Althing

National parliament of Iceland

The Althing (Icelandic: Alþingi) is the national parliament of Iceland. It is one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world, with its establishment traditionally dated to 930 AD. The Althing is a unicameral legislature, meaning it consists of a single legislative chamber.

History

The Law Speaker presiding over the Althing.

The Althing was established at Þingvellir, a site located approximately 45 kilometers east of Reykjavík, in 930 AD. It served as a general assembly of the Icelandic Commonwealth, where chieftains and their followers gathered to settle disputes and make laws. The assembly was presided over by the Law Speaker, who recited the laws from memory.

During the period of the Icelandic Commonwealth, the Althing was a forum for resolving disputes and making decisions on matters of national importance. It was a place where laws were made and justice was administered. The Althing continued to function in this capacity until the end of the Commonwealth in 1262, when Iceland came under the rule of the Norwegian Crown.

Modern Era

The Althing building in Reykjavík.

In the 19th century, Icelandic nationalism and the movement for independence from Denmark led to the re-establishment of the Althing as a legislative body. In 1845, the Althing was reconstituted as an advisory body to the Danish king, and in 1874, it gained limited legislative powers.

With the Home Rule in 1904, the Althing gained increased legislative authority, and in 1918, Iceland became a sovereign state in personal union with Denmark. The Althing became a fully independent legislative body with the establishment of the Republic of Iceland in 1944.

Structure and Function

The Althing is a unicameral legislature, consisting of 63 members who are elected by the Icelandic people. Members of the Althing are elected for a term of four years. The Althing is responsible for enacting laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the government.

The President of Iceland formally opens the Althing each year, and the sessions are presided over by the Speaker of the Althing. The Althing operates through a system of committees that handle specific areas of policy and legislation.

Location

The Althing meets in the Althingi building in Reykjavík, which has been its home since 1881. The building is located in the center of the city and is a symbol of Icelandic democracy.

Significance

The Althing is a symbol of Iceland's long-standing tradition of democracy and self-governance. It is one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world and continues to play a central role in the political life of Iceland.

Related pages

• Þingvellir
• History of Iceland
• Politics of Iceland
• Law of Iceland

Diagram of the Althing's composition in 2024.