant 4.1%, Roman Catholic 1.7%, other 7.1% (2002)

Sex ratio [time series]

at birth: 1.08 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.81 male(s)/female total population: 1 male(s)/female (2002 est.)

Total fertility rate [time series]

1.99 children born/woman (2002 est.)

Disputes - international [time series]

Rockall continental shelf dispute involving Denmark, Iceland, and the UK (Ireland and the UK have signed a boundary agreement in the Rockall area); dispute with Denmark over the Faroe Islands' fisheries median line boundary within 200 NM; disputes with Denmark, the UK, and Ireland over the Faroe Islands continental shelf boundary outside 200 NM

Airports [time series]

86 (2001)

Airports - with paved runways [time series]

total: 13 over 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 4 914 to 1,523 m: 8 (2002)

Airports - with unpaved runways [time series]

total: 73 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 21 under 914 m: 49 (2002)

Roadways (Highways) [time series]

total: 12,691 km paved: 3,262 km unpaved: 9,429 km (1999)

Merchant marine [time series]

total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,816 GRT/2,500 DWT ships by type: chemical tanker 1 (2002 est.)

Ports (Ports and harbors) [time series]

Akureyri, Hornafjordhur, Isafjordhur, Keflavik, Raufarhofn, Reykjavik, Seydhisfjordhur, Straumsvik, Vesttmannaeyjar

Railways [time series]

0 km

Waterways [time series]

none