Iceland is a small island nation that is Europe's westernmost country and home to the world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik. It is a constitutional republic with a population of 317,000. The official language is Icelandic, but English, Nordic languages, and German are also spoken. The country is known for its glacial ice, surrounded by water, and is at risk of devastation due to global warming. Iceland experiences severe volcanic activity, with the Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruption in 2010 disrupting European air traffic. The land is characterized by plateau with mountain peaks, ice fields, and fjords. Icelanders are of Scandinavian descent and take pride in preserving their traditions and language. School is free for all Icelanders, and students are taught to speak both Danish and English. Iceland has a diverse wildlife under conservation and protection, with four national parks and over 80 nature preserves. The country relies heavily on hydroelectric power and geothermal water reserves for electricity and heating. The climate in Iceland is more moderate and pleasant than expected due to the Gulf Stream current and warm southwesterly winds. Iceland is famous for its geysers, geothermal spas, waterfalls, and whale watching. The country is governed by a president, and the flag represents the island's volcanic fires, snow and ice fields, and the surrounding ocean. Iceland has a rich history, with the establishment of the world's oldest continuous parliament, Althingi, in 930. It was ruled by Norway and Denmark before becoming an independent republic in 1944.