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Faroe Islands

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General information
Country common name: Faroe Islands

Country official name: Faroe Islands (autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark)

Continent: Europe

3-Letter abbreviation: FRO

2-Letter abbreviation: FO

Capital: Torshavn

Major cities: 21,000 TORSHAVN (capital)

Currency: Danish krone (click for current conversion rates)

Languages: Faroese 93.8% (derived from Old Norse), Danish 3.2%, other 3%

Motto: "Thou, fairest land of mine"

National holiday(s): Olaifest (Olavsoka) (commemorates the death in battle of King OLAF II of Norway, later St. OLAF), 29 July (1030)
Government
Chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Lene Moyell JOHANSEN, chief administrative officer (since 15 May 2017)

Head of government: Prime Minister Bardur A STEIG NIELSEN (since 16 September 2019)

Government type: parliamentary democracy (Faroese Parliament); part of the Kingdom of Denmark
Country notes & photographs
{"ops":[{"insert":"The "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Faroe Islands"},{"insert":", or the "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Faeroe Islands"},{"insert":", is a North Atlantic archipelago located 320 kilometers (200 mi) north-northwest of Scotland, and about halfway between Norway and Iceland. It is an autonomous territory within the "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Kingdom of Denmark"},{"insert":". The islands have a total area of about 1,400 square kilometers (540 sq mi) with a population of 52,337. The terrain is rugged; the climate is subpolar oceanic climate (Cfc)--windy, wet, cloudy, and cool. Temperatures average above freezing throughout the year because of the Gulf Stream. As a result of this climate moderation and the northerly latitude, summers normally hover around 12"},{"attributes":{"script":"super"},"insert":"0"},{"insert":"C (54"},{"attributes":{"script":"super"},"insert":"0"},{"insert":"F). Winter temperatures average around 5"},{"attributes":{"script":"super"},"insert":"0"},{"insert":"C (41"},{"attributes":{"script":"super"},"insert":"0"},{"insert":"F). The northerly latitude location also results in perpetual civil twilight during summer nights and very short winter days.\n\nThe population of the Faroe Islands is largely descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. Between 1035 and 1814 the Faroe Islands were part of the Kingdom of Norway, which was in a union with Denmark from 1450 until 1814. In 1814 the "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Treaty of Kiel"},{"insert":" transferred Norway to the king of Sweden who ended on the winning side of the Napoleonic wars. The king of Denmark, on the losing side, retained the Faroes, along with the two other historical Norwegian island possessions in the North Atlantic -- Greenland and Iceland. \n\nThe Faroe Islands have been a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark since "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"1948"},{"insert":", controlling most areas apart from military defense, policing, justice, currency, and foreign affairs. Because the Faroe Islands are not part of the same customs area as Denmark, the country has an independent trade policy, and can establish trade agreements with other states. In the Nordic Council, they are represented as part of the Danish delegation. In certain sports, the Faroe Islands field their own national teams. The Faroe Islands are not part of the European Union.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Niels Ryberg Finsen"},{"insert":" (1860-1904) was a Faroese physician and scientist, the first and currently only Nobel laureate from the country. In 1903, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology \"in recognition of his contribution to the treatment of diseases, especially lupus vulgaris, with concentrated light radiation, whereby he has opened a new avenue for medical science.\" As a result of this, the Faroe Islands technically have the "},{"attributes":{"bold":true,"link":"https://www.directoryw.com/rankings.php?rankingType=nobelPrize"},"insert":"most Nobel laureates per capita"},{"insert":" worldwide.\n"}]}
Geographic information
Surface area (in km²): 1,393

Highest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m

Neighboring countries: None

Neighboring seas and oceans: Norwegian Sea

Climate: mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy
Radio stations

Radio.fo

TÃ³rshavn, Faroe Islands

VoxPop Radio FM 104.1

Torshavn, Faroe Islands

98,7FM

KlaksvÃk, Faroe Islands

98,7FM

Klaksvik, Faroe Islands
Population
Population: 52,337

Population density (inhabitants per km²): 37.6

Average age (in years): 37.2

Life expectancy at birth (in years): 80.8

Ethnicity: Faroese 87.6% (Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon descent), Danish 7.8%, other Nordic 1.4%, other 3.2% (includes Filipino, Thai, British)

Gross domestic product (GDP) per inhabitant (in US dollars): 40,000

Cultural practices: The Faroese fondly refer to their own country as "the land of maybe" because of its extreme and often unpredictable weather changes.
Popular food & drinks

