874 AD: Settlement by Norse and Gaelic pioneers; establishment of the Althing (parliament) in 930 AD.
1262: Enters union with Norway, later passing under Danish rule through the Norway–Denmark union (1380).
1918: Act of Union creates a sovereign Kingdom of Iceland in personal union with the Danish crown.
1944: Formally declares full independence as a republic while Denmark is under wartime occupation.
Post-WWII: Rapidly transforms from an isolated fishing economy into a high-income nation, with geothermal energy and tourism growing strongly from the late 20th century.