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Iceland

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Iceland. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Reykjavik

Head of State

President Halla Tómasdóttir

Head of Government

Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson

Passengers aboard the first direct flight between Beijing and Tianshui disembark at Tianshui Maijishan Airport in Tianshui, northwest China’s Gansu province, on October 11. Photo: Xinhua

China travel

China’s airlines are adding 288 domestic routes. Can the sector’s recovery keep up?

More flights to Canada, India and Kazakhstan are also planned as the sector navigates sluggish passenger growth and high fuel costs weigh on major carriers.

26 Oct 2026 - 7:30PM

Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)

Hong Kong ranks second in Asia’s pension systems, behind only Singapore: report

20 Oct 2026 - 12:18PMvideocam

On Our Radar

Global-hit Disgusting Food Museum challenges Hong Kong with a bold question: what do we consider edible?

15 Oct 2026 - 8:00AM

United States

Iceland is ‘critical outpost’ for security, Rubio says during visit

The US secretary of state’s visit comes amid his country’s push for greater influence in the Arctic region.

6 Oct 2026 - 10:17PMvideocam

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Iceland Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir during a visit to the House of Collections in Reykjavik on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Japan

‘This is our culture’: Japan defenders stand firm as Iceland plans whaling ban

Reykjavik’s move to end hunts increases international pressure on Tokyo as low consumption of whale meat and high subsidies fuel debate.

15 Sep 2026 - 10:12AM

European Union

Iceland votes to reject proposal to restart EU accession talks

Referendum fails as voters prioritise control over fishing grounds over pro-EU government’s push for geopolitical stability.

31 Aug 2026 - 11:33AM

The Netherlands

Netherlands withdraws from ‘no longer’ neutral Eurovision

Its Dutch broadcaster says the contest, which has been hit by a wave of boycotts over Israel’s participation, has ‘become a platform for division’.

24 Aug 2026 - 8:40PM

A Eurovision flag flies at the port of Burgas, on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, which will host the 71st Eurovision Song Contest in 2027. Photo: AP

Spain

Video | Rare solar eclipse wows millions across Europe

The eclipse travelled through parts of Greenland and Iceland, before arcing across the Atlantic Ocean towards northern Spain.

13 Aug 2026 - 1:01PM

Spain

Solar eclipse turns day to night in Spain, wows crowds across Europe

The rare celestial event drew gasps, cheers and even tears, as the moon passed between the Earth and sun.

13 Aug 2026 - 2:28PMvideocam

Travel

6 ‘glowcation’ destinations for your next beauty and wellness fix

A trip built around a wellness treatment, beauty ritual or targeted pharmacy haul, ‘glowcations’ are trending throughout the travel world.

10 Aug 2026 - 12:45PM

The Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden has been running its 17-stage bathing circuit since 1877. The sequence moves through steadily rising heat, a soap-and-brush scrub partway through, then a cold plunge that resets the whole cycle before it climbs again.

Malaysia

Mark Wahlberg savours Penang’s charm as Malaysians floored by star’s humility

The actor’s Penang visit for ‘The Big Fix’ filming also showcased Malaysia’s appeal for global productions.

14 Jul 2026 - 11:43AMvideocam

Actor Mark Wahlberg at a local food stall in Penang, Malaysia. Photo: Threads/qistinaazmii

Animals

Iceland resumes whale hunt amid protest

It is one of the only three countries – alongside Japan and Norway – that still openly permit whaling.

21 Jun 2026 - 12:31AMvideocam

Music

Bulgaria’s Dara wins Eurovision contest, beating out Israel for top spot

The usually good-natured competition has faced a boycott by five countries over the Gaza conflict.

17 May 2026 - 8:59AM

Art

5 exhibitions across the globe celebrating women who shaped art and culture

From Björk’s grief-tinged ‘Echolalia’ to Marina Abramović making history in Venice, these shows shine a light on women who shaped contemporary culture.

