Historical Dictionary of Iceland

Sverrir Jakobsson; Gudmundur Halfdanarson

doi:10.5771/9781442262911

Summary

Iceland demonstrates most of the characteristics of a modern liberal democracy. It has maintained political stability through a democratic process which enjoys universal legitimacy. Rapid economic modernization has also secured its inhabitants one of the highest living standards in the world, and a comprehensive and highly developed health system has ensured them longevity and one of the lowest rates of infant mortality in the world. Icelanders face, however, formidable challenges in maintaining their status as an independent nation. First, the Icelandic economy is fairly fragile, as overexploitation threatens the fish stocks that remain among Iceland’s principal economic resources. Second, the country is rich in unused energy resources, because many of its rivers are still not harnessed, and geothermal power is abundant. But using these resources will necessarily damage the pristine nature of the country, forcing the politicians and the Icelandic public to choose between environmental protection and industrial expansion. Finally, it remains to be seen if a country with just over 329.740 inhabitants will be able to manage its foreign relations in a complex and constantly changing world.

This third edition of Historical Dictionary of Iceland contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 200 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Iceland.

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Bibliographic data

Edition: 3/2016
Copyright Year: 2016
ISBN-Print: 978-1-4422-6290-4
ISBN-Online: 978-1-4422-6291-1
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham
Language: English
Pages: 307
Product Type: Monograph

1. Contents No access
2. Editor’s Foreword No access
3. Preface No access
4. Reader’s Note No access
5. Acronyms and Abbreviations No access
6. Chronology No access
7. Map No access
Introduction No access Pages 1 - 10
1. A No access
2. B No access
3. C No access
4. D No access
5. E No access
6. F No access
7. G No access
8. H No access
9. I No access
10. J No access
11. K No access
12. L No access
13. M No access
14. N No access
15. O No access
16. P No access
17. R No access
18. S No access
19. T No access
20. U No access
21. V No access
22. W No access
23. Y No access
24. Þ No access
Bibliography No access Pages 259 - 306
About the Authors No access Pages 307 - 307