In Iceland, the Jólabókaflóð, or 'Christmas book flood,' is a cherished tradition where books are the most popular Christmas gift, with the majority of book sales occurring in the months leading up to the holiday. This custom, which began during World War II due to import restrictions, has solidified Iceland's reputation as a nation of book lovers. The annual catalogue of new titles, once a paper publication sent to every home and now online, is eagerly anticipated. The tradition is integral to the publishing industry, with a significant portion of annual turnover occurring in the last four months of the year. Icelanders, including teacher Hildur Loftsdóttir, publisher Heiðar Ingi Svansson, and readers like Jón Heiðar Ragnheiðarson and Edda Snorradóttir, share their personal experiences and the joy of receiving books on Christmas Eve. The market for books is dynamic, with crime fiction author Arnaldur Indriðason expected to be a top seller. The tradition is seen as enduring, with new generations continuing to discover the joy of reading.

Iceland, known for its safety, is facing calls for stricter gun laws following a foiled terrorist plot and recent shootings. Despite high gun ownership, mostly for hunting, gun violence is rare. The country has strict gun laws, but the Justice Minister Jón Gunnarsson aims to propose further restrictions. The police, currently unarmed on patrol, may see changes in their arming policy. The consensus among authorities is that gun laws need amendment, and discussions are ongoing.

Iceland has become a sought-after filming destination for its dramatic landscapes and generous tax incentives. Productions like 'Game of Thrones' and 'Star Wars' have been filmed there. Icelandic director Baltasar Kormákur, who opened RVK Studios, and Leifur B. Dagfinnsson, CEO of Truenorth, cite the skilled local crew and the ability to represent various countries' landscapes as reasons for Iceland's popularity. The Icelandic government offers up to 35% reimbursement on production costs, drawing in projects like 'True Detective' and 'Heart of Stone'.

Reynisfjara, Iceland's famous black sand beach, is known for its beauty but also for its dangerous sneaker waves, which have caused fatalities. Local authorities are implementing safety measures, including a color-coded warning system and a new light system to alert visitors of wave threats. Tour guides like Perla Magnúsdóttir emphasize the importance of respecting the ocean's power while enjoying the beach safely. The Ministry of Tourism is considering temporary closures during high-risk tides, in collaboration with landowners and the tourism industry.

Olafur Vignir Sigurvinsson, an Icelandic business executive with ties to WikiLeaks, has stated that a private plane is ready to transport Edward Snowden from Hong Kong to Iceland. Sigurvinsson has been in contact with a representative of Snowden but not directly with Snowden himself. The Icelandic government has not yet received an asylum request from Snowden, according to Johannes Tomasson, a spokesman for the Iceland Interior Ministry. The U.S. is interested in prosecuting Snowden for leaking NSA documents. Funding for Snowden's potential flight is coming from private donations, with the Progressive Change Campaign Committee raising funds for legal fees, not personal expenses. Sigurvinsson, who has a background with companies like DataCell and Baugur Group, expressed hope that Iceland would grant Snowden citizenship as they did with chess master Bobby Fischer.

The article discusses the rising popularity of Iceland's Pirate Party, which champions a leftist platform emphasizing freedom of information, privacy, data freedom, and government transparency. The party has been leading opinion polls with 37.8% support, surpassing the ruling Independence Party. The article suggests that the 2008 financial crisis and broken promises by the current government have fueled the Pirate Party's growth. Founded in 2012, the party currently holds three seats in parliament. The article features comments from co-founder Birgitta Jónsdóttir, who believes the party's commitment to transparency resonates with Icelanders disillusioned with traditional parties. The article also touches on the Icelandic Modern Media Initiative, aimed at protecting media freedom, and the challenges faced by the media in Iceland post-financial crisis.

Iceland, a nation that has been historically hesitant to accept large numbers of foreigners, is showing a growing willingness to welcome Syrian refugees. This change in attitude follows a grassroots movement, amplified by a Facebook campaign led by Icelandic author Bryndis Bjorgvinsdottir, which has influenced the government to reconsider its refugee policy. Initially, Iceland committed to accepting 50 Syrian refugees over two years, but public pressure and a surge in volunteerism may increase that number. The movement gained momentum even before the tragic image of a drowned Syrian toddler highlighted the plight of refugees. Despite Iceland's recent financial crisis, its citizens are demonstrating a readiness to assist, with over 900 signing up as Red Cross volunteers to help the incoming refugees. The government has reached out to the UN refugee agency to express its willingness to accept more refugees, and Minister of Social Affairs Eyglo Hardardottir has encouraged Icelanders to offer support in various forms.

Iceland has been named the most welcoming country in the world, according to a survey by the World Economic Forum. Despite its economic collapse in 2008, Iceland has made a significant recovery, with its economy expected to grow by 2.7% and unemployment rates falling. The country's welcoming nature is rooted in its history and culture, with residents eager to share their heritage with tourists. Tourism in Iceland has been increasing, with the number of visitors doubling since 2000. Iceland's marketing strategies, such as allowing tourists from the US and EU to have a stopover at no extra cost, have contributed to its appeal. The article also compares Iceland's hospitality to that of the UK, suggesting that while Brits are friendly, they are not as effective at promoting tourism.