9 May 2026 - 8:00AM

Museums around the world are spotlighting women who – like Frida Kahlo – have influenced contemporary culture. Photo: Nickolas Muray Collection of Mexican Art

Icons and Influencers

Style according to … J.J. Martin, founder of Milan-based La DoubleJ

The high-vibration, maximalist designer on channelled wisdom, goddess energy, and building a colourful life with intention.

2 May 2026 - 7:00AM

J.J. Martin founded LaDoubleJ, a fashion and lifestyle label known for its bold prints, colourful aesthetic and “good vibes”. Photo: Handout

Arctic

Exclusive | Trump’s claim of Chinese, Russian ships near Greenland ‘not supported by facts’

Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, the ex-president of Iceland, also says it’s ‘important not to use scaremongering to justify major policy changes’.

18 Feb 2026 - 6:01PMvideocam

Trending in China

Chinese woman, 30, earning US$140,000 a month running marketing firm retires

Deng says she has had strong business instinct from young age; opened store selling educational products after university graduation.

13 Feb 2026 - 2:08PM

Nato

Nato launches Arctic Sentry mission to ease Greenland tensions with Trump

The mission brings efforts by various alliance members under a single command, as Russia and China take a greater interest in the region.

12 Feb 2026 - 12:44AM

A P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft stands on the grounds of the Nordholz naval air base in January. Nato is increasing its presence in the Arctic and the surrounding area. Photo: dpa

Canada

Canada and France open Greenland consulates to show support amid Trump threats

The US president insists that Washington must control the strategic Arctic island but has backed off threats to seize it for now.

7 Feb 2026 - 5:22AMvideocam

Donald Trump

White House responds after Trump repeatedly refers to Greenland as ‘Iceland’

White House denies Arctic territories mix-up after the US president’s freewheeling speech in Davos.

22 Jan 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

Trending in China

China woman shares civil service life in Iceland, admires culture that respects choices

Family jokes that she travelled to other side of world to work in ‘neighbourhood committee’ – lowest tier of China’s governmental structure.

17 Jan 2026 - 4:00PM

A 47-year-old Beijing woman shares her life as a civil servant in Iceland after studying there. Photo: SCMP composite/RedNote/QQ.com

China’s private sector

BeOne Medicines names R&D chief Wang Lai as president amid global expansion

BeOne generated global revenue of about US$3.8 billion last year, driven by its flagship products Brukinsa and Tevimbra.

24 Dec 2025 - 5:44PM

BeOne’s manufacturing facility in Guangzhou. Photo: Handout

Animals

Mosquitoes discovered in Iceland for the first time

The island nation, along with Antarctica, has long been one of the few places on Earth free from the bloodsucking insects.

22 Oct 2025 - 1:07PMvideocam

Tourism

‘Unreal’: spend a night in a glass igloo atop an Arctic cruise ship at sea

Cantilevered over the ship’s edge, the National Geographic Endurance’s glass igloos let passengers enjoy an incredible night amid the fjords.

14 Oct 2025 - 10:15AM

Germany

Germany slams Israel boycott, Eurovision ‘brings nations together’

Spain and others will boycott the world’s largest live televised music event in May if Israel participates over the ongoing assault on Gaza.

20 Sep 2025 - 7:26PM

Space

‘Blood moon’ rises during total lunar eclipse

People in Asia, including India and China, were best placed to see Sunday’s total eclipse, which was also visible in western Australia.

8 Sep 2025 - 1:17PMvideocam

The “Blood Moon” is pictured during an eclipse in the night sky over Sydney, Australia on Sunday. Photo: AFP

Celebrity children

Who is Björk’s daughter Ísadóra Bjarkardóttir Barney, aka Doa?

The 22-year-old just walked the runway for Cecilie Bahnsen at Copenhagen Fashion Week – she’s also an actress in The Northman, and a musician.

11 Aug 2025 - 6:00PM

Volcanoes

New volcanic eruption jolts Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula

Iceland volcano erupts for the 12th time since 2021, as lava bursts from a fissure following a series of earthquakes.

16 Jul 2025 - 4:27PM

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