Iceland, officially the Republic of Iceland, is a sovereign island nation situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, positioned astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. It is a sparsely populated Nordic country, culturally and politically integrated with Europe, and is renowned for its dramatic geothermal and volcanic activity. The capital and largest urban area is Reykjavík, which serves as the primary hub for the nation's population of approximately 366,000 people. The country's unique geology, characterized by glaciers, lava fields, and powerful geothermal energy, defines its landscape and economy.