Iceland's history spans 1100 years — from Viking settlement, through Norwegian and Danish rule, to independence 1944 and modern Iceland.
Settlement (874–930)
First settlers were Vikings from Norway, led by Ingólfur Arnarson 874. Earlier Irish monks (papar) had lived here. Landnámabók records 430 families as settlers.
Commonwealth (930–1262)
In 930 Althing was founded at Þingvellir — the world's oldest parliament (UNESCO). Independent rule without a king. Christianity adopted 1000 at the Althing. Snorri Sturluson wrote the Edda and king sagas (13th c.) — Icelandic literary golden age.
Norwegian and Danish Rule (1262–1944)
1262 Iceland was annexed to the Norwegian kingdom (Old Covenant). 1380 transferred with Norway to Denmark. Centuries of poverty, eruptions (Laki 1783 — 25% of Icelanders died), smallpox.
Independence Struggle (1830–1944)
Jón Sigurðsson — leader of independence struggle. Home rule 1874, self-governance 1904, sovereignty 1918, republic June 17, 1944 (national day).
Cod Wars and NATO (1949–1976)
NATO member 1949 (controversial). Cod Wars against UK (1958, 1972, 1976) over fishing zone — Iceland won all three.
Banking Crisis and Eyjafjallajökull (2008–2010)
Banking crisis 2008 — Icelandic banks collapsed, krona fell. Iceland did not pay foreign loans — bankruptcy path. Eyjafjallajökull 2010 — eruption stopped flights across Europe for 8 days.
Modern Iceland
380,000 inhabitants on 103,000 km² (smallest density in Europe). President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson. 100% renewable energy. Tourism industry growing rapidly — 2.5 million tourists per year. Beer banned until 1989. No railways.