Governance and National Symbols

Governance refers to the basic principles of the structure and administration of the Icelandic state. The Constitution of the republic of Iceland provides for the state's governing structure, in addition to which specific aspects of government are based on constitutional practice. The principal characteristics of the Icelandic administration are those of a democratic state: the tripartite division of state authority, the principle of parliamentarism and representative democracy in the broadest sense.

The national symbols reflect the identity of the Icelandic nation, its history and culture. The formal symbols of Iceland are its national anthem, flag, coat of arms, the Order of the Falcon and other commemorative honours.

Iceland's formal name is ICELAND. There is no long version. Although the descriptive term "Republic of" has sometimes been used, this is not formally correct.