The Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture awards annually a number of scholarships to foreign students for study of the Icelandic language, literature and history at the University of Iceland, Reykjavík.

A new Cabinet was unveiled in Iceland on 31 December. During the reshuffle former finance minister Mr Steingrímur J. Sigfússon was named Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture as well as Minister of Economic Affairs. Mrs Oddný G. Harðardóttur was promoted into Cabinet as Minister of Finance. Mr Jón Bjarnason, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, and Mr Árni Páll Árnason, Minister of Economic Affairs, stepped down from the Cabinet. Other ministers retained their posts.

Icelandic Contemporary Design 1.12.2011-8.1.2012 Design Forum Finland

Established and promising designers have in recent years imbued the design environment in Iceland with new life, characterised by curiosity, sensibility and optimism. Icelandic Contemporary Design tells the interesting story of this development, representing almost 30 designers and design teams. The selection of the designers represented is intended to spotlight the characteristics of contemporary Icelandic design, with regard to both appearance and ideology. The aim is to call attention to the value of good design and effective ingenuity for human society — a vital resource for the future.

Encouraging a nation-wide participation, The President of Iceland, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson has invited tourists to enjoy pancakes at his home in an effort to make tourists feel welcome in Iceland.

Keilir Aviation Academy announces "The first Winter Operation Forum", presented in partnership with AirTransportNews, ACI, AEA, SITA, Icelandair and the Ministry of Interior and Transport in Iceland.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed and approved on Friday the sixth and final review of Iceland's Economic Recovery Programme, supported by a Stand-By Arrangement, making the country the first to complete such a program following the international financial recession. The objectives have been met and the successful collaboration between Iceland and the IMF has drawn considerable attention.

An exciting programme in Harpa on August 20th from 13 until midnight culminating in the lighting of the glass facade by artist Ólafur Elíasson thirty minutes before the firework display.

The Snorri Sturluson Icelandic Fellowships are granted to writers, translators and scholars (not students) in the field of humanities from outside Iceland, to enable them to stay in Iceland for a period of at least three months, in order to improve their knowledge of the Icelandic language, culture and society. Application information.

The Embassy of Iceland in Helsinki has got a new website here at www.islanti.fi / Sendiráð Íslands í Helsinki er komið með nýja heimasíðu.

Iceland is the world's most peaceful country according to the Global Peace Index 2011. There is minimum risk in almost all categories, including the one addressing the degree to which political instituions are sufficiently stable to support the needs of its citizens, businesses and overseas investors.

The Department of Civil Protection has abated emergency levels to normal. Volcanologist Steinunn Jakobsdóttir at the University of Iceland, told AFP News, that no volcanic activity has been detected since 28 May.

Make sure not to miss the opportunity to participate in the unique atmosphere in Reykjavík during the Reykjavík Arts Festival, which brings joy and delight to Iceland's residents and guests in May each year.

Exhibition space VALSSAAMO, Kaapelitehdas, Tallberginkatu 1 C, Helsinki. Open: March 11 – March 20, 2011, Mon-Fri 12-18, Sat-Sun  11-17

Following the President´s decision not to sign into law the so-called Icesave bill passed by parliament, a national referendum on its validity will be held on 9 April. The bill had been passed by the Icelandic parliament with an overwhelming majority; 44 votes out of 63 in favour.

The Iceland Design Center is proud to present the upcoming DesignMarch taking place 24–27 of March, bringing the awakening of spring and the growth in Icelandic design.

Make sure not to miss the opportunity to participate in the unique atmosphere in Reykjavík during the Reykjavík Arts Festival, which brings joy and delight to Iceland's residents and guests in May each year.