Iceland was settled in the late 9th and early 10th centuries, principally by people of Norwegian and other Scandinavian origin.

In 930, the ruling chiefs established a republican constitution and an assembly called the Althing—the oldest parliament in the world.

Iceland remained independent until 1262, when it entered into a treaty which established a union with the Norwegian monarchy.

[citation needed] Following a constitutional referendum between 20 and 23 May 1944, Iceland formally became an independent republic on 17 June 1944.

Since Denmark was still occupied by Germany, many Danes felt offended that the step should have been taken at the time [citation needed].