Description
Book SynopsisIceland demonstrates most of the characteristics of a modern liberal democracy. It has maintained political stability through a democratic process which enjoys universal legitimacy. Rapid economic modernization has also secured its inhabitants one of the highest living standards in the world, and a comprehensive and highly developed health system has ensured them longevity and one of the lowest rates of infant mortality in the world. Icelanders face, however, formidable challenges in maintaining their status as an independent nation. First, the Icelandic economy is fairly fragile, as overexploitation threatens the fish stocks that remain among Iceland's principal economic resources. Second, the country is rich in unused energy resources, because many of its rivers are still not harnessed, and geothermal power is abundant. But using these resources will necessarily damage the pristine nature of the country, forcing the politicians and the Icelandic public to choose between environmental
Trade ReviewThis edition added Professor Jakobsson, who is a medieval historian. This edition is, therefore, broader in scope than its predecessors. Libraries that have found the previous editions useful should be prepared to discard them if they can purchase this one…. [O]ur thanks should go to Rowman and Littlefield for keeping up the flow of specialised information sources like this. * s *
Table of ContentsEditor’s Foreword (Jon Woronoff) Preface Reader´s Note Acronyms and Abbrevations Map Chronology Introduction THE DICTIONARY Bibliography About the Authors
