Faroe Islands Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated April 25, 2020

Faroe Islands, archipelago in the North Atlantic, between Scotland and Iceland; 1,400 km², 49,755 residents (2016).The archipelago forms part of Denmark but has internal autonomy. The Faroe Islands, which extend about 113 km in the north-south direction and 75 km in the west-east direction, consist of 17 inhabited islands and a number of more or less inaccessible small islands. The largest islands are Streymoy (Danish Strømø) 373 km², Eysturoy (Danish Østerø) 286 km², Vágar (Danish Vågø) 178 km², Suðuroy (Danish Suderø) 166 km² and Sandoy (Danish Sandø) 112 km². The capital is Tórshavn (Danish Thorshavn), located on Streymoy, 12,200 residents (2013). Administratively, the Faroe Islands are divided into six counties (counties).

Faroe Islands Flag

Country facts

Føroyar
Country abbreviation: FO
Area: 1 400 km²
Population (2016): 49,755 residents
Capital: Torshavn
Main languages: Faroese, Danish
State condition: autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark
Head of State: Margrethe II (Queen)
Head of Government: Aksel V. Johannesen
Per capita GDP (2014): US $ 36,600
Currency unit: 1 Danish krona = 100 öre
Currency code: DKK
Internet domain name: fo
Time difference compared to Sweden: −1
National Day: July 29 (Olaifesten)

Nature

Highest Rock: Mowing Peak (882 m asl)

Population

Population density (2016): 36 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2016): 0.5%; birth rate 14 ‰, death rate 9 ‰
Age structure (2016): 0-14 years (20%), 15-64 (64%), 65- (16%)
Average life expectancy (2016): 80 years; men 78 years, women 83 years
Infant mortality (2016): 6 per 1,000 live births
Urbanization rate (2016): 42%
Most populous city (2013): Tórshavn (12,200 residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2012): agriculture (16%), industry (29%), service (55%)
Main export product: fish
Main export partners: Denmark, UK, USA
Main import products: machinery, transport, food
Main import partners: Denmark, Norway, Iceland