Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands are located in the North Atlantic Ocean, more specific location is: North Latitude 62º. and West Longitude 04º.
The Islands can be reached from all directions if you are in the North Atlantic Ocean. The following estimated headings to the homeland should give you an idea where it is located.

From Bergen, Norway - travel time by aircraft 1 hrs.

From Reykjavik, Iceland - travel time by aircraft 1 hrs

From Glasgow - travel time by aircraft 1 hrs.

From Denmark, Cph. - travel by aircraft 2 hrs.

Location and 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 (71 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 is 300 m (982 ft).

Climate

The weather is maritime and quite changeable, from moments of brilliant sunshine to misty hill fog and showers. The Gulf Stream encircling the islands tempers the climate. The harbours never freeze and considering the high latitude the temperature in winter time is very moderate . Snowfall occurs, but is short-lived. The average temperature ranges from 3°C in the 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.

Population

The population was 48.433 (1 jan. 2005). The capital, Tórshavn, has a population of 19,500 and Klaksvík, the second largest town in the Faroes, has a population of 5,000.

Form of Government

Since 1948 the Faroe Islands has been a self-governing, autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark. It has its own national flag and national language, Faroese. They are not, however, a member of the European Union and all trade is governed by special treaties.

Languages Spoken

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 generations.

Religion

Religion plays a large role in the Faroese culture and over 80% of the population belong to the national church, the Evangelical Lutheran. 10% of the population belong to the Brethren.

Industry

The fishing industry is the most important source of income for the Faroese. Fish products account for over 97% of the export volume. Tourism is the second largest industry, followed by woollen and other manufactured goods.

A brief history outline

The population derives mainly from West Norwegian farmers who settled here in the 9th century. It has been suggested that the Faroe Islands were populated by Irish monks or hermits before this but there is no archaeological evidence to support this view. Christianity was adopted in AD 999. In 1035 the Faroe Islands were incorporated into the Kingdom of Norway. Together with Norway, the islands passed to the Danish Crown in 1380, and remained under Denmark, even after Norway came under Swedish rule in 1814.