# Jaén

> settlement in Spain

**Wikidata**: [Q24013256](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24013256)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jaen

## Summary
Jaén is a municipality capital and big city located in Spain. Situated at an elevation of 558 meters above sea level, it serves as the capital of the Jaén region and has a population of approximately 112,000 residents as of 2022. The city has historically served as the capital for the Kingdom of Jaén, the Taifa of Jaén, and the comarca of Guadalquivir Alto.

## Key Facts
- **Country:** Spain
- **Official Name:** Jaén
- **Aliases:** Jaén City, city of Jaén
- **Instance of:** Human settlement, big city, populated place nucleus, city, municipality capital
- **INE Code:** 23050000901
- **Population:** 111,669 (2022); 107,215 (2024, resident register for municipality capital)
- **Elevation:** 558 meters above sea level
- **Timezone:** UTC+01:00
- **Coordinates:** 37.76922°N, -3.79028°W (primary source); 37.7651913°N, -3.7903594°W (secondary source)
- **Capital Of:** Jaén, Kingdom of Jaén, Taifa of Jaén, Guadalquivir Alto
- **Significant Events:** Siege of Jaén (multiple occurrences)
- **Geonames ID:** 2516395
- **Who's On First ID:** 404337019
- **Yale Lux ID:** place/52b31a0d-346b-4376-bce4-57c5ef60acb1
- **Museum Digital Place ID:** 56834
- **Wikipedia Languages:** Cebuano (ceb)

## FAQs
**What is the population of Jaén?**
The city had a population of 111,669 in 2022. According to the 2024 resident register specifically for the municipality capital, the population is recorded as 107,215.

**What administrative role does Jaén play?**
Jaén is classified as a municipality capital and a big city. It is located within the province of Jaén in Spain and uses the administrative INE code 23050000901.

**What is the geographical location of Jaén?**
The city is situated in Spain at coordinates approximately 37.77°N, -3.79°W. It rests at an elevation of 558 meters above sea level and operates in the UTC+01:00 timezone.

**What historical entities has Jaén served as capital for?**
Beyond its current role, Jaén has historically been the capital of the Kingdom of Jaén, the Taifa of Jaén, and the region known as Guadalquivir Alto.

## Why It Matters
Jaén holds significance as a major urban center and administrative hub in Spain, classified formally as a "big city" and "municipality capital." Its historical relevance is underscored by its former status as the capital of the Taifa of Jaén and the Kingdom of Jaén, indicating a long-standing political and strategic importance in the region. The city has been the site of significant historical military actions, notably the Siege of Jaén, which shaped its developmental trajectory. Today, it remains a pivotal population center in the Guadalquivir Alto region.

## Notable For
- **Historical Capital Status:** Unique for having served as the capital for three distinct entities: the Taifa of Jaén, the Kingdom of Jaén, and Guadalquivir Alto.
- **Elevation:** Positioned at a specific elevation of 558 meters, distinguishing it geographically within the Spanish landscape.
- **Multiple Sieges:** Noted for enduring the "Siege of Jaén" multiple times, a feature highlighted in its significant events.
- **Administrative Classification:** Recognized distinctly as a "municipality capital" with a specific INE code (23050000901) applying to that status.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Jaén is a human settlement and populated place nucleus located in Spain. The city's geographical coordinates are recorded as latitude 37.76922 and longitude -3.79028, with a secondary coordinate set at 37.7651913, -3.7903594. It is situated at an elevation of 558 meters above sea level. The city falls within the UTC+01:00 timezone.

### Demographics
The population of Jaén has been tracked across different years with varying methodologies. In 2022, the population was recorded at 111,669. A more specific data point from 2024 indicates a population of 107,215 for the "municipality capital" specifically, determined via the resident register method.

### Administrative and Political Status
Jaén functions as a "big city" and is officially recognized as a municipality capital. It is assigned the INE code 23050000901 (qualifier: Jaén). The city is located within the broader region of Jaén (value: Jaén) and serves as the capital for the region. Historically, it held the capital status for the Taifa of Jaén, the Kingdom of Jaén, and the region of Guadalquivir Alto.

### Heraldry and Symbols
The city possesses distinct heraldic symbols, including the "flag of Jaén" and the "coat of arms of Jaén."
- **Flag Image:** https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Bandera_de_Jaén.svg
- **Coat of Arms Image:** https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Escudo_de_la_ciudad_de_Jaén.svg

### History
The history of Jaén (referenced by topic ID Q5899091) is marked by the significant event of the "Siege of Jaén," which is listed multiple times in the city's record, suggesting repeated military engagements or a singular event of such importance it is multiply referenced. A notable image associated with the city is the "Monumento a las Batallas" (Monument to the Battles), reflecting this martial history: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Jaén_–_Monumento_a_las_Batallas.jpg.

### Database Identifiers
Jaén is indexed in multiple geographical and knowledge databases:
- **Geonames ID:** 2516395
- **Who's On First ID:** 404337019
- **Yale Lux ID:** place/52b31a0d-346b-4376-bce4-57c5ef60acb1
- **Museum Digital Place ID:** 56834
- **Wikidata Description:** Settlement in Spain
- **Wikipedia Coverage:** Available in the Cebuano language (ceb).

## References

1. Nomenclátor Geográfico de Municipios y Entidades de Población (20240402 edition)
2. GeoNames