Language
Icelandic
Reykjavík, Iceland
Icelandic has changed so little that many Icelanders can read medieval sagas written 800 years ago. New words are often coined from old roots.
Say hello: Halló / Góðan daginn · Script: Latin with þ and ð
Iceland: leaders, famous people, culture and history
2 places on the atlas covering language and folklore. Highlights include Icelandic and The Icelandic sagas.
What is on the atlas
Who leads Iceland?
| President | Halla Tomasdottir |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister | Kristrun Frostadottir |
Office-holders as of July 2026. Governments change, so check Iceland’s official government website for the latest. Full list of heads of state and government.
Famous people from Iceland
- Halldor Laxness Nobel-winning novelist
- Snorri Sturluson author of the Prose Edda
- Bjork singer
- Vigdis Finnbogadottir first elected woman head of state
- Leif Erikson Norse explorer, of Icelandic descent
A short, well-known selection rather than a ranking. People pinned on the map appear in the cards below.
Language in Iceland
Folklore in Iceland
Folklore
The Icelandic sagas
Þingvellir, Iceland
Icelanders wrote down tales of Vikings, settlers and gods in the Middle Ages. Þingvellir was where the Althing, one of the world's oldest parliaments, met from 930.
Kind: Sagas and Norse tales
How to use this page
This page brings together the people who lead Iceland today, a short selection of well-known people from Iceland, and the 2 places pinned for Iceland on the atlas. Use the buttons at the top to see Iceland on the map, where you can filter by theme, read a short summary of each pin and follow the link to Wikipedia for the full article. To browse the same themes across the whole world, see the language page and folklore page.
Questions about Iceland
Who is the leader of Iceland?
As of July 2026: President: Halla Tomasdottir; Prime Minister: Kristrun Frostadottir. Office-holders change, so check the official government site for the latest.
Who are some famous people from Iceland?
Well-known people connected with Iceland include Halldor Laxness (Nobel-winning novelist), Snorri Sturluson (author of the Prose Edda), Bjork (singer), Vigdis Finnbogadottir (first elected woman head of state) and Leif Erikson (Norse explorer, of Icelandic descent).
What languages and scripts is Iceland known for?
Language entries for Iceland on the atlas include Icelandic. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
What folklore and music does Iceland have?
Folklore and music from Iceland on the atlas include The Icelandic sagas. Open the map for photos and links to read more.
How can I explore Iceland on the map?
Choose See Iceland on the map above, or search for Iceland on the atlas. You can filter by theme, drag the Time travel slider to see who was alive and what was standing in different centuries, and open any pin for a short summary and a link to the full Wikipedia article.