GEOGRAPHY
Iceland is a volcanic island
in the North Atlantic Ocean east of Greenland and immediately
south of the Arctic Circle. It lies about 4,200 kilometers (2,600
mi.) from New York and 830 kilometers (520 mi.) from Scotland.
About 79% of Iceland's land
area, which is of recent volcanic origin, consists of glaciers,
lakes, a mountainous lava desert (highest elevation 2,000 meters--6,590
ft. --above sea level), and other wasteland. Twenty percent of
the land is used for grazing, and 1% is cultivated. The inhabited
areas are on the coast, particularly in the southwest.
Because of the Gulf Stream's
moderating influence, the climate is characterized by damp, cool
summers and relatively mild but windy winters. In Reykjavik, the
average temperature is 11?C (52?F) in July and -1?C (30?F) in
January.
Official Name: Republic
of Iceland
Area: 102,845 sq. km. (39, 709 sq. miles); about the size
of Virginia or twice the size of Ireland.
Cities: Capital--Reykjavik (pop. 167,596). Other towns--Kopavogur
(16,186), Hafnarfjordur (15,151) Akureyri (14,174).
Terrain: Rugged.
Climate: Maritime temperate.
Highest elevation: Vatnajokull Glacier, at 2,119 meters
(6,952 ft.).
