Iceland

Some Fun Iceland Cultural Facts

• Iceland is about the size of Kentucky. It has 500,000 residents, 250,000 of whom live in Reykjavik.


• The Icelandic word for "yes" is pronounced "yow!"


• Most Icelanders speak fluent English, in a charming Berlitz-tape-like British accent.


• The Icelandic language has changed very little from the Old Norse spoken by the Vikings. In fact, a modern Icelander can read and understand the sagas and eddas as they were first written down 1,000 years ago.


• Fermented shark meat is a delicacy in Iceland, traditionally washed down with a shot of Brennevin (schnapps). I did not try any fermented shark meat, but I did try the schnapps.


• Only 10% of Icelanders have actual surnames. The rest still use patronymics--their father's first name followed by "son" or "dottir." Phone book entries are by first name.