ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines levels of sports participation in Iceland, particularly in relation to participation in formal sports within sports clubs. This overview is based on data from the annual reports of the Icelandic Sport and Olympic Association and regular surveys of Icelandic children and adolescents conducted by Icelandic Centre for Social Research and Analysis. These data will also be used to explore social divisions in participation in formal sports in Iceland. The chapter endeavours to establish levels of physical exercise and participation in 'lifestyle sports' among the Icelandic population. It provides the socio-cultural and historical context of Icelandic sports and Icelandic society in general, and, in particular, highlights some of the cultural distinctiveness of Icelandic sports that sets them apart from sports in many other cultures. The chapter examines trends in sports participation, organisation and policy in Iceland, highlighting common themes and outcomes.
