Facts and Figures
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Mountains around Reykjavik |
Here are some interesting facts that we learned about the Icelandic inhabitants and their way of life during our stay here.
Energy is one of the cheapest commodities due
to the tremendous amount of geothermal activity and hydro power present everywhere. Actually, the energy is “free” since molten magma
is so close to the surface. The citizens only pay a small amount to cover the
infrastructure and maintenance of equipment.
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Geothermal Activity on Iceland |
However, not all of Iceland is blessed with
geothermal activity. The really hot magma belt runs from southwest Iceland
(where Reykjavik is located), diagonally across Iceland to the northeast
corner. The northwest and the southeast corners are actually considered “cold.”
Yes, you can find magma fields there too, but it takes deeper drilling in those
corners.
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Gas at 190 ISK; this equates to $6/gal |
It is somewhat surprising that gasoline is sold
here at $6/gallon when all other energy is so cheap. When the Icelanders finally eliminate fossil
fuel from their list of needs, this could be a very cheap place to drive around.
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Fish of Iceland |
Iceland’s exports consist of 45% fish and fish
products. White fish such as cod is a chief fish product, but many others are also on the menu. Ling, haddock, trout, herring, and salmon are common too.
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Hot houses for growing plant life in Iceland |
Much of Iceland's plant life is
grown in hothouses on the southern coast, and the rest is imported.
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Elves roam around Iceland |
Power of the Huldufolk (Elves)
Icelanders are a creative and resilient people,
artistic and irrepressible. They are also a bit quirky. For one thing, they
believe in elves. Folklore calls them "huldufolk", or "hidden people". Seriously, now. Would you believe that the government of Iceland has rerouted highways to avoid damaging
piles of lava rocks they call “Elves’ Castles?” Most recently, the suggestion to build a new domestic airport on lava
land resulted in a heated debate. In the end, the proposal was voted down, and
Iceland’s largest newspaper displayed the headline, “The Elves don't like it!"
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More evidence that elves inhabit Iceland |
Miraculous Economic Recovery
During the global meltdown in 2008, Iceland was
a disaster with an economy worse than Greece. Their government seated all the
players, who represented every aspect of Iceland life, at a round table and
forced them to make previously unthinkable cuts. The result is that they saved
their country from collapse and today the whole world is amazed by Iceland’s
miraculous recovery. Iceland is now one of Europe’s top performers in terms of
growth. Certainly the tourism boom has helped, but maybe actually working
together pays off!
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Map of Iceland |
OK folks, of course there is lots more to Iceland than what we've experienced on this short 1-week foray into this island, but this is about all we have to share at this time. Thanks for following us, and we'll see you on the road next trip!
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Puffin and whale are eaten here |
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Lovin' those hot waters of the Blue Lagoon! |