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Faroe Islands salmon with miso sesame ginger glaze"},{"insert":" is a popular dish in Iceland and beyond. Salmon from the Faroe Islands is "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"renowned for its superior quality and taste"},{"insert":". The geographical position of the Faroe Islands is ideal for farming Atlantic salmon. The remote location of the Faroe Islands is complemented by "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"pristine clear waters"},{"insert":", cool steady sea temperatures, strong currents and accessible fjords.\n"}]}

{"ops":[{"insert":"This specialty of the Faroe Islands emerged as a "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"meat preserving technique"},{"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"SkerpikjÃ¸t"},{"insert":", or "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"semi-fermented mutton meat"},{"insert":" (mutton, sheep older than two years), is prepared by "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"wind-drying sheep's legs"},{"insert":" in the so-called "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"hjallur"},{"insert":", a typical Faroese outdoor shed with half-open, slatted sides. The cold island climate and salty air impart a particularly tangy flavor to the meat, making it incomparable to similar cured meats. As a popular "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"breakfast choice"},{"insert":" among locals, skerpikjÃ¸t is typically enjoyed with "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"toasted sourdough bread"},{"insert":", sprinkled with "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"coarse salt"},{"insert":".\n"}]}

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"TvÃ¸st og Spik"},{"insert":" is a Faroese dish that includes "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"pilot whale meat"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"blubber"},{"insert":", whale's under-skin fat. The ingredients require weeks of preparation. Traditionally, this dish consisting of dried "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"pilot whale mea"},{"insert":"t (the black meat), "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"blubber "},{"insert":"(in the center, t), which has been brined, cooked cold potatoes, and dried fish. Meat on the Faroe Islands is often "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"wind-dried"},{"insert":", in a process called "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"rÃ¦st"},{"insert":", which means fermentation and can take up to eight weeks. Pilot whale meat is naturally "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"black "},{"insert":"in color, just like the cetaceanâ€™s thick outer layer (Cetacea is an infraorder of aquatic mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises). Even when dried, pilot whale meat retains its dark hue. Translucent whale blubber is typically "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"preserved in salt"},{"insert":", and it also retains its natural color, which is relatively "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"clear"},{"insert":", sometimes with a "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"slightly pink"},{"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"yellow"},{"insert":" tint. Photo credit: Arne List.\n"}]}

{"ops":[{"insert":"A drink frequently enjoyed in the Faroe Islands is "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Aquavit"},{"insert":". The people of the island are said to be fond of this distilled spirit of which they drink all of the time. After distillation from "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"potatoes "},{"insert":"and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"grains"},{"insert":", Aquavit is then added with plenty of "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"herbs "},{"insert":"and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"spices"},{"insert":". Aquavit has become an "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"important part"},{"insert":" of the "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"lifestyle "},{"insert":"and culture of the people of the Faroe Islands. They drink it "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"during festival events"},{"insert":" like "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"parties"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"weddings"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"anniversaries"},{"insert":".Â As a tourist, there is nothing that limits you in joining the locals and enjoying yourself consuming this high-quality spirit of the class. Apart from drinking in festivities, it also goes well with meals, especially "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"seafood"},{"insert":", which is in abundance on the island.\n"}]}
Postage stamps

A stamp commemorating V. U. Hammershaimb, a 19th-century Faroese linguist and theologian

Faroese mountaineer Arne Vatnhamar unfurling the Faroe Islands flag at the peak of Mount Everest on a 2014 stamp

Faroese stamp by Anker Eli Petersen, author, artist and stamp designer, commemorating the arrival of Christianity in the islands

A EUROPA edition stamp from Postverk Froya depicting the bridge over Sand river. Nominated for 2018 most beatiful EUROPA stamp.
Telephone & Internet communication
Country international telephone code: +298

Local emergency telephone number(s): 112

Internet code: .fo

Number of Internet users: 47,988

Percentage of Internet-connected population: 91.7%

Also useful to know

Vaccinations: For recommendations please refer to the World Health Organization (WHO), or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) websites.
Potable/drinkable water: Yes
International driving permit: Suggested
Road driving side: Right

