The History and Geography of Iceland

The History and Geography of Iceland Population: 306,694 (July 2009 estimate)Capital: ReykjavikArea: 39,768 square miles (103,000 sq km)Coastline: 3,088 miles (4,970 km)Highest Point: Hvannadalshnukur at 6,922 feet (2,110 m)Iceland officially called the Republic of Iceland, is an island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean, just south of the Arctic Circle. A large part of Iceland is covered with glaciers and snowfields and most of the countrys inhabitants live in the coastal areas because they are the most fertile regions on the island. They also have a milder climate than other areas. Iceland is highly active volcanically and has recently been in the news due to a volcanic eruption under a glacier in April 2010. The ash from the eruption caused disruptions all over the world. History of Iceland Iceland was first inhabited in the late 9th and 10th centuries. The main peoples to move to the island were the Norse and in 930 C.E., the governing body on Iceland created a constitution and an assembly. The assembly was called the Althingi.Following the creation of its constitution, Iceland was independent until 1262. In that year it signed a treaty which created a union between it and Norway. When Norway and Denmark created a union in the 14th century, Iceland became a part of Denmark.In 1874, Denmark gave Iceland some limited independent ruling powers, and in 1904 after a constitutional revision in 1903, this independence was expanded. In 1918, the Act of Union was signed with Denmark which officially made Iceland an autonomous nation that was united with Denmark under the same king.Germany then occupied Denmark during World War II and in 1940, communications between Iceland and Denmark ended and Iceland attempted to independently control all of its land. In May of 1940 though, B ritish forces entered Iceland and in 1941, the United States entered the island and took over defensive powers. Shortly thereafter a vote took place and Iceland became an independent republic on June 17, 1944.In 1946, Iceland and the U.S. decided to end U.S. responsibility for maintaining Icelands defense but the U.S. kept some military bases on the island. In 1949, Iceland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and with the start of the Korean War in 1950, the U.S. again became responsible for defending Iceland militarily. Today, the U.S. is still Icelands main defensive partner but there are no military personnel stationed on the island and according to the U.S. Department of State, Iceland is the only member of NATO with no standing military. Government of Iceland Today Iceland is a constitutional republic with a unicameral parliament called the Althingi. Iceland also has an executive branch with a chief of state and head of government. The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court called Haestirettur, which has justices who are appointed for life, and eight district courts for each of the countrys eight administrative divisions. Economics and Land Use in Iceland Iceland features a strong social-market economy typical of Scandinavian countries. This means its economy is both capitalistic with free-market principles but it also has a large welfare system for its citizens. Icelands main industries are fish processing, aluminum smelting, ferrosilicon production, geothermal power, and hydropower. Tourism is also a growing industry in the country and the associated service-sector jobs are growing. In addition, despite its high latitude, Iceland has a relatively mild climate due to the Gulf Stream which allows its people to practice agriculture in the fertile coastal regions. The largest agricultural industries in Iceland are potatoes and green vegetables. Mutton, chicken, pork, beef, dairy products, and fishing also contribute considerably to the economy.   Geography and Climate of Iceland Iceland has a varied topography but it is one of the most volcanic regions in the world. Because of this, Iceland has a rugged landscape dotted with hot springs, sulfur beds, geysers, lava fields, canyons, and waterfalls. There are approximately 200 volcanoes in Iceland and most of them are active. Iceland is a volcanic island primarily because of its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge which separates the North American and Eurasian Earth plates. This causes the island to be active geologically as the plates are constantly moving away from each other. In addition, Iceland lies on a hotspot (like Hawaii) called the Iceland Plume which formed the island millions of years ago. As a result in addition to earthquakes, Iceland is prone to volcanic eruptions and features the aforementioned geologic features such as hot springs and geysers. The interior portion of Iceland is mostly an elevated plateau with small areas of forest but little land suitable for agriculture. In the north, however, there are extensive grasslands which are used by grazing animals such as sheep and cattle. Most of Icelands agriculture is practiced along the coast.Icelands climate is temperate because of the Gulf Stream. Winters are usually mild and windy and summers are wet and cool. References Central Intelligence Agency. (2010, April 1). CIA - The World Factbook - Iceland. Retrieved from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ic.htmlHelgason, Gudjonand Jill Lawless. (2010, April 14). Iceland Evacuates Hundreds as Volcano Erupts Again. Associated Press. Retrieved from: https://web.archive.org/web/20100609120832/infoplease.com/ipa/A0107624.html?Infoplease. (n.d.). Iceland: History, Geography Government, and Culture - Infoplease.com. Retrieved from: infoplease.com/ipa/A0107624.htmlUnited States Department of State. (2009, November). Iceland (11/09). Retrieved from: state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3396.htm Wikipedia. (2010, April 15). Geology of Iceland - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geology_of_Iceland

