Iceland thus followed Norway's integration into that union, coming under Danish rule after Sweden seceded from the union in 1523. The establishment of the Kalmar Union in 1397 united the kingdoms of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden.

Following a period of civil strife, Iceland acceded to Norwegian rule in the 13th century. The island was governed as an independent commonwealth under the native parliament, the Althing, one of the world's oldest functioning legislative assemblies. In the following centuries, Norwegians, and to a lesser extent other Scandinavians, emigrated to Iceland, bringing with them thralls (i.e., slaves or serfs) of Gaelic origin. Its high latitude and marine influence keep summers chilly, and most of its islands have a polar climate.Īccording to the ancient manuscript Landnámabók, the settlement of Iceland began in 874 AD when the Norwegian chieftain Ingólfr Arnarson became the first permanent settler on the island. Iceland is warmed by the Gulf Stream and has a temperate climate, despite a high latitude just outside the Arctic Circle. The interior consists of a plateau characterised by sand and lava fields, mountains, and glaciers, and many glacial rivers flow to the sea through the lowlands.

Iceland is the biggest part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge that rises above sea level, and its central volcanic plateau is erupting almost constantly. Iceland's capital and largest city is Reykjavík, which (along with its surrounding areas) is home to over 65% of the population. Iceland ( Icelandic: Ísland ( listen)) is a Nordic island country in the North Atlantic Ocean and the most sparsely populated country in Europe.

Capital island clothing