
Iceland in the 1940’s
Population. - Here are the statistical data relating to the last two censuses. As of December 31, 1946, the population was 132,750. The capital, Reykjavik, has increased its population seven times over the past fifty years. No other inhabited center reaches 10,000 residents nor are 2/5 of the population considered urban. Economy. - Fishing remains the country's largest reserve; progress continued during the war, and the island now has one of the most modern and rational flotillas in Europe (381,500 tons of fish in 1943; in 1945 the product of the fishery was valued at around 5.3 million pounds). The industrial use of the hot springs of which the island is abundant is in promising development. Commerce. - Iceland has a surplus of imports over exports in the post-war period,…