Reykjavík
Reykjavík | |
|---|---|
| Etymology: Old Norse: "Smoky bay" | |
| Nickname(s): | |
Location of Reykjavík | |
| Coordinates: 64°08′45″N 21°56′33″W / 64.14583°N 21.94250°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 | Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir (SDA) |
| • City Council President | Sanna Magdalena Mörtudóttir |
| • City Executive Council Chairman | Líf Magneudóttir |
| Area | |
| 244 km2 (94 sq mi) | |
| • Metro | 1,046 km2 (404 sq mi) |
| Population (2025) | |
| 138,772 | |
| • Density | 570/km2 (1,500/sq mi) |
| • Metro | 249,054 |
| Demonym(s) | Reykvíkingur, Reykvíkingar (Icelandic) |
| Time zone | UTC+00:00 (WET) |
| Postal code(s) | 101–155 |
| Municipal number | 0000 |
| Council | Reykjavík City Council |
| Website | reykjavik.is |
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Reykjavík is the capital and largest city in Iceland. It is located in southwestern Iceland on the southern shore of the Faxaflói Bay. With a latitude of 64°08′ N, the city is the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. Reykjavík has a population of around 139,000 as of 2025. The surrounding Capital Region has a population of around 249,000, constituting around 64% of the country's population.
Reykjavík is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, which, according to Landnámabók, was established by Ingólfur Arnarson in 874 AD. 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 and safest cities in the world.