While Iceland is the second largest inhabited island in Europe, with only 313,000 inhabitants in 2007, the Icelanders form one of the smallest independent nations in the world. Around two-thirds of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavík, and its suburbs, while the rest is spread around the inhabitable area of the country. Until fairly recently the Icelandic nation was unusually homogeneous, both in cultural and religious terms; in 1981, around 98 percent of the nation was born in Iceland and 96 percent belonged to the Lutheran state church or other Lutheran religious sects. In 2007, these numbers were down to 89 and 86 percent respectively, reflecting the rapidly growing multicultural nature of Icelandic society. The A to Z of Iceland traces Iceland's history and provides a compass for the direction the country is heading. This is done through its chronology, introductory essays, appendixes, map, bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on important persons, places, events, and institutions and significant political, economic, social, and cultural aspects.

While Iceland is the second largest inhabited island in Europe, with only 313,000 inhabitants in 2007, the Icelanders form one of the smallest independent nations in the world. Around two-thirds of the population lives in the capital, Reykjavík, and its suburbs, while the rest is spread around the inhabitable area of the country. Until fairly recently the Icelandic nation was unusually homogeneous, both in cultural and religious terms; in 1981, around 98 percent of the nation was born in Iceland and 96 percent belonged to the Lutheran state church or other Lutheran religious sects. In 2007, these numbers were down to 89 and 86 percent respectively, reflecting the rapidly growing multicultural nature of Icelandic society. The A to Z of Iceland traces Iceland's history and provides a compass for the direction the country is heading. This is done through its chronology, introductory essays, appendixes, map, bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on important persons, places, events, and institutions and significant political, economic, social, and cultural aspects.

Go beyond the ordinary with this remarkable travelogue, guidebook, and coffee table keepsake filled with spectacular color photography that showcases Iceland’s stunning beauty and hidden gems, from its fjords and highlands to the Western Islands and the capital Reykjavik—the first entry in the Hedonist’s Guide travel series. Combining essential insider details, cultural information, must-see attractions, and detailed maps with glorious custom photography, Stunning Iceland is the ultimate handbook for modern nomads, including both savvy travelers and novice tourists. Designed for twenty-first century globetrotters, Stunning Iceland features stylish graphics and an elegant visual design, as well as a breakdown of must-visit places, thematic double-page photographic spreads to help you discover and understand the city, and walking routes to explore each district away from the crowds. Whether you prefer a more traditional visit or want to chart your own unique course, this user-friendly handbook includes everything you need—and more: Discover the charm of a luxury ecolodge surrounded by nature Meet the surfers of the Arctic Taste the new Nordic gastronomy Follow in the footsteps of the heroes of the Icelandic sagas Meet the polar fox and the blue whale Bathe in the natural hot springs Admire the Icelandic flora Learn about the battle between the tectonic plates beneath Iceland and its active volcanoes Experience Reykjavík, the nation’s beating heart Stunning Iceland offers inspiration and insight for armchair travelers and dreamers alike. Best of all, the gorgeous photography transforms the book into a keepsake that will transport you back to your favorite places and sights long after returning home. Experience Iceland as never before with the Hedonist’s Guide!

Have you ever wondered how typewriters can rival commercial radio? Why, according to John, it's best to shave only once a week, and with old fashioned soap and water? And what the various repercussions of spring and its extra hour of daylight bring? The BBC created a fantastically cult television series when they filmed the daily operations of John and Ann's double glazing firm U-Fit, the third largest in Coventry. It was here we were first introduced to John's misanthropic musings and no-nonsense attitude to management and his wife Ann's doting loyalty. Now their individual and highly entertaining personalities have been brought to the page, as they ruminate on various aspects of life from asbos to Buddhism, and Chekov to Maltesers.

Let us guide you on every step of your travels. From deciding when to go, to choosing what to see when you arrive, Insight Guide Iceland is all you need to plan your trip and experience the best of Iceland, with in-depth insider information on must-see, top attractions like the Blue Lagoon, the Snaefellsness volcano, the capital Reykjavík, the Northern Lights and hidden cultural gems like the remote region of Húnaflói and Skagafjördur. This book is ideal for travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences, from exploring the lively capital Reykjavík, the volcanic fishing port of Heimaey, the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón, to discovering the two natural wonders that are the Geysir and Gullfoss and going either whale-watching or puffin-spotting. - In-depth on history and culture: explore the island's vibrant history and culture, and understand its modern-day life, people and politics - Excellent Editor's Choice: uncover the best of Iceland, which highlights the most special places to visit around the island - Invaluable and practical maps: get around with ease thanks to detailed maps that pinpoint the key attractions featured in every chapter - Informative tips: plan your travels easily with an A to Z of useful advice on everything from climate to tipping - Inspirational colour photography: discover the best destinations, sights, and excursions, and be inspired by stunning imagery - Inventive design makes for an engaging, easy-reading experience - Covers Reykjavík, the Reykjanes Peninsula, the southwest, Vestmannaeyjar, the southeast, Snaefellsness and the west, the West Fjords, Húnaflói and Skagafjördur, Akureyri and surroundings, Grímsey, Lake Myvatn, the northeast, the East Fjords and the interior About Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps, as well as phrase books, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.

This is the story of one Englishman's obsession with a half-frozen, roughly duck-shaped island in the cold North Atlantic. 'Iceland, Defrosted' is less about wars over cod, flight-halting volcanoes and globe-shattering financiers, and more about relaxing

Insight Guides Explore is an illustrated, practical pocket-sized travel guide to Iceland with ready-made cycling, walking and driving itineraries for different interests and themes, backed up by maps and all the practical information you will need for your trip. The easy-to-follow routes will save you time, and help you plan and enhance your visit. This Iceland guide book has been fully updated post-COVID-19. In our Iceland travel guide you will find: 16 READY-MADE ITINERARIES TO CHOOSE FROM Each detailed itinerary guides you step-by-step and features all the best places to visit en route, including where to eat and drink along the way. With this guide book to Iceland you will enjoy 16 best routes around Iceland, from a Reykjavík Bike Tour to the East Fjords and the Kjölur Route, without having to plan them yourself. INVALUABLE MAPS Each Best Route of this Iceland travel guide is accompanied by a detailed full-colour map, while the larger pull-out map provides an essential overview of the destination. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL INSIGHTS Immerse yourself in Iceland's rich history and culture, and learn all about its people, art and traditions. INSPIRATIONAL INSIDER INFORMATION Concise insider information about landscape, history, food and drink, as well as entertainment options. This guide book to Iceland will make the ideal on-the-move companion to your trip. MUST-SEE SIGHTS AND HAND-PICKED HIDDEN GEMS From Vatnajökull National Park to Mt Snæfell, our travel guide to Iceland will have you covered regardless of your travelling style and expectations. DIRECTORY SECTION Invaluable insight into important travel information, top accommodation, restaurant and nightlife options of Iceland area, along with an overview of language, books and films. STRIKING PICTURES Features inspirational colour photography, including the stunning Vatnajökull National Park and the spectacular Blue Lagoon.