Iceland Country Report

Iceland is a developed nation in the North Atlantic Ocean south of the Arctic Circle. The government’s stability does not face any internal or external threats to its existence. The greatest threat to foreign visitors in Iceland is the extreme environment and road conditions, particularly during the winter when traffic accidents are a serious concern. Iceland’s infrastructure and medical facilities are well developed, but inclement weather, rugged terrain and ice fields make much of the country inaccessible by wheeled vehicle for much of the year. Iceland is a hotbed of volcanic and geothermal activity. Volcanic eruptions are not uncommon due its position on the dividing line between the Eurasian and North American continental plates. The country’s three major volcanoes - Hekla, Katla and Grimsvotn - lie along this boundary. In total there are 35 active volcanoes on and around the island. Several significant eruptions have occurred in the recent past.

Iceland does not face any specific security risk and this will almost certainly not change in the foreseeable future.

There is no particular risk associated with air travel to Iceland, and the country’s airlines and airports are considered safe.

Severe conditions can impede road travel on the primarily gravel road network. Mountain roads are closed from October to March.

The country has around 60 ports and harbors that meet the locals' needs. The ferries are safe and reliable.

Utilities are good. About 85% of all houses in Iceland are heated with geothermal energy.

The country is considered both an unlikely sponsor of and unlikely target for cyber attacks.

The natural setting can be hazardous for foreign travelers unfamiliar with Iceland’s extreme terrain. Travel near mud pots, hot springs, lava fields, glaciers and geysers can be hazardous, especially in inclement weather. Iceland sits on active volcano beds, and eruptions generate a realistic risk to disrupt life on the island and shutdown Icelandic airspace.

There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Iceland except those posed by the extreme cold experienced in much of the country. Good quality medical facilities and medicines are available, although they may be difficult to access from remote locations. Tap water is considered safe for drinking unless otherwise specified.

Iceland is a unitary multi-party parliamentary republic. The Prime Minister is the head of government, and the President is the head of state. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet form the government and exercise executive power. The unicameral parliament, or the Althing, exercises legislative power. Legislative elections occur once every four years, while presidential elections occur once every six years; snap parliamentary elections have taken place in the past. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Coalitions featuring a cross-section of political parties are typically required to form the government. Government collapses are rare. State institutions are competent and effective and provide reliable services across most of the country.