Five Fun Facts About Iceland

5 Fun Facts About Iceland

  1. Iceland has only 350,000 inhabitants and an average of 800,000 visitors a year.
  2. In Iceland there are twice as many sheep than people.
  3. Icelanders do not have traditional surnames. The last name consists of the father’s name and then “son” or “dóttir” is added on the end, depending on their gender. The use of surnames in Iceland is less important than the use of names. Therefore women do not get the family name of her husband because that name does not exist.
  4. Over 50% of Icelanders believe in elves and other magical creatures. They’ve even changed road plans due to known elf communities.
  5. In Iceland there are 13 Yule Lads who take the place of Santa Claus by delivering gifts, but also plays practical jokes. For example, Pottaskefill steals leftovers, and Kertasníkir follows children in order to steal their candles.