Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands Background

The population of the Faroe Islands is largely descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th century. A high degree of self-government was attained in 1948.

Faroe Islands Information

• Population: 46,662 (July 2004 est.)
• Nationality: noun: Faroese (singular and plural) adjective: Faroese
• Location:: Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Iceland to Norway
• Religions:: Evangelical Lutheran
• Ethnic Groups:: Scandinavian
• Land Boundaries:: 0 km
• Area: total: 1,399 sq km water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams) land: 1,399 sq km
• Coast Line: 1,117 km
• Climate: mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy
• Terrain: rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast
• Maritime Claims: territorial sea: 3 nm continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line
• Land Use: arable land: 2.14% permanent crops: 0% other: 97.86% (2001)
• Environmental Issues: NA
• Natural Resources: fish, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas
• Highways: total: 463 km paved: 454 km unpaved: 9 km (1999)
• Railways:
• Ports & Harbours: Torshavn, Klaksvik, Tvoroyri, Runavik, Fuglafjordhur
• Airports: 1 (2003 est.)