Iceland - 94.77
5
Scandinavia on an Island
Iceland’s economy has recently boomed on a somewhat fragile platform of recent tourism interest in the northern island. While heavily reliant on a recent rise in tourism interest, it looks like it’s here to stay as tourists continue to flood into the island. Iceland’s recently declining religious adherence has marked an increase in freedom as laws banning hate speech and pornography go largely unenforced. Despite Iceland’s unenforced puritanical laws, it generally remains a bastion for freedom and democracy, following the political method of the nations it shares its culture with.
Human Rights - 98
Iceland has fully abolished the death penalty and guarantees a full gamut of LGBT rights. Abortion is legal to 22 weeks.
Democracy - 97
Iceland’s largely ceremonial president is directly elected, while the prime minister is chosen by parliament (but in practice is usually the leader of the majority coalition). The prime minister holds most executive power. Neither position is subject to term limits, though political dynasties have not become a problem. Elections are free and fair with a strong multi-party system.
Freedom - 87
Iceland has uncharacteristically draconian laws banning the possession, sale, distribution, and production of pornography. These laws could theoretically be used to suppress movies with nude scenes, but have generally been not used against TV, movies, video games, or books, including those of an explicitly lewd nature. Anti-pornography laws in Iceland were last used to ban a lewd magazine in 1996. Iceland’s hate speech laws also go generally unenforced, but hate speech remains punishable by less than two years in prison. Hate speech constitutes any speech that mocks, defames, denigrates, or threatens a protected group. Iceland’s national religion is Evangelical Lutheranism, which receives preferential treatment from the government but freedom of religion is guaranteed. Iceland has virtually zero conflict-of-interest laws, which have resulted in some consolidation in the local media. Foreign media is not restricted. Iceland has strictly enforced drug laws and all drugs are illegal in the country. Iceland shall issue gun ownership permits for semi-automatic handguns and shotguns. Iceland does not issue self-defense permits and will only issue permits for hunting.
Economy - 100
No Icelandic live below the international poverty line, while 4.9% live below the national poverty line. 6.43% of Icelandic were unemployed in 2020. Iceland has an extremely low economic disparity. Iceland has no minimum wage, and all Icelandic workers are expected to join unions or guilds. Iceland has a very strong universal healthcare system, with high-quality care being provided to Icelandic citizens living in all major settlements. Iceland’s economy is very heavily based on a recent spike in touristic interest, making it fragile. However, Iceland’s tourism economy looks to hold, as interest returns after a dip due to the COVID pandemic. Iceland’s economy shrunk 6.6% in 2020, and grew 2.6% in 2019.
Health - 100
Iceland has a life expectancy of 83 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.16%. 21.9% of Icelandic are obese, while 0.2% are malnourished. Iceland’s healthcare system is very strong. Nearly all Icelandic have access to clean, running water.
Corruption - 91
Iceland has virtually zero conflict-of-interest laws, resulting in some consolidation in the media sector. Public contrats are sometimes subject to favoritism or bribery.
Competency - 99
Iceland is failing to repeal or use unenforced laws, but has made some progress in this sector.
Future - 70
Iceland’s future looks somewhat shaky as Iceland has few natural resources and is heavily reliant on tourism dollars. However, at the moment, Iceland’s well of tourism interest does not look to dry up. Iceland’s score will likely rebound if tourists return after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Actions Abroad - 100
Iceland has no expeditionary military forces, maintaining only a national guard and a coast guard. Iceland is a full NATO member, the only one without an expeditionary military force. Iceland is generally isolationist and maintains good relations with most nations.