Why Is Iceland Called the Land of Ice and Fire and Where Did the Word Geyser Come From?

Iceland is called the Land of Ice and Fire because the island is full of glaciers, volcanoes, and hot springs.

Iceland has more hot springs than any other country in the world.

The English word geyser comes from the name for Iceland’s most famous hot spring, Geysir.

Glaciers cover almost one-eighth of the country.

Iceland is very geologically active with many volcanoes, and volcanic eruptions occur somewhere in Iceland about once every five years.

Many residents in Iceland have inexpensive hot water and heating because of the widespread availability of geothermal power.

Norway controlled Iceland from 1262 to 1380, when Denmark took over.

Since 1944, Iceland has been an independent country.