Reykjavík
Reykjavík (/ˈreɪkjəvɪk, -viːk/ RAYK-yə-vik, -veek; Icelandic: [ˈreiːcaˌviːk] ⓘ) is the capital and largest city of Iceland. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay. Its latitude is 64°08′ N, making it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. Reykjavík has a population of around 140,000 as of 2023 (up from 121,822 in 2015). The Capital Region has a population of around 248,000.
Reykjavík | |
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Clockwise from top left: view of old town and Hallgrímskirkja from Perlan; rooftops from Hallgrímskirkja; Fríkirkjan í Reykjavík; panorama from Perlan; and Reykjavík from Hallgrímskirkja | |
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Flag Coat of arms | |
| Etymology: Old Norse: "Smoky bay" | |
| Nickname(s): Land of fire and ice | |
| Motto: "Reykjavík loves" | |
Location of Reykjavík | |
Location of Reykjavík in southwestern Iceland | |
| Coordinates: 64°08′48″N 21°56′24″W | |
| Country | Iceland |
| Region | Capital Region |
| Constituency | Reykjavík Constituency North Reykjavík Constituency South |
| Market right | 18 August 1786 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager |
| • Body | City Council |
| • Mayor | Einar Þorsteinsson (Progressive Party) |
| • City Council President | Þórdís Lóa Þórhallsdóttir |
| • City Executive Council Chairman | Einar Þorsteinsson |
| Area | |
| • Capital city and municipality | 273 km2 (105 sq mi) |
| • Metro | 1,062 km2 (410 sq mi) |
| Population (2023) | |
| • Capital city and municipality | 139,875 |
| • Density | 510/km2 (1,300/sq mi) |
| • Metro | 247,590 |
| Postal code(s) | 101–155 |
| Municipal number | 0000 |
| Council | Reykjavík City Council |
| Website | reykjavik.is |
Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, which, according to Landnámabók, was established by Ingólfr Arnarson in AD 874. Until the 18th century, there was no urban development in the city location. The city was officially founded in 1786 as a trading town and grew steadily over the following decades, as it transformed into a regional and later national centre of commerce, population, and governmental activities.
Reykjavík is the centre of Iceland's cultural, economic, and governmental activity, and is a popular tourist destination among foreigners. It is among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.