Why don’t Icelanders date their relatives?

Iceland is known not only for its beautiful nature and volcanoes, but also for being one of the most genetically unique countries in the world. Most of its population descends from a few common ancestors, and their genes have been passed down through generations with very little renewal.

This has turned Iceland into a “close-relative society” from a genetic standpoint. As a result, the risk of hereditary diseases in the country is significantly higher compared to other places. This has led to a very conscious attitude among the population.

Today, Iceland has developed an impressive “support mechanism” — a genome database. Through this system, every citizen can access accurate information about their DNA and quickly determine their degree of kinship.

Such situations do occur: when two people start dating, they sometimes “bump” their phones together to check their kinship. If it turns out they are closely related, the relationship ends immediately. This is not a joke — it's a standard and practical precaution in Icelandic society.

This serious attitude toward genetic risks is reportedly yielding great results in preventing cancer and hereditary diseases.

Experts state that this approach is important not only for individual health, but also for the wellbeing of future generations.

Why is this important?
– Iceland has a relatively small population, and its gene pool was formed within a narrow circle.
– Genes circulate among the same population with little external contribution, so renewal is limited.
– Due to the high risk of hereditary diseases, each relationship is assessed from a safety standpoint.

Conclusion: For Icelanders, it’s not only about personal attraction, but also about genetic safety. Perhaps this is one of the most scientifically based dating cultures in the world. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!