Icelanders are a nation that knows how to survive in quite severe environmental conditions. Due to the severity of the cold island country, its inhabitants use natural resources economically and wisely. Icelandic traditions have absorbed paganism and Christianity to become a completely unique culture. Icelandic remains the national language of Iceland, but most of the locals are fluent in English. About 80% of Icelanders are Lutherans, about 5% are pagans. Everyone without exception is entitled to medical care. Up to 36% of children in Iceland are born out of wedlock - this phenomenon has long become the norm. There are many couples who have been living together as spouses without formal marriage for years, which is also considered perfectly normal.
Personal freedom has always been considered important in Iceland. Now one can observe the progressiveness of mentality, which, however, does not turn away from ancient traditions. Iceland is among the world's leading countries in terms of human rights and gender equality. It was in Iceland that a woman was elected to the presidency for the first time in the world in 1980, it was here that women and men became fully equal. In Iceland, serious crimes are extremely rare, and the police, except for special forces, usually do not carry weapons - the country has often been named the most peaceful on the planet. Iceland is one of the leading countries for LGDB rights. Same-sex relationships have been legalized here in 1996, and since 2010, same-sex marriages have become legal.
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