The Faroe Islands is an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Scotland and Iceland. It is an autonomous territory of Denmark, with its own government and parliament. The islands have a population of around 49,000 people and cover an area of 1,400 square kilometers.

The economy of the Faroe Islands is primarily based on fishing and aquaculture, with seafood exports accounting for around 95% of total exports. The islands also have a small tourism industry, with visitors drawn to the scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and cultural attractions.

The Faroe Islands have a rich cultural heritage, with a unique language and distinct traditions. The official language is Faroese, which is closely related to Icelandic and descended from Old Norse. The islands also have a strong folk music tradition, with the Faroese chain dance (kædedans) being a popular cultural event.

The landscape of the Faroe Islands is characterized by rugged mountains, steep cliffs, and fjords. The islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, with picturesque villages and scenic vistas at every turn. The islands are also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including seabirds, whales, and seals.

The climate of the Faroe Islands is cool and damp, with mild winters and cool summers. The islands are prone to frequent rainfall and strong winds, which can make travel and outdoor activities challenging at times. However, the temperate climate and stunning landscapes make the Faroe Islands a unique and rewarding travel destination.

Telephone Code
298

Local Emergency Phone
112

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy

Currency (Code)
Danish kroner (DKK)

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

Major Languages
Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Major Religions
Christian 89.3% (predominantly Evangelical Lutheran)

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Nordic House; Tinganes area of Torshavn

Major Sports
Soccer, swimming, rowing (outdoor Kapproour and indoor), volleyball, handball

Cultural Practices
The Faroese fondly refer to their own country as "the land of maybe" because of its extreme and often unpredictable weather changes. Wasting food is frowned upon by Danes, so try to finish your plate when served.

Tipping Guidelines
Restaurants may include a service charge, if so, round up for the wait staff.

Souvenirs
Woolen clothes, crystal, local art, liquor, stamps, Danish goods

Traditional Cuisine
Skerpikjøt — semi-fermented mutton prepared by wind-drying and typically served with toasted sourdough bread sprinkled with coarse salt

Geography
Area
total: 1,393 sq km
land: 1,393 sq km
water: 0 sq km

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

Natural resources
fish, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas

People and Society
Population
52,600 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Faroese 85.3% (Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon descent), Danish 8.3%, other Nordic 1.4%, other 4.5% (includes Filipino, Poland, Romanian) (2022 est.)

Languages
Faroese 93.8% (derived from Old Norse), Danish 3.2%, other 3% (2011 est.)

Religions
Christian 89.3% (predominantly Evangelical Lutheran), other 1%, none 3.8%, unspecified 6% (2011 est.)

Population growth rate
0.63% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy (Faroese Parliament); part of the Kingdom of Denmark

Capital
name: Torshavn

Economy
Economic overview
high-income Danish territorial economy; party neither to the EU nor the Schengen Area; associate Nordic Council member; very low unemployment; unique foreign ownership allowance in fishing industry; known salmon exporter; growing IT industries

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$2.001 billion (2014 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$40,000 (2014 est.)

Agricultural products
potatoes, mutton, sheep skins, sheep offals, beef, sheep fat, cattle offals, cattle hides, cattle fat

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

Exports
$1.184 billion (2016 est.)

Exports - partners
Russia 26.4%, UK 14.1%, Germany 8.4%, China 7.9%, Spain 6.8%, Denmark 6.2%, US 4.7%, Poland 4.4%, Norway 4.1% (2017)

Exports - commodities
fish and fish products (97%) (2017 est.)

Imports
$978.4 million (2016 est.)

Imports - partners
Denmark 33%, China 10.7%, Germany 7.6%, Poland 6.8%, Norway 6.7%, Ireland 5%, Chile 4.3% (2017)

Imports - commodities
goods for household consumption, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, raw materials and semi-manufactures, cars