Although Iceland is officially Christian, the ancient Norse religion known as is gaining popularity, not only as a novelty but as an officially recognised sect. The unique Icelandic treat is skyr , a yoghurt-like concoction made of pasteurised skim milk and bacteria culture.
Coffee is a national institution, while beer, wine and spirits are available, though expensive.
History Iceland's first inhabitants were Irish monks, who regarded the island as a sort of hermitage until the early 9th century. They were followed by Iceland's first permanent settlers who came from Norway. This was the Age of Settlement, traditionally defined as the period between 870 and 930, when political strife on the Scandinavian mainland caused many to flee. After escaping political strife in Scandinavia, Iceland's settlers were in no mood for a monarchy and opted instead for a parliamentary system of government. Iceland became a Christian country in 999, which engendered some semblance of national unity at a time when squabbles were arising among its leaders and allegiances were being questioned.