Globalization Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Globalization - Term Paper Example Arab Maghreb union consists of five states such as Tunisia, morocco, Algeria Libya and Mauritania all from North Africa. The five members signed a treaty to enhance stability and tranquility in the region coupled with superior coordination of policies that have mutual benefits. Additionally, the other major agreement among those states in the union is to enhance free trade that would improve their economic stability. Another key aspect that could boost trade in AMU is establishment of joint projects and other economic programs that could make the AMU members to be competitive in the world market (The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Para. 1-5). AMU and European Union (EU) are similar in that their aims are to improve the economic status of their respective members by making regulations that will enhance effective trade. However, difference between the two unions is visible because AMU is a free trade area while EU is a customs union (Shafeeq Para. 16-19: Hannan Para.1-5). In conclusion, trade unions have benefited much in boosting the world’s economy as they have assisted to eliminate the barriers of trade that barred economic growth. AMU and EU are perfect examples of trade unions with the two unions exhibiting same objectives but they have different policies. Hannan, Daniel. The EU is Not a Free Trade Area but a Customs Union: Until We Understand the Difference, the Debate about Our Membership is Meaningless. 5 Feb. 2014. Web. 5 Feb. 2014.

Parental Involvement (chapter 4) Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10750 words

Parental Involvement (chapter 4) - Dissertation Example Parenting may be considered as natural for everyone, as most people underwent parental care during childhood and adolescence. However, there are still programs in which the goal is to bring out the best in parenting, concerning students whose problems derail them from performing academically. Table 13a focuses on the number of respondents that were able to participate in Parental Involvement workshops. According to the survey, 58 respondents (35%) answered that there were workshops or courses for parent involvement offered by the school district. However, there are 108 respondents (64%) who answered that there were no workshops or courses that concern parent involvement. For those have had the privilege to attend and participate in Parent Involvement workshops, the number of workshops last year varied. There are 21 respondents (12%) that were able to participate in 1 workshop while there were 88 respondents (52%) who were active, attending 2-3 workshops for Parent Involvement.

Michael Moore Capitailism a Love Story Review Essay Example for Free

Michael Moore Capitailism a Love Story Review Essay The film Capitalism: A Love Story is a documentary by Michael Moore which outlines the negative effects capitalism has on modern society. Moore points out that capitalism gives people the opportunity to make a lot of money and to have a high standard of living. However, for many workers, making an income to support a family can be quite impossible. At one time, you could find a secure job and live a good life, but capitalism has evolved into a system of greed where only the rich get richer, and the middle class get poorer with no chance to better themselves. This review will analyze the positive and negative impacts of capitalism shown in the film, as well as provide my comments as to why I enjoyed the film. Capitalism gives us the freedom to do what we want and to make what we want of ourselves. It gives one the opportunity to work as much or as little as one wants, and to have the ability to make more money than others. At one time, if you worked hard, you could make a lot of money, and you could purchase a house, cars and many material possessions for yourself and your family. One could argue that even today, with a good education and a secure job, one could enjoy the benefits of a good life. Thus, corporations provided jobs, infrastructure and security for its employees and subcontractors. However, corporations have evolved and will continue to evolve. In some cases, modern companies have evolved positively where they can profit and, at the same time, treat all employees including CEOs fairly. Some such businesses are run democratically by all the workers, who also own the company, because they have an equal say and vote in the running of the operation. These worker-owned companies, such as the bread company in California, provide a good income for all their workers. The employees share equally in the profits, and profit sharing is not dependent on the position one holds. One owner commented that the more hours one works toward the benefit of the company, the more one shares in the profit. Detrimentally, many corporations have evolved negatively where the CEOs are only concerned about filling their own personal pockets with increasing profits and not caring at all about the well-being of their employees. Michael Moore eagerly points out the negative impacts capitalism has on society. Capitalism no longer provides people with the long-term sustainability needed to support themselves and their families. A good example of this is when Moore speaks out about his hometown of Flint, Michigan, and the GM plant where most of the citizens worked. When the automotive company shut down, the workers lost their jobs, and they had nowhere to turn for money. Moore alluded the reason the plant shut down was for the CEOs’ benefit because they were trying to make more profit, while not giving a second thought for the welfare of the people of Flint. As a result, many families lost their homes, and Flint became an abandoned city. Capitalism does not care about the average person because it is a system where corporations compete for higher profits and more benefits for the rich CEOs. If the GM plant in Flint was planning to close, and there was any regard for its employees, why was there no effort made to retrain employees with skills needed for other jobs so that they could continue to support their families and debts? In fact, CEOs of large corporations lobby and influence government policies to permit special tax cuts and bonuses allowing corporate officials to make more money, and in return, greedy government officials also benefit by receiving corporate favours and benefits. Thus, Wall Street and government officials help fill each other’s bank accounts.

