Where is Keflavik located?

Keflavík (pronounced [ˈcʰɛplaˌviːk] ( listen), meaning Driftwood Bay) is a town in the Reykjanes region in southwest Iceland. It is included in the municipality of Reykjanesbær whose population as of 2016 is 15,129. In 1995, Keflavik merged with nearby Njarðvík and Hafnir to form the municipality of Reykjanesbær.

Why was Keflavik a controversial town?

The US presence at the Keflavik town was also controversial. The discrimination started during the early days when many women fell for the Americans stationed there. A significant number of Icelanders were also against NATO membership and the militarization of the town.

How many people live in Reykjavik?

The city, which has an area of 200 square kilometres, has a population of approximately 123,000, with 216,940 living in the Capital Region ( Greater Reykjavik, which refers to Reykjavik itself and the six municipalities around it). The city is thought to be Iceland's very first settlement, established in AD874.

What happened at Naval Air Station Keflavik?

Soon, Naval Air Station Keflavik was, by all accounts, a 5,000 strong settlement. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the US began to peel back its operations until finally closing the base in 2006. The former barracks are now used as student accommodation. The US presence at Keflavik was not without its controversies.