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Location: Northern Europe. Island group between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Iceland to Norway. Geography: Archipelago of 18 islands, of which 17 are inhabited; strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic; precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands. Climate: Mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy and windy. Land Area: 1399 square kilometres; 545.3 square miles. Population: 48,520 (April 2008). Capital: Tórshavn; population: 19,429 (Januar 2008). Language: Faroese is the national language, rooted in Old Norse. Nordic languages are understood by most Faroese, and English is also widely spoken. Religion: Evangelical Lutheran Church: 80% - Christian Brethren (Plymouth Brethren):10 % 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. Government: Part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark since 1948. Head of government: Prime Minister Kaj Leo Johannesen (since September 2008). Cabinet: Landsstyri is appointed by the Prime Minister Parliament: Unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting Industries: Fishing, fish processing, shipbuilding, construction, handicrafts Labor force: 25,613 (December 2007) Labor force by occupation: Fishing, fish processing, and manufacturing 33%, construction and private services 33%, public services 34% Exports: Total exports in DKK 4,023,000,000 (2007) Imports: Total imports in DKK 5,300,000,000 (2007) GDP: GDP in DKK 11,878,000,000 (2006) |
