In 1925 the population had passed the 100,000 mark, in 1967 it reached 200,000 and today exceeds 260,000. In the future it is estimated that the vast majority of Icelanders will live in the greater Reykjav k area. Language Icelandic is the national language and is believed to have changed very little from the original tongue spoken by the Norse settlers. English, Danish and German are also widely spoken and understood. Very few Icelanders have original surnames, so it can often be difficult to fathom out the telephone directory, which lists people by their first names.
Most people have a patronymic rather than a family surname.
Thus Magn sson means son of Magn s and Bjarnad ttir means daughter of Bjarni. Although Iceland is officially Christian, the ancient Norse religion known as satr is gaining popularity, not only as a novelty, but as an officially recognized sect. Laxness, J n Leifs, Kristj n J hannsson and Bj rk. Also internationally known are attractions like the bi-annual Reykjav k Arts Festival. Icelandic food such as smoked salmon, lamb and reindeer has also been gaining well-deserved renown internationally in recent years.