NATION 2 Iceland - the extreme nation

The second in a series of films with Lesley Riddoch exploring Scotland's inspiring northern European neighbours and what we can learn. Despite being a sub-arctic island pulsating with potentially catastrophic volcanoes, Iceland's population (334,000 or Aberdeen and Dundee combined) has managed to become one of the most successful societies on earth. To understand Icelander's attitude to risk and creating a positive from the bleakest situation means understanding the volcanic landscape that has shaped this nation and its fortunes. We look at how Iceland has harnessed the power beneath their feet, created a successful media industry by exploiting its lunar setting, how the land has shaped the island's politics and more. The seismic global crash (and subsequent volcanic explosion) could have brought Iceland to its knees but, in fact, regenerated Iceland - empowering it to become a globally recognised, more sustainable, politically engaged nation with a future that looks brighter than ever. Iceland certainly puts any doubts about Scotland's huge potential in perspective as the UK and Europe's political tectonic plates continue to shift.
Originally published 10th July 2018
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   • NATION 2 Iceland - the extreme nation