Menu
Icelandic flag

Icelandic Scorecard

Country profile

Iceland is a Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic, famous for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, geysers, glaciers, and a close connection between its people and nature. It has a population of 0.4 million, a population growth rate of 2.93%, and a median age of 35.81 years.

Its history is rooted in Norse Viking settlement and is celebrated through traditional sagas that reflect a unique cultural identity.

Today, Iceland is renowned for its progressive society, strong emphasis on renewable energy, and a vibrant arts and music scene that mirrors its striking natural environment.

Its capital city is Reykjavik.

How does Iceland compare to other countries?

Explore country scorecards:

Economic Development

GDP per Capita (PPP) in Iceland improved by 3.7% from 2022 to 2023

Unemployment Rate in Iceland improved by 11.7% from 2023 to 2024

Inflation Rate in Iceland improved by 33.0% from 2023 to 2024

General Government Debt in Iceland improved by 7.6% from 2022 to 2023

Income Inequality in Iceland improved by 4.0% from 2016 to 2017

Health and Social Development

Life Expectancy in Iceland improved by 0.6% from 2022 to 2023

Infant Mortality Rate in Iceland improved by 5.0% from 2022 to 2023

Human Development showed no change from 2021 to 2022

Suicide Mortality Rate in Iceland improved by 8.0% from 2020 to 2021

World Happiness Report in Iceland worsened by 0.1% from 2023 to 2024

Freedom in the World in Iceland improved by 1.1% from 2023 to 2024

Education

Completion of Upper Secondary Education in Iceland worsened by 0.7% from 2021 to 2022

PISA Scores (Reading) in Iceland worsened by 8.0% from 2018 to 2022

PISA Scores (Math) in Iceland worsened by 7.3% from 2018 to 2022

PISA Scores (Science) in Iceland worsened by 5.9% from 2018 to 2022

Governance and Security

Corruption Perception in Iceland worsened by 2.7% from 2022 to 2023

Control of Corruption in Iceland worsened by 1.3% from 2022 to 2023

Homicide Rate in Iceland improved by 60.3% from 2020 to 2021

Government Effectiveness in Iceland worsened by 0.5% from 2022 to 2023

Political Stability in Iceland worsened by 3.2% from 2022 to 2023

Rule of Law in Iceland improved by 1.1% from 2022 to 2023

Voice and Accountability in Iceland improved by 1.3% from 2022 to 2023

Environmental Sustainability and Energy

CO2 Emissions per Capita in Iceland worsened by 2.2% from 2022 to 2023

Air Pollution (PM2.5) in Iceland improved by 6.9% from 2019 to 2020

Renewable Energy Consumption in Iceland worsened by 0.6% from 2020 to 2021