Brief Introduction to Iceland

The full name of Iceland is Republic of Iceland, Islenska Lydveldid. The National flag of Iceland is rectangular in shape with blue background and a cross red and white color divided the block into quadrants 2 blue squares and 2 blue rectangles. White and blue is the national color of Iceland which reflects the nature environment characteristics of Iceland. It is in the blue sky and the ocean the floating "ice land" -- Iceland.

The flag is decorated with a picture of the national shield emblem at the center, long legendary cattle and the elderly that represent the guardians of Iceland. Stones on the bottom shield of the emblem signify the long rocky coastline of Iceland.

  Iceland 's population is about 290,000 (December 2003). The vast majority of Icelanders are German national. The official language is Icelandic and English as the common language. Nearly 90% are the Christian Synod. Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland has population of about 112,388 (December 2003). The average temperature is 4.3 degrees. Nearly two-thirds of people are living in Reykjavik, and surrounding areas. The country is divided into 23 provinces, 21 municipalities and 203 parishes and provincial constituencies but no executive body.

The military establishment of Iceland is under the constitution. In 1949, Iceland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and be able to sign a defense agreement with the United States in 1951. By that time Iceland and the United States Air Force bases and troops are equipped with fighters, submarine hunting aircraft, radar stations and other military equipment and facilities. Iceland has also marine patrol boat and small plane equipments for rescue and protection at sea zones.

December 8, 1971, Iceland established diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level with China. In 1996, the two governments signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation. Iceland is the first country outside Europe and North America signed agreement on the avoidance of double taxation. September 2001 and June 2002. China's National People's Congress Li Peng and Chinese President Jiang Zemin have made a successful state visit to Iceland.

Education and the economy
Iceland implemented 10 years of free compulsory education. The universal higher education implemented the eradication of illiteracy in more than 100 Nianqianjiuyi. In 1999 the government spend on education accounted for about 5.8%, about 73,500 students were in school. Another 1,623 people to study abroad and a total of 205 are primary, 36 secondary schools and 12 universities. University of Iceland is the largest comprehensive university. In 2001 students are spending 100,000 Yuan but outstanding students may apply for scholarships to reduce their burden.

Iceland's fishing industry is a pillar of the economy. Aluminum and other industrial fish processing and energy industries are also considered as their source of economy. Fishing, water and geothermal resources, and other scarce natural resources, such as oil products imports have greater dependence on foreign trade. The volume of 640 billion kwh of hydro-electric power, geothermal power generating capacity of 72 billion kwh can be developed. In addition, industrial base are used to the processing of fish products and other light industrial knitting, with Aluminum and other industrial energy industries.

Iceland's fisheries have capelin fish species, cod and mackerel and most of fisheries products are exported commodities and accounted for nearly 70% of total exports. Iceland's fishing fleets are well equipped, fish processing technology in the world, occupying first position. Latitude, less sunshine, only a few southern 400-500 tons of annual farm crops. The land area of Iceland is 1,000 square kilometers, accounting for 1% of the country's total area. Animal husbandry accounted for the major status, the majority of agricultural land to be used as feed meadows. Corresponding to the wool industry and leather industry are relatively well developed. Meat, milk and eggs continent, grains, vegetables, fruits, basically relied on imports. Greenhouse cultivation tomatoes, cucumber production can meet 70% of domestic consumption. Services accounted for an important position in the national economy, including business, banking, insurance and public service. The value of the gross domestic product accounted for about half the number of workers in two-thirds of the total labor force.

Iceland vigorously develops the tourism industry since 1980. Major tourist destinations are the large glaciers and volcanic features, such as geothermal fountains and waterfalls. Iceland's per capita gross domestic product nearly 33,000 U.S. dollars and products are recognized as one of the best in the world. In Iceland you can enjoy the world's best fresh air and pure water. The average life expectancy of women reached 82.2 years and men for 78.1 years. In terms of education, Universal Higher Education eliminated illiteracy for more than 100 Nianqianbingdao. In 1999 Iceland has become one of the world's highest mobile phone rate in the country.

Iceland was recognized as "the world's most fortunate nations," and this is true. Iceland is high welfare, high treatment of high tax countries. Icelanders has little difference between rich and poor and the security is guaranteed because crime rate is almost zero. They treat people very sincere, warm and generous. GMP his fourth row in the world and as far as the United States and Britain before.

Geography and climate
Republic of Iceland School Official Cites has an area of 103,000 square kilometers. It is located at the western European countries and central North Atlantic. The Arctic glaciers of Iceland have an area of 8,000 square kilometers, and known as the second largest island in Europe. Iceland’s coastline is about 4,970 km. It is 400-800 meters above sea level and three-fourths of the whole plateau, which was one-eighth of glacier coverage. There are more than 100 volcanoes, of which more than 20 are active volcanoes. Warner Dalshenuk volcanic peak is the highest peak for the country, with an elevation of 2,119 meters. Iceland has been established in almost the entire country of volcanic rocks and most of the land can not be opened up. The world's largest hot springs are found here and it attracts many visitors and tourist.

Iceland has a cold temperate and volatile oceanic climate due to Gulf Stream, compared with other parts of moderate latitudes. Summer sun is longer but winter sunshine is very short. It is hard to see the Aurora spectacle because it can only be seen in autumn and early winter.