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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Iqaluit

Iqaluit is the capital city of Nunavut and the largest community in Canada’s newest territory.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Iqaluit is the capital city of Nunavut and the largest community in Canada’s newest territory. Located on southeastern Baffin Island at the head of Frobisher Bay, it is Canada’s northernmost city and has served as Nunavut’s territorial capital since 1999.

Geography

Iqaluit is situated in Nunavut on the southeastern part of Baffin Island, at the head of Frobisher Bay. Its Arctic setting gives the city a tundra environment and makes it a key regional centre in the eastern Canadian Arctic.

History

The city began as a trading post in 1914 and later developed further during the Second World War, including use as an air base. It became the capital of Nunavut when the territory was created in 1999 and was incorporated as a city in 2001.

Population and administration

Iqaluit is Nunavut’s largest community and its only city. The 2021 census recorded 7,429 residents, making it the smallest Canadian provincial or territorial capital by population.

Culture and services

Iqaluit functions as a transportation, commerce, and cultural hub for the territory. Canada’s federal government notes that English, French, and Inuktut are spoken in the community.

Key facts

  • Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut and the territory’s only city.
  • It is Canada’s northernmost city and the most northerly capital in the country.
  • The city is located on southeastern Baffin Island, near the head of Frobisher Bay.
  • The 2021 Canadian census recorded a population of 7,429.
  • The settlement began as a trading post in 1914 and later became an air base during the Second World War.
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Canadian context

Iqaluit is significant to Canadian readers as Nunavut’s capital, Canada’s northernmost city, and a major centre for Arctic governance, transportation, and culture.

Frequently asked questions

What is Iqaluit?
Iqaluit is the capital city of Nunavut and the largest community in the territory.
Where is Iqaluit located?
It is on southeastern Baffin Island, at the head of Frobisher Bay in the Canadian Arctic.
How many people live in Iqaluit?
The 2021 Canadian census recorded a population of 7,429.
Why is Iqaluit important?
It serves as Nunavut’s political capital and a regional hub for transportation, commerce, and culture.
What does the name Iqaluit mean?
The name means “place of fish” in Inuktitut.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iqaluit
    Supports: Location, status as capital and northernmost city, 2021 census population, and general geographic description.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Iqaluit
    Supports: Historical development, name meaning, location, and role as capital of Nunavut.
  3. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/iqaluit
    Supports: Incorporation as a city in 2001, population figures, and status as Nunavut’s capital and only city.
  4. Government of Nunavut — https://www.gov.nu.ca/en/communities/iqaluit
    Supports: Role as capital and largest community, population approximation, and description as a regional hub.
  5. Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/francophone-immigration-outside-quebec/welcome/iqaluit.html
    Supports: Languages spoken in the community and multicultural profile.