In a world where more than 2,500 species of mosquitoes threaten global health with diseases such as dengue, Zika, malaria and chikungunya, there is one small and surprising country that has completely escaped this plague: Iceland .

Yes, this beautiful Nordic corner of glaciers, volcanoes, and the Northern Lights has a unique characteristic: there are no mosquitoes . Although it may seem like a simple curiosity, this phenomenon has sparked the attention of scientists from around the world, who are trying to understand how an entire country can remain free of one of the most resilient and prolific insects on the planet.

The secret lies in the climate... and its extreme cycles

The reason for this natural wonder isn't Icelandic magic, but its unique climate , characterized by very pronounced freezing and thawing cycles throughout the year. These constant temperature changes prevent mosquitoes from completing their reproductive cycle.

For mosquitoes to develop, they need a stable environment of stagnant water where they can lay their eggs, which then hatch into larvae, pupae, and finally adults. But in Iceland, that water never stays still for long. When the ice melts, the weather soon refreezes it, interrupting the entire process. It's as if nature keeps hitting "reset" before the mosquitoes can thrive.

An exceptional case in the world

This phenomenon is even more surprising considering that mosquitoes are present in nearby countries like Norway, Denmark, and even Greenland. So why not Iceland? The answer lies in the unique balance of humidity, altitude, soil salinity, and rapid temperature changes that occur only there.

Furthermore, Iceland lacks swamps and large bodies of stagnant water, further limiting the ideal habitat for these insects. Some researchers have even attempted to experimentally introduce mosquitoes to study their behavior, but without success: they do not survive.

Beyond the itch: a global threat

The importance of this discovery goes far beyond tourism or the relief of not being bitten. Mosquitoes are responsible for more than 700,000 deaths worldwide each year , and their proliferation is accelerating with climate change.

Studying places like Iceland could provide valuable clues about new natural vector control strategies . Could we artificially replicate its climatic conditions in high-risk areas? What microorganisms survive in that mosquito-free environment? Is it possible to design solutions inspired by these freeze-thaw cycles?

Science continues to investigate, but for now, Iceland remains the only natural refuge where you can walk in summer without repellent, without bites, and without worries .