Iceland

Iceland is a great study destination for international students and a fantastic place to live. Ranked as the most developed country in the world in 2007 by the United Nations' Human Development Index and as the fourth most productive country per capita – Iceland enjoys a flourishing economy and has a high standard of living. Iceland has some of the world's highest levels of economic and civil freedoms. Icelanders are also known for their rich culture and heritage.

Location

Iceland is an island located in Northern Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean, situated between Greenland and mainland Europe. It has an official population of 320,000 inhabitants living on 103,000km² of land, the country's capital is Reykjavik; it is also the country's largest city.

Reykjavik

Iceland is a country with a wide variety of natural beauty with a landscape that's wild, colorful and rugged, with rivers, waterfalls, green valleys, black lava, sulphur and hot blue geysers. Iceland's coastlines are indented, therefore creating beautiful bays and fjords. Reykjavik is covered with mountains and sits on an area of geothermal hot springs, which functions as the city's natural heating system.

Despite being one of the most volcanically active countries in the world, Icelanders have a great sense of enjoying life, and partying. Iceland's capital, Reykjavik is the party hub of the country. The best time to go is between June and August, where there is nearly perpetual daylight for 24 hours, this period in the year is known as White Nights in Iceland.

Reykjavik - General Information

• Located at 64°08’N latitude, Reykjavik is the world's most northern national capital
• Reykjavik has a population of 120,000, Greater Reykjavik has an additional 200,000
• Reykjavik is the only metropolitan city in Iceland
• Reykjavik is highly developed, and has a first class welfare system and infrastructure
• Reykjavik is located in the southwest of Iceland

Sites of Interest in Reykjavik

• The Icelandic Parliament
• Bæjarins Bectu Oylsur, which is a small hotdog stand in Reykjavik boasts "Europe's Best Hotdogs"
• Hôfôi is the house in which Reagan and Gorbachev met
• Perlan, is a glass dome which rests on 4 water tanks

Introduction to Akureyri

The first residential house built in Akureyri was in 1786 and shortly after in 1786, the town became a certified trading post. This was an attempt by the Danish king to improve the living conditions for the inhabitants of Iceland.

Today, Akureyri is known for its art culture. This is shown by the annual Summer Arts Festival which takes place in the city. The art district of the city stretches from Kaupvangsstræti and extends downwards through Grófargil into the centre of Akureyri-town. This is the Akureyri Arts Centre, Listagil in Icelandic; here you will find the Akureyri Art Museum, Akureyri School of Visual Arts, Work shops and the galleries of many local artists.

The Listasumar, which is the Summer Art Festival held in the city, and is put together through the collective effort by those who are responsible for promoting cultural activities in Akureyri. In 2008, we saw the 16th Akureyri Art Festival, for 10 weeks you can enjoy a range of activities such as concerts, exhibitions, dancing, theatre and literature.

Akureyri: General Information

• Second largest urban area after the Greater Reykjavik area
• Fourth largest municipality in Iceland after Hafnarfjörôur, Kópavogur and Reykjavik
• Population of 17,300
• Akureyri is located at 65°41’N18°06’W

Sites of Interest in Akureyri

• Nature Museum
• Art Museum
• The Botanical Garden of Akureyri

Top Universities in Iceland

• Reykjavik University
• Technological University of Iceland
• University of Akureyri
• University of Iceland
• Iceland Academy of the Arts