Iceland’s Sovereignty Day

Iceland marks 1 December as Sovereignty Day (Fullveldisdagurinn), a date of major historical significance for the nation. On this day in 1918, Iceland became a sovereign state through the signing of the Act of Union with Denmark. Although the country remained in a personal union with the Danish crown, the agreement granted Iceland full control over its internal affairs, its own national flag, and formal recognition as an independent state on the international stage.

The establishment of sovereignty in 1918 is viewed as a defining milestone in Iceland’s path toward full independence, which was later achieved on 17 June 1944 with the founding of the Republic of Iceland.

While Sovereignty Day is not a public holiday, it is observed across the country as an important reminder of Iceland’s national identity, self-determination, and the long journey toward becoming a fully independent nation.

Photo: María H. Tryggvadóttir