2011 Edition

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. A high degree of self government was granted the Faroese in 1948, who have autonomy over most internal affairs while Denmark is responsible for justice, defense, and foreign affairs. The Faroe Islands are not part of the European Union.

Area

1,393 sq km 1,393 sq km 0 sq km (some lakes and streams)

total

1,393 sq km

water

0 sq km (some lakes and streams)

Area - comparative

eight times the size of Washington, DC

Climate

mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy

Coastline

1,117 km

Elevation extremes

Atlantic Ocean 0 m Slaettaratindur 882 m

highest point

Slaettaratindur 882 m

lowest point

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

NA

Environment - international agreements

Marine Dumping - associate member to the London Convention and Ship Pollution

party to

Marine Dumping - associate member to the London Convention and Ship Pollution

Geographic coordinates

62 00 N, 7 00 W

Geography - note

archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic; precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands

Irrigated land

0 sq km

Land boundaries

0 km

Land use

2.14% 0% 97.86% (2005)

arable land

2.14%

other

97.86% (2005)

permanent crops

0%

Location

Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about half way between Iceland and Norway

Map references

Europe

Maritime claims

3 nm 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

continental shelf

200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

exclusive fishing zone

200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line

territorial sea

3 nm

Natural hazards

NA

Natural resources

fish, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas

Terrain

rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast

Age structure

21% (male 5,362/female 4,975) 64.2% (male 16,837/female 14,788) 14.8% (male 3,487/female 3,818) (2011 est.)

0-14 years

21% (male 5,362/female 4,975)

15-64 years

64.2% (male 16,837/female 14,788)

65 years and over

14.8% (male 3,487/female 3,818) (2011 est.)

Birth rate

12.95 births/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Death rate

8.67 deaths/1,000 population (July 2011 est.)

Education expenditures

NA

Ethnic groups

Scandinavian

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Infant mortality rate

6.06 deaths/1,000 live births 6.31 deaths/1,000 live births 5.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

female

5.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2011 est.)

total

6.06 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Life expectancy at birth

79.72 years 77.25 years 82.35 years (2011 est.)

female

82.35 years (2011 est.)

total population

79.72 years

Literacy

NA; note - probably 99%, the same as Denmark proper

Median age

37.3 years 36.6 years 38.1 years (2011 est.)

female

38.1 years (2011 est.)

male

36.6 years

total

37.3 years

Nationality

Faroese (singular and plural) Faroese

adjective

Faroese

noun

Faroese (singular and plural)

Net migration rate

0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2011 est.)

Population

49,267 (July 2011 est.)

Population growth rate

0.428% (2011 est.)

Religions

Evangelical Lutheran 83.8%, other and unspecified 16.2% (2006 census)

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

NA

Sex ratio

1.071 male(s)/female 1.07 male(s)/female 1.15 male(s)/female 0.9 male(s)/female 1.09 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

1.15 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.9 male(s)/female

at birth

1.071 male(s)/female

total population

1.09 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

under 15 years

1.07 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

2.42 children born/woman (2011 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

9.4% 6.9% 12.5% (2005)

female

12.5% (2005)

total

9.4%

Urbanization

40% of total population (2010) 0.9% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.9% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

40% of total population (2010)

Administrative divisions

none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 34 municipalities

Capital

Torshavn 62 01 N, 6 46 W UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

daylight saving time

+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October

geographic coordinates

62 01 N, 6 46 W

name

Torshavn

time difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

5 June 1953 (Danish Constitution)

Country name

none Faroe Islands none Foroyar

conventional long form

none

conventional short form

Faroe Islands

local long form

none

local short form

Foroyar

Dependency status

part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948

Diplomatic representation from the US

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Diplomatic representation in the US

none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Executive branch

Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Dan Michael KNUDSEN, chief administrative officer (since 2008) Prime Minister Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN (since 26 September 2008) Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held on 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later than January 2012) Joannes EIDESGAARD elected prime minister in 2008; governing coalition collapses in September 2008, Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN becomes prime minister

cabinet

Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister

chief of state

Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Dan Michael KNUDSEN, chief administrative officer (since 2008)

election results

Joannes EIDESGAARD elected prime minister in 2008; governing coalition collapses in September 2008, Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN becomes prime minister

elections

the monarchy is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held on 19 January 2008 (next to be held no later than January 2012)

head of government

Prime Minister Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN (since 26 September 2008)

