Sunday, June 22, 2025
Iceland has maintained an extraordinary 800-year period of peace, largely due to its commitment to cooperation, respect for nature, and strong cultural unity. With no army and a small, closely-knit population, the country’s residents have learned to rely on each other, fostering a sense of mutual support that has allowed them to thrive without conflict. Iceland’s stunning natural environment also plays a crucial role, as the country’s harsh yet awe-inspiring landscapes encourage humility and unity. Additionally, Iceland’s rich literary and cultural traditions promote peaceful resolutions, where words replace violence. This unique combination of cooperation, respect for nature, and cultural resilience has been key to Iceland’s long-standing peace.
Nestled in a valley beneath a dramatic arc of snow-capped mountains, 1,320 boulders, some adorned with metal crosses, are strategically arranged. This 600-tonne basaltic burial ground in Kakalaskáli commemorates the warriors who perished in the Battle of Haugsnes in 1246 – a pivotal and bloodiest chapter in Icelandic history.
Once infamous for its Viking raids, clan warfare, and the intense battles chronicled in the Icelandic Sagas, Iceland is now celebrated as one of the world’s most peaceful nations. The country has topped the Global Peace Index for an impressive 18 consecutive years. Amid rising global political tensions, Iceland stands as a refreshing exception, where war is a term confined to the history books. With no army, navy, or air force, the only sounds of upheaval are the occasional volcanic eruptions.
So, what is the key to maintaining peace for nearly 800 years?
The answer lies in survival: a small, remote population must work together for mutual survival. This was brought to mind during a visit to Iceland’s Highlands. After arriving, a distress call was made about a missing hiker, prompting an immediate response from the mountain rescue service. For 48 hours, a dedicated team of volunteers scoured the rugged landscape, only to discover the call was a hoax. The relentless weather conditions necessitated caution, with no risks taken in such a harsh environment.
Living in Iceland’s challenging conditions has always required cooperation rather than conflict. In a small society, where everyone knows someone who knows someone, kindness and fairness are natural incentives.
Iceland is home to one of the oldest parliamentary institutions, established in 930AD at Thingvellir, where leaders would convene to discuss matters of law. Despite the shifting tectonic plates that divide Eurasia and North America, Iceland remains politically stable, with no natural adversaries. The closest thing to a historical rivalry? The 2016 European Championship exit of England, a memorable disappointment still fondly recalled by local football fans.
Icelanders have a long tradition of settling disputes with verse instead of violence. As a nation of literature, they use the gift of poetry to express what they feel. Iceland’s writers, poets, and artists have often explored the darker aspects of life, but their stories rarely spill into violence. The country’s rich folklore, filled with child-eating ogres and mischievous trolls, is hardly reminiscent of happy fairytales, yet the darkness stays confined to the pages of books.
There are many ways to soothe inner turmoil in Iceland. Listening to the sound of snow falling, for example, is a tranquil remedy for the soul.
Nature, in all its grandeur, is universally recognized for its healing properties, especially in Iceland’s stark wilderness. There is something deeply calming about waking up to fresh air, gazing at the mountains outside your window, and hearing birds chirping.
Though Iceland is home to active volcanoes, unstable ice caves, and melting glaciers, the power of nature commands respect and fosters humility, quashing any inflated egos. These forces remind residents of their fleeting existence in the vast history of time.
Icelandic nature brings peace in its own quiet way. It surrounds residents with beauty and creates a sense of calm. From the bright summer nights to the snow-covered winter mountains and the first blooms of spring, Iceland’s natural splendor provides a year-round source of tranquility.
Iceland’s slower pace of life offers another layer of peace. After a day of work, locals unwind in hot springs, walk in nature, or enjoy arts and culture.
Whether sipping a beer at the Blue Lagoon or stranded in a snowdrift atop a mountain, Iceland’s peaceful aura is undeniable. The sense of safety is palpable: doors are often left unlocked, children ride their bikes freely along roads, and babies are left to nap outdoors in strollers. How could one not feel safe in such a place?
