How Iceland Stands Next To Its Region And The World

Population Comparisons

Next to the Channel Islands, with a population of 200,000, Iceland has the next smallest population of all Northern Europe by far, and is the fifth smallest population of all of Europe. Of the entire world population, Iceland accounts for a mere .00004%. In comparison to all of Europe, Iceland has the third largest percent of population ages 15 and younger at 21%, and has the sixth smallest percent of population of those ages 65 and older, at 12%. Since the younger population is greater percent-wise in regards to the average throughout Europe, Iceland’s fertility rate is also on the high end when compared to its region at 2.1. Although this is the desired replacement level that most growing countries are trying to reach, it is higher than the European average of 1.6. Iceland also stands out in its death rates, having the fourth lowest number of deaths per 1,000 of the population throughout Europe.

Iceland’s life expectancy surpasses the world average of 69 by 12 years, and the European average of 76 by 5 years. When ranked, Iceland has the 19^th highest life expectancy in the world. The net migration rate for Iceland is the absolute lowest throughout all of Europe at -15 per 1,000 persons, and the fifth lowest when compared to all countries of the world.

Human Welfare Comparisons

The percent of the Iceland population with HIV/AIDS is low compared to the world and similar to Northern Europe’s average of .3% for males and .1% for females.  The percent of population using improved sanitation is 100% in rural and urban areas, surpassing world, European and even Northern European averages. The adult obesity prevalence rate is 12.4%, ranking them 46^th in the world.

Economic Comparisons

The gross national income in PPP per capita for Iceland is about average in terms of the European world, falling short of the European average of $25,580 by only $370. In comparison to Northern and Western European averages, Iceland’s average GNI PPP is on the low side, but in comparison to Eastern and Southern Europe, it is high for the most part, and certainly high compared to the world average of $10,030. The amount of external debt that Iceland owes is high in comparison to other smaller countries of the world at $124.5 billion, ranking 37^th globally as of 2011. Still, they owe a lower amount than most of their Northern    European neighbors.       

Environmental Comparisons

Iceland has high amounts of renewable water sources as well as large amounts of hydro and geothermal power. This allows Iceland to heat their water and homes at a less expensive cost than in other countries. 

Also, Iceland's large coastline (since it is an island) allows for significant fishing opportunities.