Iceland in Pictures

As an indicator of how to dress, the average temperature in Iceland is about as useful as the average number of books published. The thing is, Iceland is like a box of chocolates and you never know what you’re gonna get.

The average temperature in April is 2,9°C (35.6°F). However, Iceland is a wild card and it may get as warm as 15°C or drop down to -20°C. Wind, rain and snow are much more influential on how you should dress and you can get all in one day. So bring something waterproof (pants and a jacket), use layers, wear good shoes and don’t forget your hat and gloves.

Just to clarify one thing. There’s no such thing as bad weather in Iceland, just wrong clothing. This video might be from April.

Racial diversity is definitely lower than in most of our neighbor countries. There was very limited immigration to Iceland before the 90’s. However during the late 90’s and up until our recent economic crisis immigration really increased. In 1996 around 2% of the population were immigrants, but went up to 8% in 2008 according to Statice. The largest nationality of immigrants is Polish, followed by other eastern European countries along with the Philippians and Thailand.

Fifty years ago, I’m sure it would have been the talk of the town if a black man walked through Reykjavík. This would have been since many had probably never seen one. However times have changed and I don’t think anybody’s skin color would be considered weird as you say. I think Icelanders are quite acceptable to immigration. We really needed it while the economy was booming. There is a chance that now when the economy has slowed down, people dislike immigrants occupying “their” jobs. Luckily I don’t think that is much of a problem, at least much less than it is in some of our neighboring countries.

In short, yeah I think we are quite accepting, but just getting used to it.

According to Statistics Iceland, the average salary is 381.000 ISK (3.200 USD/ 2.400 EUR) per month. Minimum wage depends on a few factors, but is around 150.000 (1.300 USD/ 940 EUR). That might give you some idea. The standard of living was at the top of the world a few years ago, but has gone down relative to others, due to the economic crisis and might be today about the lowest of the Scandinavian countries. Wages are lower outside of Reykjavík and most costs are higher except for housing.

Hope that answers something.

It’s tough describing a population. The answer depends a lot on where you are coming from. Icelanders are essentially Scandinavians, so they may not seem like the warm and super friendly crowd. Walking the streets of Reykjavík, you’d never have anybody try to start a conversation. You could even start studying and unless you approach the others, they’ll probably ignore you. That said, once you break the shell, we are a friendly bunch. To get to know us, you’ll have to approach us in our most off guard moments, in the public pools or when we’re slightly tipsy. Both opportunities come in abundance. I would not say that Reykjavík is a calm and relaxing place, at least not if you’ve settled in and joined the pace. It is a capital and life passes by quickly. As soon as you get out Reykjavík, however life slows down a little. 

Hope that answers your question and doesn’t discourage you.