Pray for Iceland

Massive glaciers, sandy beaches, and about 130 volcanoes are spread across the nation of Iceland. Deep sea valleys called fjords cover the coastline in the northwest and east. Iceland has almost no trees or forests, leaving wide open, moss-covered land. These valleys and meadows provide grazing areas for Iceland’s hundreds of thousands of sheep. With a population of about 380,000 people and between 400 and 500 thousand sheep, Iceland has more sheep than people. The nation is located in the north Atlantic Ocean between Norway, Greenland, and the British Isles. Its capital, Reykjavik, is the world’s northernmost national capital. With a Norse and Celtic heritage, Icelanders and their language have been well preserved over the centuries. Modern Icelandic is so close to Old Norse that many Icelanders can read medieval texts. When possible, the nation creates Icelandic terms for new words instead of adopting other languages.

Iceland is one of 20 founding members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development or the OECD. The OECD works to improve living standards across the globe by supporting governments in improving health, education, and employment. Of the countries within this organization, Iceland is one of the wealthiest, yet inflation and high living costs leave many in poverty or at risk of poverty. In addition to improving living standards, Iceland is dedicated to improving and defending human rights. The nation has strong legal protections against discrimination of any kind, advocates for women’s representation in society and government, and promotes peaceful international relations.

A majority of Icelanders identify as Christian, though biblical Christianity and regular church attendance are less common. Few Icelanders attend church regularly and there is a growing number of nonreligious or atheist individuals. Iceland is historically tied to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Around half of Icelanders are registered members of this church, though many participate culturally rather than actively. As in most of Europe, secularism is rising in Iceland. There are also small communities of Muslims and Buddhists, and some Icelanders practice Asatru, a revival of pre-Christian Norse beliefs that honors gods, ancestors, and nature. A Christian radio service called Lindin broadcasts biblical teaching, worship, and prayer programs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week providing Iceland with encouragement and sound doctrine.