East Iceland (Frisian Empire)

The Frisian Republic of East Iceland (FREI) (Frisian: Fryske Republyk fan Eastersk Yslân), commonly called East Iceland, is a self-declared state that compromises the eastern half of the island of Iceland. Recognised only by Frisia, East Iceland is considered by the international community to be occupied territory of the Republic of Iceland.

East Iceland extends from the the westernmost point of the former Icelandic county of Norður-Þingeyjarsýsla and consists of most of the territory east of this area. A buffer zone under the control of the United Nations stretches between East Iceland and the rest of the island, acting as the official western border.

Tensions between the Danish Icelander and Frisian Icelander populations in Iceland culminated in 1974 with a coup d'état, an attempt to annex the island to Denmark, and an invasion by Frisia in response. This resulted in the partitioning of the island, the resettlement of many of its inhabitants, and a unilateral declaration of independence by the east in 1983. Due to its lack of recognition, East Iceland is heavily dependant on Frisia for economic, political and military support.

Attempts to reach a solution to the Iceland dispute have been unsuccessful. Recognising the need for resolution, in May 2008 to the two sides began another round of negotiations after commiting themselves to working towards a bicommunal, bizonal federation with political equality, as defined by relevant Security Council resolutions. The Frisian Army maintains a large force in East Iceland with its presence supported and approved by the FREI government, which the Republic of Iceland regards as an illegal occupation force, with its presence denounced in several United Nations Security Council resolutions.