Iceland is a very modern society and has more computers, mobile phones, and technological equipment, than most other countries. They are on the other hand very conscious to the nations history, and where they come from. The history of Iceland is full of special events, and a diverse cultural heritage, that easily can make every population proud.

The first settlers on Iceland was monks from Ireland, that came here at the end of 700 AD. However these monks had left Iceland before the norwegians arrived there and stayed on the island in the years 874 to 930. The new settlers was mainly farmers that were unhappy with the living conditions back home in Norway. They lived mainly of fishing and farming. Of all the European countries, Iceland was the last to become settled. One person that had an important impact on Iceland at this time was Ingólfur Arnarson, a norwegian who started the settlement in the country. He came from Norway with his family in 874, and started his farm where the capital Reykjavik is today.

In year 1000 Christianity was easily adopted, but with the rare addition that everyone could continue to believe in other Gods. With this new religion also came wanted education and tutoring to Iceland. After this Iceland was taken over by Norway, and later over to Denmark in the 14 th century. This was a though time for Iceland. Later in 1602 it became worse for Iceland, when Denmark got exclusive rights to all trade with Iceland. This was very damaging to the economy on Iceland, because the island depended on the fish export. In 1854 these exclusive rights where removed.

The most horrible volcano disaster then took place in 1783, by the volcano called “Lakis”. In the worst periods of time after this event, there were only around 30 000 peoples left on Iceland, where they once were 80 000.The 20 th century was to become an important century for Iceland. To begin with, Denmark allowed Iceland home ruling in 1904. That was the first step for the country on the way to sovereignty. In 1918 Denmark recognized the island as a sovereign state.Just after the World War II broke out, Iceland became a landing place for British troops. Which later was relieved and replaced with over 60 000 American soldiers, after an agreement between Iceland and the United States of America.

One of the most important years in the history of Iceland is on June 17, 1944. That year the country finally became an independent republic. A few years later Iceland became a member of NATO. In 1983 the worlds first women's political party was formed on Iceland. And in 1994 the country joins the European Economic Area.