ABOUT ICELAND

Located at the edge of Arctic Circle, Iceland is truly a paradise on earth. Popularly known as ‘the land of frost and fire’, it is a perfect destination to explore the beauty of nature and biodiversity. The country is geologically and volcanically active. Its interior consists of a plateau dotted by lava and sand fields, mountains and glaciers. The region has tundra climate due to high latitude. The Gulf Stream current has a warming effect on climate.
Phytogeographically, Iceland belongs to the Arctic province of the Circumboreal Region within the Boreal Kingdom. Approximately three quarters of the island are barren of vegetation; plant life consists mainly of grassland. Common vegetation comprises the northern birch, aspens, rowans, common junipers and other smaller trees, mainly willows. Prior to being colonized, the land was heavily forested. Human settlement and exploitation of forests for firewood caused degradation of the land.
Inspite of sparse vegetation, the country is blessed with unique fauna. Mammals found here include Arctic fox, grey seals, common seals, American mink, polar bear, walrus,Icelandic sheep, Icelandic horse and reindeer. The region is a paradise for bird watchers. A variety of birds are found here including Common Guilllemot, Black Guillemot, puffin, little auk, great auk, storm petrel, leach’s petrel, shag, gannet, Arctic skua, Arctic tern, black-headed gull, herring gull, common gull, golden plover, grey phalarope, black –necked phalarope, sanderling, purple sandpiper.

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