Iceland Research Paper

Iceland has had 5 presidents since the constitution was established in their country June 17, 1944. The most recent president is Olafur Ragnar Grimsson. (http://english.forseti.is/) Iceland’s flag is blue with a red cross outlined in white. The colors that are in the flag are very symbolic. The red in the flag represents the volcanic fires. The white represents the snow and glaciers. The blue represents the skies that are above Iceland. (http://www.iceland.is/the-big-picture/quick-facts/) As of April 2014, there has been a recent population calculated as being 326,300. It is estimated that roughly 7% is born of foreign nationality. (http://www.iceland.is/the-big-picture/quick-facts/) The capital of Iceland is Reykjavik. In the capital,

Many of the festivities are related to ancient Norse traditions while some go right in with the Christian calendar. One tradition that the citizens of Iceland partake in is known as Twelfth night. This tradition marks the last day of Christmas and is celebrated by fireworks and bonfires. (in-text citation) Another tradition that is practiced in Iceland is Icelandic Republic Day. This day is on June 17 each year and celebrates Iceland becoming a republic in 1944. The reason it is celebrated on June 17 also is because it’s the birthday of the country’s independence hero, Jon Sigurdsson. (http://www.iceland.is/the-big-picture/people-society/) Jonsmesa is known as the longest day of the year in Iceland. According to the folklore of Iceland, cows are able to speak during this night and seals are able to take the shape of a human. Independence Day in Iceland is not celebrated on the same day as it is in the United States. Independence Day in Iceland is celebrated on 1 December and is not considered an official holiday. Oskudagur is known as Ash Wednesday in Iceland. This holiday is mostly celebrated by children. The children today in Iceland celebrate by dressing up in costumes and singing in shops for sweets. Oskudagur is very similar to Halloween as America celebrates. (http://www.iceland.is/the-big-picture/people-society/traditions/) This holiday is celebrated to recognize Iceland’s Declaration of Independence from Denmark in 1918.