Iceland may officially call itself a candidate member state, thus joining Turkey, FYR Macedonia and Croatia, but what do we actually know about the island so close to the Arctic Circle? It is a well known fact that Iceland is a whimsical paradise in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. The abundance of thermal springs, volcanoes and geysers is also no secret. Everyone knows the small treasure of exceptional musicians originating from the island like Björk, Emiliana Torrini and Sigur Rós. Yet Iceland has even more unusual sides to it.
Independence
The Icelandic population has been strongly shielding its country and culture since its first colonisation in the ninth century. More than other Europeans, Icelandic people find independence and self-sufficiency extremely important. In 2005, the Eurobarometer still indicated that 85% of the Icelandic population considers their independence ‘primordial’, compared to the member states of the European Union where only half the population attached great importance to autonomy in 2005.
Identity
Icelanders are also extremely proud people that still feel strongly about their ties with Viking history. Icelandic is very similar to the Old Norwegian language the Vikings spoke when they first set foot on the island. Their ties to nature and slightly unusual customs are still rooted in the old Viking culture.
Individuality
As a possible future member state, the EU might be joined by a very unique community: the Huldufólk, a bizarre Icelandic minority: it is believed that the Huldufólk are a type of elves. Icelanders are, after all, an extremely superstitious people. Although the belief in the supernatural strongly decreased in the 1960s, there seems to be resurgence among the younger generations. The majority of the Icelandic population, for instance, believes that the Huldufólk really exist or in any case cannot deny their existence. This belief in supernatural powers and beings originates from the close relationship Icelanders have with nature, which has a much more prominent presence than in many other EU member states.
Progressiveness
You can, however, not call the Icelanders conservative or old fashioned, as the country is top of the list when it comes to gender equality and gay rights. It also has the most extensive and progressive legislation on child protection. Not only are Icelandic parents prohibited by law from spanking their children, Icelandic parents are also not allowed to reprimand their children verbally.
If Iceland ever joins the EU, it will in any case contribute some northern uniqueness to the club of 27.