Following a referendum held on 23 May 1944, Iceland decided to abandon its previous political situation, namely, a constitutional monarchy to Denmark with one king. That event took place during a period in which Denmark was occupied by the Germans, and British and American troops were situated in Iceland, an important strategic territory at that time.

Iceland become fully independent on 17 June 1944, and Sveinn Björnsson became its first president.

I spent a beautiful day in Reykjavik on June 17, 2007, celebrating with the Icelandic people their independence day. For me, an Israeli, living in a small country with only 7 million people, it was amazing to come to a country with less than 300,000 inhabitants. Everything is so local, and it seems that everyone in Reykjavik knows each other.

I hope that the fun atmosphere were captured by my camera. If you think so too and like this gallery, please do not forget to vote for it. Many thanks.