Esbjerg ([ˈɛsˌb̥jaɐ̯ˀ]) is a municipality (Danish, kommune) in Region Syddanmark ("South Denmark Region") on the west coast of the Jutland peninsula in southwest Denmark. Its mayor is Johnny Søtrup, from the Venstre (Center-Right Party) political party. By January 1, 2007 the old Esbjerg municipality was, as the result of Kommunalreformen ("The Municipality Reform" of 2007), merged with former Bramming and Ribe municipalities to form the new Esbjerg municipality. This municipality has an area of 741 km² (286 sq. miles) and a total population of 114,097 (2005). The main town and the site of its municipal council is the city of Esbjerg - population 71,886 (2006), the 5th largest city in Denmark. Neighboring municipalities with land connection are Tønder to the south, Haderslev to the southeast, Vejen to the east, and Varde to the north. Neighboring municipality to the west is Fanø, an island municipality located in Fanø Bay (Fanø Bugt). Beyond the island of Fanø and Fanø Bay is the North Sea. Ferry service connects the municipality at the city of Esbjerg over Ho Bay to Nordby on the island of Fanø via Scandlines, and over the North Sea to Harwich, England via DFDS Seaways. Esbjerg railway station is operated by Danish State Railways. Esbjerg is the western terminus of InterCity trains from Copenhagen (operating every second hour), the journey taking about three hours. DSB also operates local trains to Fredericia. Arriva operates Vestbanen local trains south to Ribe and Tønder and north to Struer. The city of Esbjerg is a large transport hub for both rail and highway traffic, and is an important port for Danish North Sea oil offshore activity. It has an airport, and is a center for machine building. The municipality has a number of museums, theatres (operas also of ballet, drama), and several libraries.