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Introduction to Iceland

Explore the challenges facing Iceland's remote communities, particularly the Western Fjords, and discover how technology, diversification, and tourism can contribute to their sustainability.

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Introduction to Iceland

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  1. Introduction to Iceland How to sustain remote communities on the edge of Europe

  2. Iceland: Where is it? • Iceland is a country on the margins of Europe.

  3. Iceland: What are the issues? Page 72 and 73 • It is losing its population as people MIGRATE towards Europe. • The rural areas in particular are worst affected by DEPOPULATION • It only has one major city REYKJAVIC • Many of Iceland’s richest people live here and enjoy second homes in the surrounding countryside

  4. Similarities to the UK • In the same way that the Lake District and Bramhope are changing by people from the town moving to villages and buying second homes, Iceland is seeing this change (counter-urbanisation). • Huge 4x4 vehicles and off road driving is popular but deep tyre tracks scar the landscape.

  5. What is Iceland like?

  6. Two thirds of Iceland’s population live within 40om of Reykjavik. Migrants are leaving the rural areas to find jobs and better services in the city. Plus Iceland lies close to the Arctic Circle so many areas remain dark through the winter.

  7. Glossary so far: • Counter urbanisation – moving from a city to the countryside • Rural Depopulation – people leaving a rural area so the number falls • Out- Migration – loss of people from an area

  8. Western Fjords Pg 74 and 75 • This remote part of Iceland has been hardest hit by depopulation. Most people leaving are aged between 20 to 49. • The roads are poor, single tracks • The weather can be hazardous • Fishing is in decline • Sheep farming is the main alternative but is unpopular with young people.

  9. What are the consequences of this migration? • Too few jobs and opportunities in the area are maintained • This reduces demand for schools, doctors, shops and other services • This ‘downward spiral’ causes more out-migration • The area becomes UNSUSTAINABLE as the schools, shops and other services close forcing more workers to move away

  10. Technology can help: • Mobile phone networks and the Internet allows communities better access to information and services, such as education from home. • Students now completing courses via the Internet is common.

  11. Making Iceland Sustainable • Diversify – rather than whaling for meat show tourists the whales in the wild • Trips dolphin watching and bird watching can also be popular

  12. Encourage Leisure Holidays • The Icelandic Horse is world famous and occurs only in Iceland. • Skiing and snowboarding is also available • Hiking in the summer

  13. Encourage MNCs • Multi National Companies may prefer Iceland because the taxes are the lowest in Europe and electricity is cheap (HEP) • There is also vast areas of unused land with which to develop

  14. Task: Using pages 72 to 79: • Explain where Iceland is • Summarise the issues facing Iceland? • How can technology help the Western Fjords? • Using page 79 suggest ways the Western Fjords could diversify its industry, create jobs and reduce the number of people leaving the area.

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