A country that was in the news in recent years for housing some of the most profligate financial institutions in the lead up to 2008’s financial crisis, as well as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, Iceland has battled through such strife admirably. After the banking crisis saw the state take over three failed banks, the government has begun paying back depositors and is gaining praise from institutions like the IMF for the way it has reversed its fortunes.
While it has comparatively low taxes compared to its Nordic neighbours, Iceland also manages to offer universal healthcare and good education. In 2010, The Lancet said Icelandic people have one of the longest life expectancies in the world. While it is easy to assume that Icelandic people would be susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as a result of the almost entirely dark winter months, the rates of sufferers are surprisingly low compared to other countries.