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[The_EgAt]

I'm also from Iceland, so I guess I'm qualified to post some information here.

Let me start by correcting a small "fact-error" (I think):

We got independant from Denmark in the year 1944, December 1st. But we celebrate the independance day on the birthday of the guy who made it all possible. Jón Sigur?sson, born on June the 17th.

Hmm.... it's a bit mixed up there, we became "full-powered" (whatever the word is, "fullvalda") in 1918, on december 1st and founded a "republic" on june 17th in 1944. But this day was indeed chosen because it is Jón Sigur?sson's birthday.

If you understand Icelandic, you can read about it here:
More info

More information on Iceland:

• Our first minister (is that the correct word?) was Hannes Hafstein, in 1904.
• Beer was outlawed for many years (since 192Xor193X - March 1st 1989)
• It is against the law to advertise beer, but there are many beer commercials on TV anyway. (They put "Léttöl" in tiny letters in the lower left corner)

"Léttöl" = "Light beer" (or something)

Of course, if there are any errors in the above, please correct me

(Man this post took a long time! 1 1/2 hour :zzzzz