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.
Location: Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Iceland to Norway. Geographic coordinates: 62 00 N, 7 00 W. Map references: Europe. Area: Total: 1,399 sq km. land: 1,399 sq km. water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams). Area - comparative: Eight times the size of Washington, DC. Coastline: 1,117 km.
Climate and Terrain: Mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy. Rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast. Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m. Highest point:  Slaettaratindur 882 m. Natural resources: Fish, whales, hydropower. Land use: Arable land: 6% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 0% forests and woodland: 0% other: 94% (1996). Irrigated land: 0 sq km. Geography - note: Archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic; precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands.
People: Population: 45,661 (July 2001 est.). Ethnic groups: Scandinavian. Religions: Evangelical Lutheran. Languages: Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish.
Government: Capital: Torshavn. Independence: none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark).
Economy overview: The Faroese economy has had a strong performance since 1994, mostly as a result of increasing fish landings and high and stable export prices. Unemployment is falling and there are signs of labor shortages in several sectors. Labor force: 24,250 (October 2000). Labor force - by occupation: Fishing, fish processing, and manufacturing 33%, construction and private services 33%, public services 34%. Industries: Fishing, fish processing, shipbuilding, construction, handicrafts. Agriculture - products: Milk, potatoes, vegetables; sheep; salmon, other fish.
Statistics: Telephones - main lines in use: 24,851. Telephones - mobile cellular: 10,761. Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 13. Radios: 26,000 (1997). Television broadcast stations: 3. Televisions: 15,000. Internet users: 3,000. Railways: 0 km. Highways: Total: 463 km paved: 454 km unpaved: 9 km. Airports - with paved runways: Total: 1.