Iceland has been an OSCE participating State since June 25, 1973.  Iceland is a constitutional republic between the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans.  It is a member of NATO and the Council of Europe and has one of the oldest functioning parliaments in the world.

Its economy is heavily based in the fishing industry, aluminum and geothermic energy production. Ninety-four of its population of just under 332,000 is native Icelander; 95 percent are Christian and 3.5 percent consider themselves unaffiliated. The remainder of the population includes those practicing folk religions, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Jews.

Human rights concerns have been raised about ethnic discrimination in housing and employment. The OSCE has observed elections in Iceland.