This was our last day in Iceland, which was August 2nd. We headed towards Snæfellsjökull National Park, and it turned out to be an unforgettable trip. We explored an old volcanic eruption site, came across a beautiful waterfall (not huge, but enchanting), followed by a scenic Seaside trail, a striking Black church, and finally, a delightful encounter with seals. In one of the photos I took, you can see a cow seal and her pup. I took the photo through a binocular. These seals usually give birth to one pup per year.
What truly struck me about Iceland is how a country with a population of less than 400,000 manages to thrive. Despite the fact that food and drinks are three to four times more expensive than mainland Europe, the number of tourists arriving here is astounding – around two and a half million visitors each year.
Iceland's average household income per capita is approximately $60,000 US dollars, making it the 13th richest nation globally. (Please note that these statistics might be outdated; for the latest data, consider searching on Google.)
So, what makes Iceland special? Its stunning waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, pristine ice caps, dramatic fjords, and otherworldly lava landscapes are among its most remarkable attractions. The island is also home to captivating wildlife, including whales and dolphins in its waters, and abundant birdlife along the shores and inland areas. In geography, a fjord or fiord is a narrow inlet with steep cliffs, formed by a glacier. During World War II, one of these fjords served as a base for United States Marines (as seen in pictures).
Tourism is a major source of income for Iceland, given its lack of numerous historical monuments or sites. However, you can delve into Old Norse sagas if you're interested. Additionally, Iceland is known for producing aluminum for China, thanks to its use of renewable energy. The entire Icelandic electricity grid runs on renewable sources like hydro and geothermal power. This choice has attracted aluminum smelters, significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to using fossil fuels like coal and natural gas.
Iceland's commitment to renewable energy is truly commendable. Both geothermal energy and hydropower are entirely clean and contribute to their self-sufficiency in energy.
I believe that ever since gaining independence from Denmark, Iceland's leaders have efficiently managed the country's affairs, resulting in its present prosperity. #IcelandicAdventures #SustainableEnergy**
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