Icelandic Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Iceland is an island in the North Atlantic, just south of the Arctic Circle, known for its volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs and the northern lights. Icelandic has changed little since the Viking age. Icelanders in Britain include students, academics and professionals.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 202 residents gave a northern European language from outside the European Union, such as Icelandic or Norwegian as their main language. Main language figures leave out the many bilingual residents who use English day to day, so the number who speak the language at home is higher still. The census does not publish a separate Birmingham figure for Icelanders.

Working for Birmingham

Icelanders in Britain study and work in fields such as medicine, engineering, renewable energy, fishing and the creative industries. Iceland generates almost all its electricity from renewable sources, and Icelandic engineers and scientists bring expertise in geothermal energy and sustainability.

Healthcare, education and the skilled trades are three of the pillars of the city's economy. The NHS is one of Birmingham's biggest employers, its universities teach tens of thousands of students, and there is steady demand for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, decorators and handymen in every neighbourhood, alongside business, transport, hospitality, retail and the city's growing digital and creative industries. People from every background keep these sectors running, and the Icelandic community shares in that effort.

Culture and community life

The Icelandic sagas, written in the Middle Ages, are among the great works of world literature. Icelanders celebrate the 13 Yule Lads at Christmas, enjoy lamb, fish and skyr, and have a strong love of music, with a thriving scene out of all proportion to the country's size.

The story of the Icelandic community in Birmingham is still being written, by students, workers, parents and pensioners who call the city home. It is a story of hard work, friendship and quiet pride, and Birmingham is richer for it.