Family-friendly

If there is one unifying characteristic of Icelanders, they prioritize a healthy life-work balance that is family-centric. Perhaps this is not a huge surprise given the island's population of 360,000 and the almost algorithmic way Icelanders can connect!

Icelanders are very family-centric—not surprising given the island's population of 369,000—and they value a healthy work-life balance. An average Icelandic workweek is 40 hours, and companies are typically family-friendly and flexible, understanding that there are dentist appointments, teacher's meetings, and calls to pick up a sick child. 

Even for Icelanders, one of the main challenges of living here is finding affordable housing. We won't sugar coat it—the cost of living is very high in Iceland, ranking up there with Switzerland and Norway.

Thoughts about schooling are probably at the top of your list for those who move to Iceland with children. Icelandic schools tend to be small (by many standards) and situated in neighborhoods where younger children (6-16) can walk to without having to cross major roads. There are no yellow school buses in Iceland! 

If there is one unifying characteristic of Icelanders, they prioritize a healthy life-work balance that is family-centric. Perhaps this is not a huge surprise given the island's population of 360,000 and the almost algorithmic way Icelanders can connect to each other!

Iceland has a low crime rate, with violent crimes practically non-existent. In fact, Icelandic police do not carry guns, and the country tops the IEP's Global Peace Index. Children play outside unsupervised from an early age, often only returning when their dinner or curfew starts!