Q 01/05

Roughly what share of Iceland's population lives within its capital city's limits?

A) 35%

B) 20%

C) 10%

D) 60%

Answer · why

A) 35%

The wider Capital Region holds about 64% of the country's roughly 395,000 people.

Q 02/05

Iceland's capital holds what distinction among the capitals of sovereign states?

A) Northernmost

B) Oldest

C) Smallest

D) Windiest

Answer · why

A) Northernmost

It sits at 64°08′ N on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay.

Q 03/05

The name Reykjavík translates roughly as what?

A) Smoky bay

B) Cold river

C) Harbour of ships

D) Whale cove

Answer · why

A) Smoky bay

The 'smoke' was steam rising from the area's hot springs.

Q 04/05

According to the Landnámabók, who became Iceland's first permanent settler in 874?

A) Erik the Red

B) Flóki Vilgerðarson

C) Leif Erikson

D) Ingólfr Arnarson

Answer · why

D) Ingólfr Arnarson

He supposedly threw his high-seat pillars overboard and settled where they washed ashore, at Reykjavík.

Q 05/05

Which Norseman gave Iceland its name after climbing a mountain and seeing an ice-filled fjord?

A) Naddodd the Viking

B) Garðar Svavarsson

C) Flóki Vilgerðarson

D) Náttfari the thrall

Answer · why

C) Flóki Vilgerðarson

Naddodd had first called it Snæland (Snowland) and Garðar named it Garðarshólmur after himself.