A linear light source includes light emitting elements 5 which are arranged on a square rod-shaped printed board 4 along the longitudinal direction thereof and reflectors 6 which are arranged alternately with the light emitting elements 5. The opposing surfaces 6a of the reflectors 6 sandwiching the light emitting element are inclined such that the distance between the opposing surfaces of the reflectors increases in the direction of light emitted from the light emitting element 5. The linear light source further includes resin seal layers 10 which are in the form of a trapezoidal prism or a truncated pyramid and formed by filling recesses, each of which is defined by the printed board 4, light emitting element 5 and reflectors 6, with a light-transmissive resin sealant. A strip-shaped reflection member made of a reflection sheet 1 or a vapor-deposited film 12 is arranged to cover a region ranging from the end face of the printed board 4 adjoining to the component side to the tips of the reflectors 6.