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> the idea received minimal support.

Title here is slightly misleading...

It´s not the title so much as the reporting. A bill was indeed set before parliament to grant Snowden citizenship, but because it was put forward on the last day of parliament it didn't get voted on. Instead a vote on a parliament committee was made. The support of almost half of parliament is a little more than minimal.
Nope, title is misleading.

Using "Iceland" implies a majority consensus among some part of the Icelandic population, whether it be a public poll or a group of politicians.

In this case, the title should be more like "Icelandic Politician wants to give Snowden citizenship".

38.1% isn't really half, but considered the small amount it feels closer. Still 38.1% voting yes to something probably not in their interests, because they're nice guys, is still a pretty good result. At least it is when you the world we live in.
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Talk about wanting to make headlines.
You know Iceland only has a population of ~300,000. I've wondered if a few tens of thousands of hackers moved there, they could have a pretty significant effect on the government.
Unfortunately, Iceland has a very difficult immigration policy. That's how it's maintained its relative wealth and prosperity.
what is the primary driver of Iceland's wealth? What is their principal industry(ies)?
My knowledge of this only comes from Michael Lewis' book, Boomerang, but in there he writes that Iceland got wealthy when they figured out how to securitize their fishing industry. They also starting smelting aluminum.
>They also starting smelting aluminium.

An energy intensive exercise made extremely affordable, because of very cheap geothermal energy sources.

If you can't export cheap power, bring the industry to you.