Country of the Week: Iceland

Iceland, in the Scandinavian region of Europe, won this week's random selection.

population: 293,966. Yes, less than 300,000 folks! Native mixture of Scandinavian and Celtic origin 94%, foreign origin 6%

religion: Lutheran 87%, other Protestant 4%, Roman Catholic 2%, other 7%

per capita GDP: $30,900

what it's known for: Althing, the world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, was formed in 930. Viking past. Fishing industry, whale watching, dramatic scenery of hot springs and glaciers, midnight sun in June. Has world's most active volcano area, had the world's first female president

history: Settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants during the late 9th and 10th centuries. Has been ruled by Norway and Denmark. Limited home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874, complete independence in 1944.

U.S. ally?: yes

black folks?: very, very, very, very few

famous Icelanders: singer Bjork; Halldór Laxness, 1995 Nobel Prize novelist