Iceland - Miracle in the North The Iceland Symphony Orchestra was on a concert tour in the States this autumn and received such fine reviews that many critics marveled that a nation with a population of only 275,000 could produce a symphony orchestra of such high quality. Yes, Iceland is among the least populated countries in the world: similar to the population of Staten Island or St. Paul, Minnesota. Yet despite its small size it is one of the richest in the world, one of the most technologically advanced, and has one of the longest life spans anywhere. Icelanders also have an excellent university, as well as theaters, an opera house and museums. Icelandic film making is blooming and books by Icelandic authors are being translated into many languages. The nation�s health-care system is among the best in the world, and companies in the fields of software, high tech, biotechnology, fishing and fish processing are expanding their scope around the world. But how is this all possible? Not an easy question to answer. Many foreigners living in Iceland, however, have pointed out that in all likelihood the Icelandic nation gets its power from nature. Icelandic nature is naturally fantastic, and beautiful, and there are very few people living on this very large island. Icelanders deeply sense their natural surroundings on a daily basis, whether they live in cities or rural areas. This island nature appears in numerous ways: fresh winds, blue-green seas, majestic mountains. Nature can sometimes be cruel to Icelanders, but it is also generous: the pristine seas surrounding Iceland are bountiful fishing grounds; unpolluted heaths are grazing land for sheep and horses; hot spring water is utilized for space heating and to fill swimming pools and hot pots that improve health; waterfalls are harnessed and used to produce electricity for industry and homes, and to light up streets and squares. And in mid-summer the sun shines around-the-clock for several weeks creating permanent daytime. Iceland is unique in this world. You should think about seeing it for yourself - you�ll be glad you did. It�s the miracle of the north Einar Gustavsson, Director of the Iceland Tourist Board in New York.