Electricity/Voltage/Plug type(s): 230 V / 50Hz / plug type(s): C, E, F, K

{"ops":[{"insert":"Faroe Islands have the "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.directoryw.com/rankings.php?rankingType=nobelPrize"},"insert":"most Nobel laureates per capita"},{"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Niels Ryberg Finsen"},{"insert":" (1860-1904), Faroe Islands' physician and scientist was awarded the 1903 "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology"},{"insert":" for his contribution to the treatment of diseases, especially "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"lupus vulgaris"},{"insert":", with concentrated light radiation (phototherapy.)\n"}]}
{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Cliff of FÃ¡mara"},{"insert":", one of Faroe Islands spectacular cliffs, located on the west coast of Suduroy island. Photo credit: Eileen Sand.\n"}]}
{"ops":[{"insert":"Harbor at "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Torshavn"},{"insert":", the capital of the Faroe Islands.\n"}]}
{"ops":[{"insert":"A "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"government office building"},{"insert":" in Torshavn.\n"}]}
{"ops":[{"insert":"Grayish white over the deep blue "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Norwegian Sea"},{"insert":", a thick cloud of smoke drifts north off the western coast of Norway in this image, taken on 7 May "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"2006"},{"insert":", by NASA's Aqua satellite. The "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"smoke "},{"insert":"is coming from hundreds of fires burning in western Russia, most of which are probably "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"agricultural fires"},{"insert":". By the time this image was taken, smoke had lingered over the Norwegian Sea for more than a week as the fires continued to burn. In this image, hazy skies extend from Denmark, lower right, west to Iceland, upper left. The densest of the smoke hangs over the Shetland Islands (lower center) and the "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Faroe Islands (left center"},{"insert":"). The northern shores of Great Britain are in the lower left corner of the image. Photo courtesy of NASA.\n"}]}
Small harbor in the Faroe Islands
Small harbor and mountains in the Faroe Islands.
{"ops":[{"insert":"Early timber buildings have survived in the "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Tinganes "},{"insert":"area of Torshavn, which contains government offices and shops. Tinganes is the historic site of the "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Faroese landsstyri (government)"},{"insert":"; the name means \"parliament jetty\" or \"parliament point\" in Faroese.\n"}]}
{"ops":[{"insert":"In the Tinganes section of Torshavn with some of its preserved "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"timber buildings"},{"insert":".\n"}]}
{"ops":[{"insert":"Truck delivering Cadbury chocolate in the Faroe Islands. The "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"dog is not actually the driver"},{"insert":". Photo credit: Erik Christensen.\n"}]}
{"ops":[{"insert":"Boats chasing a pod of "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"pilot whales"},{"insert":" into a bay of Suuroy in 2012. Before the whales are being hunted into a bay, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"permission "},{"insert":"must be first granted by the highest ranked policeman in the area (Sslumaur). If he does not allow it because he thinks that locals have enough whale meat, then the boats must let the whales go - or lead them to another bay on another island, provided a permission is granted there. The "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"meat is not sold"},{"insert":". Every single individual who lives in the island gets a part of the meat - if they want it - and they always get it for free. If they do not want or claim their meat, it is given to others. Photo credit: Eileen Sand.\n"}]}
{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Fishing "},{"insert":"is a way of life on Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands fisherman catch a variety of fish in their own waters, which are a "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"highly productive marine ecosystem"},{"insert":" that sustains a multitude of marine species. The waters around the Faroe Islands are clean and have a stable year-round temperature. The main commercial species of fish caught in Faroese waters are "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"demersal"},{"insert":" (ground fish) species such as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"cod, haddock, coalfish"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"redfish"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"pelagic"},{"insert":" species as "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"herring "},{"insert":"and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"mackerel"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"semi-pelagic"},{"insert":" or deep-water species like "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"argentine "},{"insert":"and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"blue whiting"},{"insert":". \n"}]}
{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Salmon"},{"insert":" from the Faroe Islands is renowned for its "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"superior quality and taste"},{"insert":". Faroe Islands is one of the leading producer of high-quality salmon for both the regular and the sushi market.\n"}]}
{"ops":[{"insert":"The geographical position of the Faroe Islands is ideal for farming Atlantic salmon. The remote location of the Faroe Islands is complemented by "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"pristine clear waters"},{"insert":", cool steady sea temperatures, strong currents and "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"accessible fjords"},{"insert":", where the "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"salmon fisheries"},{"insert":" are located. \n"}]}
{"ops":[{"insert":"The first Saturday of September every year, the local running club, FrÃ¦lsi, holds "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"\"the most beautiful half marathon\""},{"insert":". This run was first held in 2014, and has grown in popularity among local runners as well as visitors. The first two years approximately 80 runners participated and in 2019 the run was sold out with 700 walkers and runners.\n"}]}
{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Atlantic Airways Trshavn Marathon"},{"insert":" takes place in the beautiful and stunning scenery surrounding Trshavn. Over the years its popularity has grown, and participants now come from "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"all over the world"},{"insert":"... Photo credit: Trshavn Marathon.\n"}]}
{"ops":[{"insert":"...In a country where sheep substantially outnumber humans, the "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"sheep just join in"},{"insert":". Photo credit: Trshavn Marathon.\n"}]}