Iceland has a relatively informal approach to marriage and family structures. Many children are born to unmarried women and have numerous half-siblings from their parents' other relationships. When greeting people, Icelanders typically shake hands or kiss cheeks in a casual greeting. Business meetings are formal occasions and are usually scheduled between 9am and 5pm Monday through Friday, avoiding the month of July. Icelandic names are generally just given names rather than family names, and women do not change their name upon marriage.

1. ICELAND
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2. Family Life
(1 of 6)
8
There is a relative
lack of formal
marriages.
Women frequently have
a child before they
marry.
Many people are
related to numerous
half siblings from
their parents’ children
by other mates.

3. Social Etiquette
(1 of 3)
22
Shake hands
when greeting and
leaving, or
sometimes greet
with a kiss on
the cheek.
Remove your
shoes when
entering their homes.
Dress casually
except at formal
affairs.

4. Business Etiquette
(1 of 4)
25
Meetings are formal.
Use the 24-hour
clock when arranging
business meetings.
Normal business
hours: Monday to
Friday 9-17.
Avoid to make
appointments
during July, the
holiday month.

5. Trivia
(1 of 7)
29
Most Icelanders do not carry
their family names - children
have a given name.
Icelandic women do not
take their husband’s name when
they marry because many do not
have a family name to take.
Names are listed
alphabetically by
first name in the
phone directory.

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