A Widening Island – How Iceland’s Publishing is Embracing a Diversifying Society

Iceland’s immigrant population is growing. Today, over 10% of the country’s population is foreign-born, and that number continues to increase each year. It’s no surprise that Iceland is currently experiencing an influx of new culture, activities, and literature alongside its diversifying population. Part of this change are the inevitable challenges of adjustment and assimilation to a new reality – both on the part of the immigrants who must learn Icelandic and settle into their new home, as well as on the part of native-born Icelanders who are witnessing firsthand a shift in society as it comes to open its doors in new ways. For writers, these challenges extend to a lack of publishing opportunities in the country, as well as issues of underrepresentation.