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Iceland

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Iceland is a Nordic island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean, known for its dramatic landscapes, which include volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and lava fields. The country's capital and largest city is Reykjavik, which runs on geothermal power and is home to the National and Saga museums, tracing Iceland’s Viking history. With a population of around 356,000 and an area of 103,000 square kilometers, it is the most sparsely populated country in Europe. The interior of Iceland is characterized by sand and lava fields, mountains, and glaciers, while many glacial rivers flow to the sea through the lowlands. Iceland is warmed by the Gulf Stream and has a temperate climate, despite a high latitude just outside the Arctic Circle. Its high latitude and marine influence keep summers chilly, with most of the archipelago having a tundra climate. The country's cultural heritage includes traditional Icelandic cuisine, poetry, and the medieval Iceland sagas. Tourism is a significant part of the economy, with visitors flocking to experience the country's unique natural beauty, including the Northern Lights. Iceland is also known for its commitment to gender equality and renewable energy, with around 85% of its total energy coming from domestically produced renewable energy sources. Despite its small population, Iceland has a vibrant cultural scene, with a focus on literature, arts, and music festivals, and is known for its progressive social attitudes and well-developed education and healthcare systems.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Iceland is considered high, particularly in the capital city of Reykjavik. Goods and services tend to be expensive due to the country's remote location and the cost of importing many items.

Weather

Iceland has a subarctic oceanic climate in the south and a tundra climate in the north. The weather is characterized by cold winters and cool summers, with temperatures often moderated by the North Atlantic Current. Precipitation is more common in the southern part of the island, and the weather can change rapidly, with strong winds and storms not uncommon.

Educational System Iceland

The educational system in Iceland is known for its high quality and is designed to cater to the needs of all children. Education is compulsory and free for children between the ages of 6 and 16. The system is divided into four levels: playschool, compulsory, upper-secondary, and higher education. Playschool, or leikskóli, is non-compulsory preschool education for children up to the age of six. Compulsory education, or grunnskóli, is from ages 6 to 16 and is similar to elementary and middle school, consisting of 10 grades. After completing compulsory education, students can attend upper-secondary school, or framhaldsskóli, which is similar to high school in other countries and typically lasts four years. Upper-secondary education prepares students for either vocational professions or higher education. Students graduate with a stúdentspróf, which is equivalent to a high school diploma and is required for university admission. The Icelandic educational system emphasizes egalitarianism and inclusivity, with special support for students with disabilities. The curriculum focuses on preparing students for active participation in a democratic society, with an emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and independence. The school year in Iceland typically starts in late August or early September and ends in May or June.

Healthcare in Iceland

The healthcare system in Iceland is predominantly public, funded through taxes and administered by the Ministry of Welfare. It is known for providing high-quality healthcare services to its residents. The system is universal, meaning all legal residents have access to healthcare services, with a focus on preventive care and general well-being. Private healthcare exists but is less common, mainly offering specialized services not covered by the public system. The cost of public healthcare is relatively low due to government subsidies, while private healthcare costs can be higher and are usually covered by private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they become legal residents, which typically involves living in Iceland for six months and registering with the National Registry.

Best Places to Live in Iceland
Discover the top-ranked towns in Iceland. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Universities in Iceland

The university system in Iceland consists of seven higher education institutions, with the University of Iceland in Reykjavik being the largest and oldest. University education in Iceland is characterized by a high standard of teaching and research, with courses often taught in Icelandic, although an increasing number of programs are available in English to accommodate international students. Bachelor's degrees typically take three years to complete, while master's programs usually take two years, and doctoral degrees can take three to four years. The academic year is divided into two semesters: the fall semester from September to December and the spring semester from January to May. Universities in Iceland offer a range of programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and engineering. Admission requirements for universities in Iceland generally include a stúdentspróf or equivalent secondary education diploma, and for certain programs, there may be additional prerequisites. International students are welcomed and supported with various services, including orientation programs and Icelandic language courses. The cost of university education for Icelandic and EEA/EU students is generally low, with a nominal registration fee each semester. However, non-EEA/EU students may be subject to higher tuition fees. Living expenses in Iceland can be high, so students should budget accordingly.

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Living in Iceland

Healthcare in Iceland

The healthcare system in Iceland is predominantly public, funded through taxes and administered by the Ministry of Welfare. It is known for providing high-quality healthcare services to its residents. The system is universal, meaning all legal residents have access to healthcare services, with a focus on preventive care and general well-being. Private healthcare exists but is less common, mainly offering specialized services not covered by the public system. The cost of public healthcare is relatively low due to government subsidies, while private healthcare costs can be higher and are usually covered by private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they become legal residents, which typically involves living in Iceland for six months and registering with the National Registry.

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