Facts About Iceland That Make It Unlike Any Other Country

By: Michelle Muller | Pulished on 2023-12-26

Iceland's Last Major Eruption

Eyjafjallaökull erupted for the first time since 1821 on the 21st of March 2010, an eruption that was destructive in more ways than one. First, and most critical, was the local population — over 600 people had to flee and abandon their homes.

 

Facts About Iceland That Make It Unlike Any Other Country-Trip Advise

Alamy Stock Photo by Inaki Relanzon/Nature Picture Library

 

Next, there were the ash clouds — they created major disruption to air travel in Europe. And finally, the complicated name of the volcano had many journalists and news reporters tongue-tied!

Iceland's Boxing Ban

Professional boxing has been banned in Iceland since 1956. The country managed to crown a champion before it happened, though. A few years before a Nordic fighter named Ingemar Johansson became the region's only heavyweight champion.

 

Facts About Iceland That Make It Unlike Any Other Country-Trip Advise

Alamy Stock Photo by Archive PL

 

It wasn't until 2002 that amateur boxing was legalized, a concession that came after a 13-year battle, according to a 2015 article in Icelandic Review. Eventually, people will find legal ways to punch each other.

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