Iceland–Sweden relations

Iceland-Sweden relations
Map indicating locations of Iceland and Sweden

Iceland
Sweden

Iceland–Sweden relations (Icelandic: Samskipti Íslands og Svíþjóðar, Swedish: Islands-svenska relationer) refers to the diplomatic relations between Iceland and Sweden. Both nations are Nordic countries and are members of the Arctic Council, Council of the Baltic Sea States, Council of Europe, NATO, Nordic-Baltic Eight, Nordic Council, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the United Nations.

History

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Iceland and Sweden are two Nordic countries once inhabited by the Vikings. The first known Swede to arrive to Iceland was Garðar Svavarsson in 870. He became the first person to circumnavigate Iceland.[1] In 1380, Iceland (at the time ruled by Norway) joined the Kalmar Union joining Iceland under a single monarch with the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Both Iceland and Sweden were joined as one nation until the dissolution of the union in 1523. After the union, Iceland was ruled by Denmark until obtaining its independence (under a Danish constitutional monarchy) in 1918.[2] On 27 July 1940, both Iceland and Sweden established diplomatic relations.[3] In June 1944, Iceland became a republic and both nations opened embassies in each other's capitals, respectively.[4] During World War II both nations remained officially neutral, however, Iceland was invaded by the allies and used as a base while Sweden unofficially assisted the allies.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Iceland and Sweden, both countries have actively participated in the international arena to discuss issues affecting the Nordic nations such as climate change, Arctic policy and in mutual defense outside of NATO.[citation needed] Both countries have participated in foreign expeditions such as in Afghanistan with the International Security Assistance Force.

During the Icelandic financial crisis from 2008 to 2011, Sweden's National Bank issued 5 billion Swedish Krona (€520 million) to Iceland's Kaupthing Bank in order to pay "depositors and other creditors" affected by the financial crisis.[5]

Trade

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Iceland, as a member of the European Free Trade Association has unrestricted access to the European Union market (which includes Sweden). In 2015, total trade between Iceland and the EU totaled €5.7 billion Euros.[6]

Resident diplomatic missions

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Embassy of Iceland in Stockholm

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Viking Explorer Gardar Svavarsson
  2. ^ "History of Iceland". Archived from the original on 2021-02-27. Retrieved 2017-01-18.
  3. ^ "Icelandic embassy in Stockholm (in Icelandic)". Archived from the original on 2017-10-05. Retrieved 2017-01-18.
  4. ^ "Swedish embassy in Reykjavík (in Swedish)". Archived from the original on 2013-01-23. Retrieved 2017-01-18.
  5. ^ "Kaupthing Edge is being wound up". Archived from the original on 2017-01-18. Retrieved 2017-01-18.
  6. ^ "European Union, Trade with Iceland" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-11-07. Retrieved 2017-01-18.
  7. ^ "Embassy of Iceland in Sweden". Archived from the original on 2018-02-20. Retrieved 2017-01-18.
  8. ^ "Embassy of Sweden in Iceland". Archived from the original on 2015-03-04. Retrieved 2017-01-18.
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