Iceland is having a moment; tourism is booming and travellers can’t get enough of the island’s natural wonders with two recent volcanic eruptions by Fagradalsfjall – Beautiful Valley Mountain – catching the imagination of people on both sides of the Atlantic. Keflavik International Airport is one of the fastest growing in Europe. Isavia that oversees Keflavik International Airport, has reported that over 20 airlines are flying to destinations both side of the Atlantic. The growth post Covid pandemic has been swift. For the month of September 2022, Isavia reported that number of passengers travelling through KEF airport had increased compared to 2019. Iceland is Europe’s most important fishing nation, home to one of the world’s most modern and competitive fishing industries, based on the protection of the marine ecosystem and a sustainable harvest. The fishing industry is one of three main pillars of the Icelandic economy along with and the energy sector that serves the “green“ aluminium industry. Iceland has been a leader in utilising renewable energy for decades, from geothermal to hydropower. During the 20th century, Iceland went from one of Europe’s poorest countries, dependent upon peat and coal for its energy, to a country where practically all power is derived from renewable resources. That is some achievement in a perilous world. Of that we were reminded at the annual Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík as Nato’s Chief Military Commander, Admiral Rob Bauer reiterated that NATO sees Russia as “…the most significant and direct threat to our security … including its recent invasion of Ukraine. “ Admiral Bauer said that Russia is NATO’s top threat, but also pointed to China’s increased presence in the region. He asked why China had not condemned Russia‘s invasion. China‘s Ambassador to Iceland Hu Rulong replied that China’s view of the Ukraine crisis included a historic perspective and the world needs to “understand the root cause.” The Admiral pointed out that soon to be, seven out of eight Arctic Nations would be members of Nato with Sweden and Finland joining the Alliance. The future is bright for Iceland 2023. Our book Best of Iceland was warmly received and is establishing itself as annual publication. For that we are thankful. Einar Th. Thorsteinsson
