Bilateral relations Switzerland–Iceland

Bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Republic of Iceland are excellent.

Key aspects of diplomatic relations

Bilateral contacts take place for the most part through the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe. The two countries do a modest amount of trade (approx. CHF 65 million in 2016).

Treaty database 

Swiss nationals in Iceland

According to the Statistics on the Swiss Abroad, 165 Swiss nationals were living in Iceland at the end of 2016.

Statistics on the Swiss Abroad, FDFA

History of bilateral relations

Switzerland officially recognised the Republic of Iceland in January 1947. The two countries have had diplomatic relations since 1951. In October 1989, Vigdis Finnbogadottir became the first president of Iceland to make an official working visit to Switzerland. The Swiss embassy in Oslo (Norway) represents Switzerland’s interests in Iceland. Iceland’s interests in Switzerland are represented by its embassy in Brussels. Iceland has consulates in Bern and Geneva and a consulate general in Zurich.

Iceland, Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)