Capital of Iceland: Reykjavík
The capital of Iceland is Reykjavík. Iceland sits in Europe, has a population of 372,899, and uses the ISK. Official languages include Icelandic.
Quick facts
- Capital: Reykjavík
- Continent: Europe
- Population: ~372,899
- Area: 103,000 km²
- Population density: 3.6 people per km²
- Official language: Icelandic
- Currency: ISK
- ISO code: IS
How big is Iceland?
By population, Iceland ranks 174th in the world, holding roughly well under a hundredth of a percent of all people on Earth. By land area it ranks 106th.
Those two numbers rarely match, and the gap between them is the interesting part. Iceland has 3.6 people per square kilometre, which is far below the world average of 59.4. It is more spacious than its population alone would suggest.
Within Europe, Iceland is the 41th most populous country of 46.
Countries of a similar size
The two countries closest to Iceland in population are Belize (405,272) and Bahamas (409,984).
By land area, its closest counterparts are South Korea (100,210 km²) and Guatemala (108,889 km²).
Comparisons like these are worth more than raw figures when you are trying to remember them. A number on its own is hard to hold; a number next to a country you already have a feel for is much easier.
Language and currency
Icelandic is listed as an official language of Iceland alone, which is unusual — most official languages are shared across borders.
Iceland uses the ISK, and it is the only country that does, which makes the currency name a reliable one-to-one clue.
Iceland in Europe
The largest countries by population sharing this continent are Russia, Germany, United Kingdom and France.
If you are learning capitals region by region — far more effective than working alphabetically — Europe is the block Iceland belongs to, and its neighbours are the ones worth learning alongside it.
Try the Country to Capital Quiz, or the harder reverse direction. There is also a full country profile for Iceland and a page on the flag of Iceland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Iceland?
The capital of Iceland is Reykjavík.
What is the population of Iceland?
About 372,899, making it the 174th most populous country in the world.
How big is Iceland?
103,000 square kilometres, ranking 106th by land area, at a density of 3.6 people per square kilometre.
What currency does Iceland use?
The ISK, which no other country uses.