Facts about the Faroe Islands

Photo: Petur Poulsen

Beautiful sunset at Søltuvík

Location and size Surrounded by the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, the Faroe Islands lie in the heart of the North Atlantic, northwest of Scotland and halfway between Iceland and Norway, at 62°00’N. The archipelago is composed of 18 islands with a land area of 1396km2 (539 square miles). The Faroe Island chain is 113km (70 miles) long and 75km (47 miles) wide, shaped roughly in the form of an arrowhead. There are 1100km (684 miles) of coastline and no point in the islands is more than 5 km (3 miles) from the sea. The highest mountain is 880m (2887ft) above sea level and the average height above sea level is 300m (984ft).

Climate The Faroese climate is classed as maritime, and weather conditions are quite changeable, ranging from bursts of brilliant sunshine to dense banks of fog and showers. The Gulf Stream, which encircles the islands, tempers the climate. Harbours never freeze over, and winter temperatures are moderate considering the high latitude. Snowfall does occur but is shortlived. Average temperatures range from 3.5°C in winter to 12°C in summer. In sheltered areas away from the coast, temperatures can climb higher, but the air is always fresh no matter what the season.

Population The population of the Faroe Islands numbers 53,358 (June 2021). Of these, 22,558 people live in the metropolitan area which comprises Tórshavn, Kirkjubøur, Velbastaður, Nólsoy, Hestur, Koltur, Hoyvík, Argir, Kaldbak, Kaldbaksbotnur, Norðradalur, Syðradalur, Hvítanes, Sund, Kollafjørður, Signabøur and Oyrareingir. A total of 4,982 people live in Klaksvík, the second largest town in the islands.

Form of government Since 1948, the Faroe Islands have been a self/ governing region of the Kingdom of Denmark. The Faroe Islands have their own government, parliament and national flag. Unlike Denmark, the islands are not a member of the European Union and all foreign trade is governed by special treaties.

Languages spoken Faroese is the national language of the Faroe Islands, and its roots can be traced back to Old Norse. The other Nordic languages are readily understood by most Faroese people, and English is also widely spoken, especially among the younger generation.

Religion Religion plays an important part in Faroese culture, and over 80% of people belong to the state church, Fólkakirkjan, the evangelical-lutheran Church of the Faroe Islands, whilst a further 10% belong to the Open Brethren (also known as Christian or Plymouth Brethren).

Industry The fishing industry is the most important source of income in the Faroe Islands. Fish and fish products account for over 97% of exports. Tourism is the second largest industry, followed by woollen and other manufactured goods.