A Tropical Paradise*

This was written in July 2023 for an International Business Class.
It is about a 5 min read.

From beneath the frigid waters of the north Atlantic, where the ocean spray crystallizes and freezes upon contact with the skin, emerges from the fog, a volcanic island shrouded in an aura of darkness. Its foreboding black sand serves as a reminder of the primordial chaos that once dominated this world—a space where the forces of nature converged, punishing those who dared venture too far into its vast emptiness. Known by various names such as Thule, Sæland, or Garðarshólmi, this place was recognized as a hazardous playground by the Vikings of old. With their unwavering willpower and indomitable strength, they carved out a livable vestibule on this land of ice and fire. The Vikings would turn this desolate region into a paradise between worlds, and between the realms of heaven and hell. What the Vikings built, their descendants preserved, and thus Iceland as we know it today was birthed from the crucible of their endeavors.

 

As previously mentioned, Iceland is located in the North Atlantic, positioned between two worlds—the old world and the new world, specifically the continents of North America and Europe. The island itself rests upon the boundary of these two tectonic plates, accounting for the region's high volcanic activity. Iceland boasts a total of approximately 130 volcanoes, all of which remain active. The distinct black hue of the soil and sand can be attributed to aeolian volcanic ash deposits that have accumulated over millions of years, gradually shaping the island's unique landscape. Isolated as an island, Iceland's closest neighbors are Greenland, Norway, and the United Kingdom, each separated by a minimum distance of 200 miles.

 

The Icelandic people, forever known for their friendliness, are the proud descendants of the Vikings who settled the island in the late 9th century CE. Motivated by the desire to discover new lands rather than engage in conflict, these Viking explorers sought refuge from the political turmoil of their homeland. Shortly after their arrival, they would establish the Althing, the first Icelandic government. Functioning as a parliamentary institution, the Althing passed legislation and resolved disputes, embodying the democratic spirit that has endured throughout Iceland's history. Roughly a century later, Christianity reached the island, gradually replacing the ancient pagan customs of its inhabitants. Strengthening ties with Europe, Iceland engaged in significant trade and forged political ‘alliances’ with Norway and Denmark during the Middle Ages. However, the island was not immune to the scourge known as the Black Death, which arrived in the 1400s and decimated half of its native population. It would take the islanders centuries to recover from the devastation and would politically subservient during this dark time. In 1904, Iceland would finally shed its status as a political bargaining chip and achieve full autonomy. During the subsequent wars of the 20th century, English troops occupied the island, preventing German/Nazi encroachment and denying them (Nazi’s) a strategic foothold in the Atlantic. The Icelandic population held mixed sentiments regarding these occupations during the wars, but afterward the nation formally expressed gratitude to the UK for protecting them from the Nazi menace. This gratitude would be expressed nationally when Icelandic schools began teaching English as required class. In 1949, Iceland joined NATO, becoming a would have been a critical landing ground for US and Canadian troops engaged in conflicts with European powers. However, Iceland eventually faced a formidable threat for which it had no formal defense—an extensive economic collapse facilitated by its unregulated banking system.

 

A nation whose humble fishermen had sustained its economy for over a thousand years, Iceland unexpectedly transformed into a thriving financial hub for investment bankers before the system inevitably crumbled. Bereft of natural resources and now devoid of financial stability, the land that once teemed with life found itself barren once again. Riots erupted in this once tranquil nation, as the long-dormant Viking spirit of vengeance awoke. Some of the riots leadership transitioned into elected officials, while the previous government faced consequences for its association with big banks. Notably, Iceland stands alone as the only nation to have incarcerated bankers for their crimes against humanity during the 2008 financial crisis. These individuals were also fined and compelled to repay millions to the noble nation they had painstakingly attempted to break and corrupt.

 

Since then, Iceland has sought new opportunities, particularly in the realm of tourism. Prior to the crisis, Iceland attracted limited tourism due to the lack of convenient transportation options. To revitalize their depleted economy, Iceland invested in its national airline, Iceland Air, facilitating direct flights from all corners of the globe. This venture proved successful as Iceland Air spearheaded significant economic recovery through tourism. Visitors from around the world now flock to Iceland regularly, drawn by the allure of penguins, icebergs, lava formations, hot springs, and the mesmerizing spectacle of the northern lights—all of which are abundantly accessible to the public for free.

 

Several notable locations captivate visitors, including a crashed DC9 from the World War II era nestled within the mountains, a museum and archaeological site showcasing the first Viking settlement on the island, a meticulously maintained Viking village tracing its roots back to Eric the Red, the remarkable rock formations known as 'Dverghamrar,' reminiscent of the Irish Giant's Causeway, and numerous historic establishments where one can partake in the mirth and feasting inherent to Viking tradition. Natural tourism thrives as well, with the native whales and penguins holding significant cultural significance. The pristine wilderness beckons to those seeking natural beauty, offering opportunities for ice climbing, freshwater diving, and of course, the exhilarating exploration of the volatile volcano systems that add an allure of danger to the traveling experience.

 

Reykjavik, the capital city, stands in stark contrast to most nations, boasting a population of just over 120,000, which represents a third of the country's total inhabitants. It features a single airport, one runway, and one terminal. This pattern of modest scale extends throughout Iceland, making it challenging to get lost. However, in the rare event of such an occurrence, fear not, as 98% of Icelanders fluently speak English. Meaning that civilization is only ever one conversation away. This high level of English proficiency facilitates significant cultural exchange between the English-speaking nations and Iceland, resulting in a society that, despite physical isolation, shares similarities with rural territories in the United States and former English colonies.

 

As previously stated, fishing has served as the primary source of Iceland's economy for the majority of its history, albeit briefly interrupted by a ill-fated foray into investment banking. However, in recent years, Iceland has pivoted its focus to cater broadly to tourists and their spending power. While the country exports goods such as raw aluminum, fish products, and around 1% of oil products, its financial stability heavily relies on the global tourism market. Approximately 33% of Iceland's economy is intertwined with the goodwill of outsiders who choose to visit, which perhaps explains the intrinsic warmth and friendliness of its people.

 

Overall Iceland is a beautiful place, filled with kind people who have not forgotten their righteous ancestral rage when villainous elements rear their ugly head. The land is pockmarked with volcanos which contrast with the cold climate of the region to provide breathtaking scenery to those lucky enough to visit. With a history shaped by struggle, resilience, and a contemporary era nurtured by kindness, Iceland is an extraordinary land. Positioned as an island between worlds, straddling the realms of heaven and hell, it leans towards the ascent to higher realms, captivating the imagination of all who set foot upon its shores. A Tropical Paradise*.

*Not