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Article: Iceland's National Day.(Opinion & Editorial)
- Article from:
- Manila Bulletin
- Article date:
- June 17, 2006
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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TODAY is the National Day of Iceland, marking the anniversary of the establishment of this republic. This island in the North Atlantic Ocean is located east of Greenland and west of Norway.
A predominantly Christian country, 93 percent of its population is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Free Lutherans and Roman Catholics make up a small minority. The language is Icelandic, which has remained close to the Old Norse of the original Viking settlers.
All Icelanders are literate. Education is free up to the university level; it is compulsory for all children between the ages six and 16. The nation's chief crops include potatoes and turnips. ...