Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland, located on the Seltjarnarnes peninsula, in the southeast corner of Faxaflói Bay, in the southwest of the country. With a latitude of 64°N, it is the northernmost sovereign capital in the world. Officially founded in 1786, Reykjavik has evolved from a small fishing village to a cultural, political and economic center of Iceland. The city stands out for its colorful, low architecture, with the imposing Hallgrímskirkja church as an iconic symbol. Its population is around 139,000 inhabitants, concentrating together with its metropolitan area approximately 64% of the total Icelandic population. Reykjavik is renowned for its cleanliness, safety and environmental friendliness, as well as being an ideal base from which to explore Iceland's natural wonders, such as geysers, volcanoes and glaciers. Its importance lies in being the nucleus of the Icelandic government, seat of the Alþingi parliament since 1843, and in its vibrant cultural and tourist life that attracts visitors from all over the world.