The most common name in Kópavogur is Jón – no surprises there – with 490 residents bearing that name out of the town’s total of 41,349 inhabitants, making it the second most populous municipality in Iceland. Anna is the second most common name in the town, with 479 residents. According to data from the National Registry, 15 percent of Kópavogur’s residents, or 6,198 people, are foreign nationals. Kópavogur is a young town, turning 70 years old next year. The town was granted municipal rights in 1955 after separating from Seltjarnarnes in 1948. Kópavogur is centrally located within the capital region, south of Reykjavík and north of Gardabær. Significant development in Kópavogur didn’t begin until around 1960, and seven years later, in 1967, Kópavogur surpassed Akureyri to become the second largest town in the country, with 10,524 residents, while Akureyri had 10,102. Over this past half-century, Kópavogur’s population has quadrupled, while that of Akureyri has only doubled, now standing at 20,374 residents. Icelandic Times visited Kópavogur, home to the tallest building in the country, the largest shopping centre, and excellent outdoor recreation areas and sports facilities.
Kópavogur 20/08/2024 : A7C R, RX1R II, A7R IV – 2.0/35mm Z, FE 1.8/135mm GM, FE 1.8/20mm G
Photos & text : Páll Stefánsson
