1. There are more sheep than people in Iceland.
No joke. There are almost two sheep for every Icelander. What does that mean? If you feel like you're being watched while hiking - that's probably true. Fur view instead of distant view.
2. First names must be authorised in Iceland.
The “name day” is sacred - as is the name register. If you want to name your child after a Pokémon, you're out of luck. Targa, on the other hand, would probably pass.
3. There is no McDonald's restaurant here.
The Golden M has been gone since 2009. Instead, there are hot dogs at petrol stations that deserve Michelin. If you order „Eina með öllu“, you get „one with everything“.
4. Elves? They do exist.
Almost half of Icelanders believe in “Huldufólk” - the hidden people. That's why roads are sometimes built around rocks. Not to protect the environment. To protect the elves.
5.Here, people are on first name terms - with everyone.
Whether prime minister or pizza delivery man: People are on first-name terms in Iceland. So don't be shy - just show respect. And perhaps a friendly „Hæ“ (pronounced: Hai).
6. The tallest tree in Iceland is about 25 metres high.
There's a forest, but it's rather cuddly. Iceland wasn't made for squirrels - it was made for vision.
7 .Every Icelander has their own app - against incest.
No joke. The app is called ‘ÍslendingaApp’ and shows whether your date happens to be your cousin. Check your relationship with a swipe of your thumb.
8. Iceland is the place with the most book authors per capita.
When the winters are long and the nights are light, people write. Instead of Netflix - notebooks. Instead of series - sagas.
9. The police don't carry guns here.
But a good mood. The Reykjavík police have their own Instagram account - with cats, coffee and capybaras. Feel free to take a look: @logreglan
10. Iceland has a letterbox address for Christmas wishes.
To the real Santa Claus. Not North Pole - but Northern Lights. And he even answers letters. Who knows, maybe he also drives a Targa.
11. There is a legally protected rest period for new parents in Iceland.
13 weeks for each parent. Family? Has priority here.
