Facts about the Faroe Islands
Fish and wild scenery are characteristic of the Faroe Islands, an island group in the North Atlantic.
- Photographer
- Erik Christensen, Porkeri
The Faroe Islands form one of the Nordic Region's three autonomous territories. The 18 large and small islands are linked by tunnels and ferries. The scenery is wild, with steep cliffs, grass-covered hills and sparse forest.
At only 1,400 km2, the Faroes are the smallest of the three autonomous territories. Out of a total population of 48,500, around 20,000 live in the capital, Thorshavn.
The Faroe Islands are formally part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but enjoy extensive autonomy. The parliament, Lagtinget, is the highest authority. The country is not a member of the EU, but has entered into a fisheries and trading agreement with the Union.
Fishing is the single most important industry in the Faroe Islands, followed by tourism and wool production. More than 97% of the islands' exports consist of fish produce.
| Total area | 1,396 km2 |
| Highest point | Slættartindur 882 m |
| Coast line | 1,289 km |
| National borders | 0 km |
|
Lakes and streams |
9 km2 |
| Mean precipitation Thorshavn (2006) | 1,294 mm |
| Population 1 January 2011 |
48.574 inh. |
| Population density 01.01.11 | 34.9 pop./km2 |
| Population, capital city 01.01.10 | 19 919 inh. Thorshavn (municipality)1 |
| National day | 29. July (Ólavsøka) |
| Form of government | Home rule - within the kingdom of Denmark |
| Parliament | Lagtinget (33 seats) |
| Membership of the EU | No |
| Membership of NATO | From 1949 (due to the of Danish membership) |
| Head of State |
Queen Margrethe II |
| Head of government (September 2009) | Kaj Leo Johannesen Union Party (Sambandsflokkuri) |
| Currency: | Danish crown (DKK) |
| Official website | www.hagstova.fo |
| Official language | Faroese |
1Thorshavn municipality includes 6 urban areas, which are geographically separate from Thorshavn and consequently not considered as part of the city.
