POPULATION 
RACE 
The Icelanders belong to the Teutonic branch of the Aryan race, 
and to that particular division of this branch which comprises the 
Scandinavians (Swedes, Danes, Norwegians, Faroese) whose nearest 
relations they are. 
Iceland became inhabited last of all the European countries, the 
colonization, of which a very full record has been preserved, taking 
place towards the end of the ninth century and during the first quarter 
or so of the tenth. Most of the colonists were Norwegians, but a 
considerable number came from the British Isles (Scotland, Ireland, 
and the Hebrides). Many of the settlers coming from the British Isles 
were of Norwegian descent, the rest mainly of Celtic or semi-Celtic 
origin. But the Celtic element has been so completely absorbed by 
‘he Icelandic nationality as scarcely even to have left a trace upon 
‘he language, and immigration of foreign elements has been infinitesimal 
ever since the land became fully settled. Though the Icelanders are 
a mixed race with a sprinkling of Irish and Scotch blood in them, 
yet, they are predominantly a Nordic race. The variety of types is, 
indeed, great, but the most prominent characteristics of the nation 
are: a tall and slender stature, a comparatively long face, a backward- 
sloping forehead, and light eyes, while the colour of the hair is not 
so fair as that of the Norwegians. 
LANGUAGE 
The Icelandic language is the oldest modern language in Europe, 
and was spoken throughout the whole of Scandinavia about the time 
when Iceland was colonized. Certainly it has changed somewhat since 
that time, especially with regard to pronunciation, besides the no small 
additions which in the course of centuries have been made to iis