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faroe islands
foto: Guðrun Heðinsdóttir
Mortensen
foto: Guðrun Heðinsdóttir
Mortensen
Location & size
Situated in the heart of the Gulf Stream in the North
Atlantic at 62°00'N, the Faroe Islands lie northwest
of Scotland and halfway between Iceland and Norway.
The archipelago is composed of 18 islands covering
1399 km2 (545.3 sq.miles) and is 113 km (70 miles) long
and 75 km (47 miles) wide, roughly in the shape of an
arrowhead.
There are 1100 km (687 miles) of coastline
and at no time is one more than 5 km (3 miles) away from
the ocean. The highest mountain is 882 m (2883 ft) above
sea level and the average height above sea level for the
country is 300 m (982 ft).
Population
The population in the Faroe Islands is 48.290 (March 2005).
The capital area Tórshavn has a population of 19.300.
Language
Faroese is the national language and is rooted in Old
Norse.
Nordic languages are readily understood by most
Faroese,
and English is also widely spoken, especially among the
younger people.
Climate
The weather is maritime and quite changeable, from moments
of brilliant sunshine to misty hill fog, to showers. The
Gulf Stream encircling the islands tempers the climate.
The harbours never freeze and the temperature in
winter time is very moderate considering the high latitude.
Snowfall occurs, but is shortlived.
The average temperature ranges from 3°C in winter
to 11°C in the summer. In sheltered areas, the temperature
can be much higher, but the air is always fresh and clean
no matter what the season.
Religion
Religion plays an important part in Faroese culture.
80% of the population belong to the established
church, the Evangelical-Lutheran.10% of the population
belong to the Christian Brethren (Plymouth Brethren).
Industry
The fishing industry is the most important source of income
for the Faroes.
Fish products account for over 97% of the export
volume.
Tourism is the second largest industry, followed by woollen
and other manufactured products.
Form of Government
Since 1948, the Faroe Islands have been a self-governing
region of the Kingdom of Denmark.
It has its own parliament and its own flag.
It is not, however, a member of the
European Union and all trade is governed by special treaties.
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Source: www.visit-faroeislands.com
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