Luisanna Granillo

September 6, 2016
Research on Settlements
Iceland Population and Settlement
White, snow, and freeze are the first thoughts that come to mind when picturing Iceland, an
island located between Greenland and Norway. Though a chilly name, Iceland is actually also a
very hot area since it is surrounded with vast eruptive volcanoes. In fact, a lot of the volcanoes
on this country are underneath glaciers. Known as the land of fire and ice, this nation is very
unique in its climate and landscape conditions. Now, for the big question, how was this island
discovered by humans? Interestingly, the history behind how it was settled and how its
population came to be is absolutely astonishing. It all started with some Irish monks
A small group of Irish monks came to the island in the 8th century and in the 9th century the
Vikings conquered the area through Naddoddur. Although he was the leader of the Vikings it was
Floki Vilgeroason, a Norwegian, who attempted to settle the land. When the cold killed his
domestic animals he failed, leading him to name the island Iceland. Afterwards in 874 AD a man
named Ingolfur Arnarson, also from Norway, threw wooden posts in an attempt to discover
where he should go. The boards led him to Iceland, where he settled. Due to the enormous ocean
the Icelanders were surrounded with at the time, they became very experts in fishing. It was a
skill they mastered and it helped their population soar to 60,000 people!
During the Middle Ages a new religion approached Iceland, Christianity. Many Norwegians
converted, however, others did not want to. Eventually the religion became official in Iceland,
however, pagans kept their freedom to worship their own gods only for a while. It was banned as
Christianity kept growing and the churches received an increase of financial support from the
inhabitants. This also led to the kings beginning to have an influence in these churches to their
benefit.
Then, came the period between the 12th and 15th century and the country experienced harsh and
severe conditions that almost completely eliminated everyone living in Iceland. This was due to
overgrazing, feuding, and the Black Death. All of which are phenomenal examples of the context
seen in Guns, Germs, and Steel. As mentioned in this documentary, a lot of the survival rate for
humans will depend on the geographical area that they live in. Since Iceland is known as an
island that experiences climate from both opposite ends of the spectrum, there is never a similar
pattern. That led to overgrazing which means that vegetation was damaged, which negatively
impacted the islands crops. Also, the feuding that occurred was also with other Europeans that
would try to conquer the island. Europeans have always had an advantage because of the benefits
their land provides to them. Upon these conflicts they were the most likely to win. Lastly, the
Black Death is a perfect example of germs.
The main reason people were drawn to this area was the fact that it was rich in fishing. From
1500 to 1800 Iceland encountered the reformation. More people were trying to convert others
into their religion, mainly Protestant, and they also wanted to take part in the creation of the
important goods like wool and fish. Then in 1709 there was an invasion of small pox and in 1783
there were volcano eruptions, causing the island to have only 38,000 people left.

Luisanna Granillo
September 6, 2016
Research on Settlements
As time went on, Iceland improved more and more. There was a point in 1940 in which it was
occupied with British troops. A series of cod wars led them to gain independence from the
British and in 1980 Vigdis Finnbogadottir became the first woman in the world to be elected for
president.
All in all, the series of events that Iceland had to undergo all led them to have the population they
do today. Yes, they are a smaller country compared to most but they tend to have more visitors
than they do inhabitants! Many individuals from around the world are attracted to its history and
unique climate.

Luisanna Granillo
September 6, 2016
Research on Settlements
Works Cited
Lambert, B. T. (2015). A Brief History of Iceland. Retrieved September 06, 2016, from
http://www.localhistories.org/iceland.html
Lovgren, S. (2004). Iceland: Europe's Land of Fire, Ice, and Tourists. Retrieved September 06,
2016, from
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/04/0423_040423_icelandtourism.html