2012 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

20.6% (male 5,312/ female 4,906) 64.3% (male 16,884/ female 14,915) 15.1% (male 3,592/ female 3,874) (2012 est.)

0-14 years

20.6% (male 5,312/ female 4,906)

15-64 years

64.3% (male 16,884/ female 14,915)

65 years and over

15.1% (male 3,592/ female 3,874) (2012 est.)

Birth rate

13.14 births/1,000 population (2012 est.)

Death rate

8.67 deaths/1,000 population (July 2012 est.)

Ethnic groups

Scandinavian

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

NA

HIV/AIDS - deaths

NA

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

NA

Infant mortality rate

5.94 deaths/1,000 live births 6.19 deaths/1,000 live births 5.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

female

5.67 deaths/1,000 live births (2012 est.)

total

5.94 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Life expectancy at birth

79.85 years 77.37 years 82.5 years (2012 est.)

female

82.5 years (2012 est.)

total population

79.85 years

Literacy

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

Median age

37.3 years 36.7 years 38.1 years (2012 est.)

female

38.1 years (2012 est.)

male

36.7 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 (2012 est.)

Population

49,483 (July 2012 est.)

Population growth rate

0.447% (2012 est.)

Religions

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

Sex ratio

1.07 male(s)/female 1.08 male(s)/female 1.13 male(s)/female 0.93 male(s)/female 1.09 male(s)/female (2011 est.)

15-64 years

1.13 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.93 male(s)/female

at birth

1.07 male(s)/female

total population

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

under 15 years

1.08 male(s)/female

Total fertility rate

2.4 children born/woman (2012 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 00 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 00 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 14 November 2011 (next to be held no later than November 2015) Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN re-elected prime minister in 2011

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

Kaj Leo JOHANNESSEN re-elected prime minister in 2011

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 14 November 2011 (next to be held no later than November 2015)

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

The Faroese Court or Raett (Rett (Danish)) decides both civil and criminal cases; the Court is part of the Danish legal system

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%, Independence 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, Independence Party 1 election of two seats to the Danish Parliament was last held on 15 September 2011 (next to be held no later than September 2015); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Social Democratic 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%, Independence 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, Independence 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 (Midflokkurin) [Jenis av RANA]; Independence Party (Sjalvstyrisflokkurin) [Kari P. HOJGAARD]; People's Party (Folkaflokkurin) [Jorgen NICLASEN];Progressive Party (Framsokn) [Poul MICHELSEN];; Republican Party (Tjodveldi) [Hogni HOYDAL]; Social Democratic Party (Javnadarflokkurin) [Aksel JOHANNESEN]; Union Party (Sambandsflokkurin) [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

$1.025 billion $1.301 billion Denmark supplies the Faroe Islands with almost one-third of their public funds (2010 est.)

expenditures

$1.301 billion

revenues

$1.025 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-11.9% of GDP (2010 est.)

Debt - external

$888.8 million (2010) $68.1 million (2006)

Economy - overview

The Faroese economy is dependent on fishing, which makes the economy vulnerable to price fluctuations. The sector normally 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. 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 June 2008 at 1.1%. The Faroese Home Rule Government produced increasing budget surpluses in that period, which helped to reduce the large public debt, most of it to Denmark. However, total dependence on fishing and salmon farming make the Faroese economy vulnerable to fluctuations in world demand. 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 3% of Faroese GDP, the Faroese have a standard of living almost equal to that of Denmark and Greenland. The Faroese Government ran relatively large deficits from 2008 to 2010 and budget deficits are forecast for several years ahead. At year-end 2010 the gross debt had reached approximately US$900 million.

Exchange rates

Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.847 (2011) 5.6241 (2011 est.) 5.6241 (2010) 5.361 (2009) 5.0236 (2008)

Exports

$824 million (2010) $767 million (2009)

Exports - commodities

fish and fish products 94%, stamps, ships

Exports - partners

Denmark 27.2%, UK 22.7%, US 12.3%, Nigeria 12.1%, Netherlands 7.8%, Norway 4.5% (2011)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition by sector

16% 29% 55% (2007 est.)

agriculture

16%

industry

29%

services

55% (2007 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$30,500 (2008 est.)

GDP - real growth rate

2.9% (2010 est.) 0.5% (2008 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$2.32 billion (2010 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$1.471 billion (2010 est.) $1.389 billion (2008 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

NA% NA%

highest 10%

NA%

lowest 10%

NA%

Imports

$776 million (2010) $786 million (2009)

Imports - commodities

goods for household consumption 24%, machinery and transport equipment 23.5%, fuels 21.4%, raw materials and semi-manufactures, salt

Imports - partners

Denmark 49.6%, Norway 29%, Iceland 4.1% (2011)

Industrial production growth rate

3.4% (2009 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

2.3% (2011) 0.4% (2010)

Labor force

34,710 (November 2010)

Labor force - by occupation

10.7% 18.9% 70.3% (November 2010)

agriculture

10.7%

industry

18.9%

services

70.3% (November 2010)

Population below poverty line

NA%

Taxes and other revenues

44.2% of GDP (2010)

Unemployment rate

6.8% (2011) 5.7% (2010)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

744,400 Mt (2010 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2009 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2012 est.)

Electricity - consumption

268.8 million kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

64.9% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

31% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

4.1% of total installed capacity (2009 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

100,100 kW (2009 est.)

Electricity - production

280.3 million kWh (2010 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2012 est.)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

4,871 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

4,859 bbl/day (2008 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2008 est.)

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

7,575 (2012)

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 (2009)

Telephones - mobile cellular

59,400 (2009)

Airports

1 (2012)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2012)

1,524 to 2,437 m

1 (2012)

total

1

Merchant marine

cargo 20, chemical tanker 7, container 2, passenger/cargo 3, refrigerated cargo 3, roll on/roll off 2 28 (Iceland 4, Norway 13, Sweden 11) (2010)

foreign-owned

28 (Iceland 4, Norway 13, Sweden 11) (2010)

total

37

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 (2012)

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