Flag description

white with a red cross outlined in blue extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted toward the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag); referred to as Merkid, meaning "the banner" or "the mark," the flag resembles those of neighboring Iceland and Norway, and uses the same three colors - but in a different sequence; white represents the clear Faroese sky as well as the foam of the waves; red and blue are traditional Faroese colors

Government type

NA

Independence

none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

International organization participation

Arctic Council, IMO (associate), NC, NIB, UNESCO (associate), UPU

Judicial branch

none

Legal system

the laws of Denmark, where applicable, apply

Legislative branch

unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (33 seats; members elected by popular vote on a proportional basis from the seven constituencies to serve four-year terms) last held on 29 October 2011 (next to be held no later than October 2015) percent of vote by party - Union Party 24.7%, People's Party 22.5%, Republican Party 18.3%, Social Democratic Party 17.7%, Progressive Party 6.3%, Center Party 6.2%, Self-Government Party 4.2%, other 0.1%; seats by party - Union Party 8, People's Party 8, Republican Party 6, Social Democratic Party 6, Progressive Party 2, Center Party 2, Self-Government Party 1 election of two seats to the Danish Parliament was last held on 13 November 2007 (next to be held no later than November 2011); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 1, Union Party 1

election results

percent of vote by party - Union Party 24.7%, People's Party 22.5%, Republican Party 18.3%, Social Democratic Party 17.7%, Progressive Party 6.3%, Center Party 6.2%, Self-Government Party 4.2%, other 0.1%; seats by party - Union Party 8, People's Party 8, Republican Party 6, Social Democratic Party 6, Progressive Party 2, Center Party 2, Self-Government Party 1

elections

last held on 29 October 2011 (next to be held no later than October 2015)

National anthem

"Mitt alfagra land" (My Fairest Land) Simun av SKAROI/Peter ALBERG adopted 1948; the anthem is also known as "Tu alfagra land mitt" (Thou Fairest Land of Mine); as an autonomous overseas division of Denmark, the Faroe Islands are permitted their own national anthem

lyrics/music

Simun av SKAROI/Peter ALBERG

name

"Mitt alfagra land" (My Fairest Land)

National holiday

Olaifest (Olavsoka ), 29 July

National symbol(s)

ram

Political parties and leaders

Center Party [Jenis av RANA]; Independence Party [Kari P. HOJGAARD]; People's Party [Jorgen NICLASEN]; Republican Party [Hogni HOYDAL]; Social Democratic Party [Joannes EIDESGAARD]; Union Party [Kaj Leo JOHANNESEN]

Political pressure groups and leaders

conservationists

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

milk, potatoes, vegetables; sheep; salmon, other fish

Budget

$1.163 billion $1.139 billion Denmark supplies the Faroe Islands with almost one-third of their public funds (2006)

expenditures

$1.139 billion

revenues

$1.163 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

1% of GDP (2006)

Debt - external

$68.1 million (2006)

Economy - overview

The Faroese economy is dependent on fishing, which makes the economy vulnerable to price swings. The sector accounts for about 95% of exports and nearly half of GDP. In early 2008 the Faroese economy began to slow as a result of smaller catches and historically high oil prices that continue to trouble the economy. Reduced catches, especially of cod and haddock, have continued to strain the Faroese economy. GDP grew 0.5% in 2008-09. The slowdown in the Faroese economy followed a strong performance since the mid-1990s with annual growth rates averaging close to 6%, mostly a result of increased fish landings and salmon farming, and high export prices. Unemployment reached its lowest level in the first half of 2008, but increased to 3.9% in 2009 and is rising. The Faroese Home Rule Government produced increasing budget surpluses that helped to reduce the large public debt, most of it to Denmark. However, total dependence on fishing and salmon farming make the Faroese economy very vulnerable to fluctuations in world demand. In addition, budget surpluses turned to deficits in 2008-09, and the economy at both the country and local level is running large deficits. Initial discoveries of oil in the Faroese area give hope for eventual oil production, which may provide a foundation for a more diversified economy and less dependence on Danish economic assistance. Aided by an annual subsidy from Denmark amounting to about 6% of Faroese GDP, the Faroese have a standard of living almost equal to that of Denmark and Greenland.

