People here avoid playing roles dictated by their occupation or anything else; they let you know you are dealing with an individual. Employees take orders willingly but need to know what part their tasks play in the whole project.

Icelanders are happier than the citizens of other nations, according to a Gallup poll, although some are not satisfied with their financial statues. The poll showed too that most Icelanders equated happiness with marriage or with living together. Couples who live together without the benefit of marriage are not legally responsible for each other and are not each other's heirs. Three out of four children are born to unmarried mothers, but Icelanders explain that usually just the first child born out of wedlock. The state pays a benefit to those whose income falls below a certain level if they are supporting children. Same-sex couples who live together can have their relationship legally confirmed and enjoy virtually the same protection under the law as married couples.

Lacy reports that belief in fate is strong here, which is not surprising in a place where weather can upset the best laid plans. She also observes that depression is rare and that people usually manage to maintain a positive attitude even in the worst of situations and are calm and competent in emergencies. In 1973 when a volcano erupted on Westman Island, 5,000 people were successfully evacuated.

Promptness is valued, but because the weather can intervene, delays are excused. People avoid planning ahead because of the unpredictable weather. Also, Lacy points out, they make decisions quickly, and even political decisions are reached efficiently because there are not many layers of command.

Icelanders love fashionable clothing, nice cars and above all, on gadgets, especially electronics. They're avid users of cell phones and the newest telecommunications devices.

Iceland has its cafes, especially in Reykjavik where there is one for every taste and subgroup imaginable. The place to meet people, however, is at a thermal pool. There are many of these, too. One public bath, just outside Reykjavik boasts not only a luxurious Olympic-sized pool, but also five hot tubs offering different temperatures, ranging from warm to scalding.

STANDARD OF LIVING
The standard of living is among the highest in the world with a per capita income of US$ 30,575 (2000). Life expectancy rivals that of Japan despite being a nation of drinkers and meat eaters. One of the safest countries in the world, Iceland has a crime rate is so low the police don't carry guns.

Trade unions are strong and unemployment is only 1.9%. Many Icelanders hold two jobs, sometimes out of necessity, but not always. Some children go to work at eight years of age at jobs in construction, public maintenance and gardening. Icelanders assure outsiders that they are not exploiting children since half their wages are put away for their eductions. Children are treated with considerable respect: for example, they are not usually corrected in front of anyone from outside the family.