The island of Iceland is located in the north Atlantic to the east of Greenland and to the west of Norway.  It experiences extremes in weather and earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are relatively commonplace.  Iceland is plunged into darkness for most of the day in the winter and is light at midnight in the summer.  Iceland had a population of only 209,570 in December 2003 and its official language is Icelandic.

Iceland has a unicameral parliament of 63 members elected every 4 years.  The Prime Minister and his cabinet exercise executive power in the name of the President, who is also elected every 4 years. 

Iceland’s economy is very dependant on its large fishing industry.  However, Iceland is trying to encourage investment and development in industries other than fish.