REYKJAVK

capital and largest town of Iceland. It is located on the northern side of the Seltjarnar Peninsula, at the southeastern corner of Faxa Bay, in southwestern Iceland. According to tradition, Reykjavk (Bay of Smokes) was founded in 874 by the Norseman Inglfur Arnarson. Until the 20th century it was a small fishing village, ruled and largely inhabited by Danes. It was granted municipal powers and was designated the administrative centre of the Danish-ruled island in 1786. The seat of the Althing (parliament) since 1843, it became the capital of a self-governing Iceland under the Danish king in 1918 and of the independent Republic of Iceland in 1944. Reykjavk is also the commercial, industrial, and cultural centre of the island. It is a major fishing port and the site of nearly half of the nation's industries. An international airport is at Keflavk, 20 miles (32 km) west-southwest. Reykjavk's manufactures include processed fish and food products, ships, and textiles. Strikingly modern and clean in appearance, the town is largely built of concrete and is heated by hot water piped from nearby springs. Noteworthy buildings include the Parliament Building, the Lutheran Cathedral (1975), the National Library of Iceland (founded 1818), the University of Iceland (founded 1911), the National Museum, the National Theatre, a state hospital, and a navigation school. Bessastadhir, the residence of the president of Iceland, is outside the town. Pop. (1983 est.) 87,309.