Iceland is a volcanic island country in the North Atlantic, located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. This unique position makes it one of the most geologically active places on Earth, featuring numerous volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. Reykjavík is the northernmost capital of a sovereign state. About 11% of the country is covered by glaciers, including Vatnajökull, the largest ice cap in Europe by volume. The landscape is a stark contrast of black sand beaches, moss-covered lava fields, and dramatic waterfalls. Despite its name and location just south of the Arctic Circle, the Gulf Stream provides a temperate climate. Iceland is a world leader in renewable energy, heating nearly all of its homes with geothermal power. It was settled by Norsemen in the 9th century and is home to the Althing, one of the world's oldest surviving parliaments.