Iceland's Comeback is Based in Place

An extensive profile of the recovering Iceland paints a picture of a place that is overthrowing its boom-time banker's persona and rebuilding on the unique strengths of its culture.

1 minute read

May 13, 2011, 10:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

Reporter Jake Halpern pays a visit to a unique incubator in Iceland (that goes out of business soon after), but he still sees an interesting shift in perspective in the country:

"...despite the challenges that Icelandic entrepreneurs face, they do seem to share a genuine sense of relief that their nation had given up its vision of becoming an island of Porsche-driving, Armani-wearing financiers."

Many Icelanders Halpern talks to cling to their Viking culture and relish a chance to prove their survival skills.

"The real value of the economic crash, one young woman told me, was that 'people are rethinking, Who am I as an Icelandic person?'"

FULL STORY: Iceland’s Big Thaw

Friday, May 13, 2011 in The New York Times

Infrastructure Land Use Europe Culture Iceland

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