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An authentication plan is the validation of a user identity against an authentication provider, which is a directory or database that contains the user’s credentials and can attest the utilizer submitted them correctly. An example of an authentication provider is Active Directory Domain Accommodations (AD DS). Other terms for authentication provider are user directory and attribute stores. An authentication method is a concrete exchange of account credentials and other information that assert a user identity. The result of the authentication method is proof, typically in the form of a token that contains claims, that an authentication provider has authenticated a utilizer. An authentication type is a categorical way of validating credentials against one or more authentication providers, sometimes utilizing an industry standard protocol. An authentication type can utilize multiple authentication methods. After a utilizer's identity is validated, the sanction process determines which sites, content, and other features the utilizer can access. Your Planning for utilizer authentication t...

Political Competence Essay

In almost any affair that involves multiple stakeholders the idea of partnership and collaboration have essential roles. This is also applicable in building a strong society or country especially since it is composed of numerous people with varying needs that must be addressed. In relation to this the concepts of good corporate citizenship and political competence are vital in giving the necessary services to the people. Corporate citizenship pertains to â€Å"a new contract between business and society, a vision of partnership between different sections of community, which allies profitable companies with healthy communities because what happens to societies happens to business† (Benchmarks, n. d. ). On the other hand, political competence involves skills and attributes that make it possible for the achievement of organizational goals (Wells, n. d. ). Good corporate citizenship and political competence are related because these are interdependent upon each other. In order for good corporate citizenship to make successful partnerships it needs political competence that will make sure that the plans they made will be properly applied so that their objectives can be realized. Since the past up to the contemporary time, the government plays an important role in the organization, information dissemination, budgeting, and funding of a country’s healthcare system. The government is the primary body that is responsible in passing laws for the planning as well as the implementation of various concerns regarding the healthcare system of the country. This is greatly observable in countries like the United States of America, states in the European Union as well as in other parts of the world. However, this kind of system is not always as effective as it seem to be. There are still many people who lack the proper healthcare attention, which is always the reason that there are various sicknesses that most citizens suffer from. The main problem why such incompetence takes place is due to the lack of political will coming from the government and also the improper and sometimes illegal contracts that are happening among the public agencies and corporations. This could be seen in the common practice that is observable in the distribution of the needed medicine for most healthcare centers. Government funded organizations are responsible in commissioning private corporations in buying the needed medicinal paraphernalia. Nevertheless, anomalies often happen in this kind of dealings. Corrupt government officials would allot a huge amount of budget in order to buy medicinal necessities but this money is not consumed for this sole purpose. Some of it tends to fall in the pocket of officials who are only thinking of their vested interests. They would engage in illegal contracts with private corporations who would also gain benefit in the process (Messerli, 2008). This kind of issue is clearly an ethical dilemma that needs to be address immediately. A good solution for this problem is to create an objective, independent body that would see to it that the budget allotted for the healthcare of the citizens are use for the right purposes. This is one good way in order to do something to prevent this kind of anomaly from happening. The healthcare of citizens is a very important aspect of an individuals’ right, which is why it should be given due attentions and importance.

In A Stunning Victory That Defied Universal Expectations,

In a stunning victory that defied universal expectations, Donald J. Trump won the majority of Electoral College votes to become the elected 45th president of the United States on November 8, 2016. Consistent with his exuberant campaign promise to act swiftly to â€Å"repeal and replace† the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (â€Å"ACA†) his first act as President was to begin the process of dismantling the controversial health care reform law that throughout the campaign, and over the six years since the law passed, Republicans in Congress had vowed to completely repeal. The President’s executive order did not come with a replacement plan. Today the GOP and President Trump are well past the second month of his presidency and apart from†¦show more content†¦Prior to the Affordable Care Act, infamously known as Obamacare, health care was free market for profit system with both the pharmaceutical and health insurance companies firmly ensconced i n the driver’s seat. The ACA is a wide sweeping health reform law enacted in March 2010 by former President Barack Obama. In addition to shifting health care from treating the sick to focusing on promoting health, Obama’s health care law attempted to control costs by reducing Medicare payments to hospitals and insurers, as well as encouraging doctors to use teamwork to keep patients healthier by reforming both private and public health insurance systems. Pre-ACA private insurance companies that administered Medicare Advantage plans had been receiving, on average, 14 percent more for providing the same services that traditional Medicare does. The ACA ensured Medicare stopped overpaying insurance companies, doctors and hospitals. With enactment of the ACA all Americans who complied had access to government sponsored affordable healthcare including those already covered by Medicare. The law allows people up to age 26 to stay on their parents’ health insurance plans. Pre-ACA the working poor were less likely to have insurance because their jobs didn’t offer it and private premiums were not affordable. With ACA many middle- and low-income Americans get some or all of their insurance