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Reykjavik is the capital city of Iceland. It’s situated in the southwestern part of the island. Reykjavik is among the northernmost capital cities in the world and one of the greenest and cleanest. It is the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural centre. Since its inception, Reykjavik has been known for its beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It is famous for its iconic landmarks like the Hallgrímskirkja church, the Sun Voyager sculpture, the Harpa concert hall and the Blue Lagoon.
Census in Iceland is done after every 10 years and 2011 was the last time that it was conducted. The next census is scheduled for 2021. According to the 2011 census, Reykjavik had a population of 118,898. Compared to other cities in Iceland, Reykjavik is considered to be the most populated. According to the 2011 census, 93.6% of the population is Icelandic. This is due to many people moving to the city for better opportunities. When it comes to religious beliefs, most people in Reykjavik identify themselves as Christian. According to the data collected during the 2011 census, 79.0% people in Reykjavik identified themselves as Evangelical Lutheran, which is the national church. Other religious affiliations include the Free Church of Iceland and the Roman Catholic Church. As the capital city, Reykjavik houses over 130,000 residents, who primarily speak Icelandic. Reykjavik is also known for its commitment to sustainability, with over half of the city's energy coming from renewable sources.
Reykjavik is governed by the Reykjavik City Council which is directly elected by the city's residents every four years. The council has 23 members who then elect the mayor among themselves. The current mayor is Dagur B. Eggertsson. The Reykjavik City Council is responsible for the executive and legislative affairs of the city. It oversees the city's services and infrastructure including schools, social services, roads and waste management.
Reykjavik has a diverse and dynamic economy that is primarily based on the service industry, particularly tourism and finance. The city also thrives in renewable energy, software production, and biotechnology. It has a GDP of over 14 billion USD, which amounts to more than half of Iceland's total GDP. The size of its economy is larger than that of many other European cities. The Port of Reykjavik handles a considerable amount of shipping traffic, being a critical port of call for freight and passenger ships.
Reykjavik takes an ambitious approach to its infrastructure planning. The city is known for its commitment to renewable energy, with geothermal and hydroelectric power plants providing much of the city's energy. The city is also making significant strides in improving its digital connectivity and is recognized for its advanced telecommunications network. Reykjavik also has a robust public transportation system, with an extensive network of buses serving the city and its suburbs. However, the city also faces challenges in managing its rapid growth and addressing infrastructure needs in areas such as housing and transportation.