Best of Iceland is really just that. You can find fascinating articles about land, its history, nature, wildlife, natural wonders, energy sources—green and clean, volcanoes, glaciers and ice caves, art and culture, museums and galleries, swimming pools, and accommodation, restaurants, Icelandic design and innovation, the Arctic Circle, – and the endless exciting possibilities of activities available to visitors to Iceland. At the beginning of the last century, Icelanders ranked among the poorest in Europe. Following its independence in 1944 the country has made enormous economic and social strides. Now, it is acknowledged to be a world leader in fields such as fishing and geothermal energy. Although Iceland is a relatively small country with about 370,000 inhabitants— about the population of a small town elsewhere—the vibrancy of society and its desire to progress has brought apeaceful revolution in living standards.