Electricity - consumption

234.3 million kWh (2008 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

251.9 million kWh (2008 est.)

Exchange rates

Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.624 (2009) 5.0236 (2008) 5.4797 (2007) 5.9468 (2006)

Exports

$848 million (2008) $634 million (2006)

Exports - commodities

fish and fish products 94%, stamps, ships

Exports - partners

Denmark 33%, UK 19.8%, Nigeria 12.5%, US 10%, Netherlands 5.4%, Norway 4.8% (2010)

GDP - composition by sector

16% 29% 55% (2007 est.)

agriculture

16%

industry

29%

services

55% (2007 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$32,900 (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate

0.5% (2008 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$2.45 billion (2008 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$1.59 billion (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$983 million (2008) $751 million (2006)

Imports - commodities

consumer goods 36%, raw materials and semi-manufactures 32%, machinery and transport equipment 29%, fuels, fish, salt

Imports - partners

Denmark 51.1%, Norway 22.4%, Sweden 6.7%, UK 4.2%, Iceland 4.1% (2010)

Industrial production growth rate

8% (2007 est.)

Industries

fishing, fish processing, small ship repair and refurbishment, handicrafts

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

-1.1% (2009) 6.4% (2008)

Labor force

34,680 (November 2008)

Labor force - by occupation

10.2% 20.5% 69.2% (2008)

agriculture

10.2%

industry

20.5%

services

69.2% (2008)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2009 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2011 est.)

Oil - consumption

5,000 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - imports

4,776 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Oil - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2011 est.)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Taxes and other revenues

47.5% of GDP (2006)

Unemployment rate

3.9% (2009) 1.2% (2008)

Broadcast media

1 publicly-owned TV station; the Faroese telecommunications company distributes local and international channels through its digital terrestrial network; publicly-owned radio station supplemented by 2 privately-owned stations broadcasting over multiple frequencies (2008)

Internet country code

.fo

Internet hosts

8,936 (2010)

Internet users

37,500 (2009)

Telephone system

good international communications; good domestic facilities conversion to digital system completed in 1998; both NMT (analog) and GSM (digital) mobile telephone systems are installed country code - 298; satellite earth stations - 1 Orion; 1 fiber-optic submarine cable to the Shetland Islands, linking the Faroe Islands with Denmark and Iceland; fiber-optic submarine cable connection to Canada-Europe cable

domestic

conversion to digital system completed in 1998; both NMT (analog) and GSM (digital) mobile telephone systems are installed

general assessment

good international communications; good domestic facilities

international

country code - 298; satellite earth stations - 1 Orion; 1 fiber-optic submarine cable to the Shetland Islands, linking the Faroe Islands with Denmark and Iceland; fiber-optic submarine cable connection to Canada-Europe cable

Telephones - main lines in use

20,200 (2010)

Telephones - mobile cellular

59,400 (2010)

Airports

1 (2010)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2010)

914 to 1,523 m

1 (2010)

total

1

Merchant marine

cargo 11, chemical tanker 6, container 2, passenger 1, passenger/cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 2, roll on/roll off 1 11 (Norway 6, Sweden 5) (2010)

foreign-owned

11 (Norway 6, Sweden 5) (2010)

total

26

Ports and terminals

Fuglafjordur, Torshavn, Vagur

Roadways

463 km (2006)

total

463 km (2006)

Manpower available for military service

11,831 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

11,831 (2010 est.)

Manpower fit for military service

9,827 8,418 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

8,418 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

9,827

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

373 (2010 est.)

female

373 (2010 est.)

male

372

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Military branches

no regular military forces

Military expenditures

NA

Disputes - international

because anticipated offshore hydrocarbon resources have not been realized, earlier Faroese proposals for full independence have been deferred; Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm