Tourist Information

Location of Iceland

North Atlantic, close to Arctic Circle.

Area

103,000 sq km (39,769 sq miles).

Population in Iceland

320.000 (2010).

Population Density

3 per sq km.

Capital

Reykjavík.

Population: 118,000 (city); 198,000 (metropolitan area) (2008).

Government

Republic. Gained full independence from Denmark in 1944.

Language

The official language is Icelandic; English and Danish are widely spoken.

Religion Lutheran, with a Catholic minority.

Time

GMT.

Electricity in Iceland

220 volts AC, 50Hz.

Head of Government in Iceland

Prime Minister Johanna Sigurdardottir since 2009.

Head of State

President Ólafur Ragnar Grimsson since 1996.

Telephone in Iceland

Country code: 354.

Mobile Telephone

Roaming agreements exist with many international companies. Coverage is good. Pre-paid GSM phonecards, which travelers can use with their own GSM phones, can be purchased at petrol stations around the country. GSM phones may also be rented at several locations.

Internet

Many Internet cafes can be found, especially in Reykjavík.

Media

Icelandic National Broadcasting Service (RUV) is a public-service broadcaster owned by the state, which runs national radio and TV services. The RUV has to promote the Icelandic language, history and culture. There is guaranteed press freedom.

Post

There is an efficient airmail service to Europe.

Post office hours:

Mon-Fri 0830-1630. The post office in Austurstræti (Reykjavík center) is also open Sat 1000-1400 (Jun-Aug). Some offices open Mon-Fri 1000-1800.

Radio

• Bylgjan is the main private station.
• The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service operates two national networks and four regional stations of public radio.
• State Radio, FM 93.5 and FM 92.4, broadcasts a short news program every weekday morning at 0730 from June to August. You can also listen to it by telephone (tel: 515 3690).