Introduction to Iceland

Introduction to IcelandHow to sustain remote communities

on the edge of Europe

Iceland: Where is it? Iceland is a country on the margins of Europe.

Iceland: What are the issues? Page 72 and 73

It is losing its population as people MIGRATE towards Europe.

The rural areas in particular are worst affected by DEPOPULATION

It only has one major city REYKJAVIC Many of Iceland’s richest people live

here and enjoy second homes in the surrounding countryside

Similarities to the UK In the same way that the Lake District

and Bramhope are changing by people from the town moving to villages and buying second homes, Iceland is seeing this change (counter-urbanisation).

Huge 4x4 vehicles and off road driving is popular but deep tyre tracks scar the landscape.

What is Iceland like?

Two thirds of Iceland’s population live within 40om of Reykjavik.

Migrants are leaving the rural areas to find jobs and better services in the city.

Plus Iceland lies close to the Arctic Circle so many areas remain dark through the winter.

Glossary so far: Counter urbanisation – moving from a

city to the countryside

Rural Depopulation – people leaving a rural area so the number falls

Out- Migration – loss of people from an area

Western Fjords Pg 74 and 75

This remote part of Iceland has been hardest hit by depopulation. Most people leaving are aged between 20 to 49.

The roads are poor, single tracks The weather can be hazardous Fishing is in decline Sheep farming is the main alternative

but is unpopular with young people.

What are the consequences of this migration?

Too few jobs and opportunities in the area are maintained

This reduces demand for schools, doctors, shops and other services

This ‘downward spiral’ causes more out-migration

The area becomes UNSUSTAINABLE as the schools, shops and other services close forcing more workers to move away

Technology can help: Mobile phone networks and the

Internet allows communities better access to information and services, such as education from home.

Students now completing courses via the Internet is common.

Making Iceland Sustainable

Diversify – rather than whaling for meat show tourists the whales in the wild

Trips dolphin watching and bird watching can also be popular

Encourage Leisure Holidays

The Icelandic Horse is world famous and occurs only in Iceland.

Skiing and snowboarding is also available

Hiking in the summer

Encourage MNCs Multi National Companies may prefer

Iceland because the taxes are the lowest in Europe and electricity is cheap (HEP)

There is also vast areas of unused land with which to develop

Task: Using pages 72 to 79: Explain where Iceland is

Summarise the issues facing Iceland?

How can technology help the Western Fjords?

Using page 79 suggest ways the Western Fjords could diversify its industry, create jobs and reduce the number of people leaving the area.