Fact Finder - General Knowledge

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is the northernmost capital of a sovereign state in the world. Its name literally translates to 'Bay of Smokes,' a reference to the steam rising from the region's many hot springs that early settlers observed. Today, these natural geothermal resources are the backbone of the city's infrastructure. Reykjavik is one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities globally, with virtually all its heating and electricity powered by geothermal and hydroelectric energy. The city sits on a geologically active coastline where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Despite its high latitude just two degrees south of the Arctic Circle, the climate is surprisingly tempered by the Gulf Stream, preventing extreme arctic freezes. Reykjavik is also the cultural heart of Iceland, home to the striking Hallgrímskirkja church and a population that maintains a deep-rooted belief in 'Huldufólk' or hidden people (elves), which often influences local construction and road planning to avoid disturbing 'magical' rock formations.