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Iceland History Iceland

 
 
Area : 39768  sq.mi - Population 300000 hab.
Iceland

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 Historical dates

IXth century AC, Vikings from Norway colonise the island (between 870 and 930) after the first landings about 850, when Swede Naddodur baptised the place "snow island".
930, the Althing or National Assembly is instituted and located in Blaskogar.
999, Iceland becomes a Christian nation.
XIIIth century, the island lives a period of decline seasoned with civil wars and ends up annexed to Norway.
XIVth century, Iceland is annexed to Denmark.
1550, the Lutheran religion is imposed by the Danish Government.
1918, the island becomes independent, depending on the Danes on defence and foregin affairs issues.
April 9th 1940, Denmark is invaded by Germany and is unable to assume its powers; Althing takes over "foreign affairs".
June 17th 1944, Iceland becomes an Independent Republic.
1980, Vigdis Finnbogadottir becomes the first President of the Republic of Iceland.
1986, great summit with Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan in Reykjavik.
2001. Iceland is a member-state of Schengen.
Today. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson is Head of State since 1996 and Geir Haarde is Prime Minister since 2006.