Faroe Islands
The
Faroe Islands, also known as Faeroe Islands or Føroyar Islands, are a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean that form a self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark. With an area of 541 square miles (1,400 sq km) and a population of 54,000 estimated in 2022, they lie north of the British Isles and have been politically situated within the kingdom of Denmark since the 11th century. There are 17 inhabited islands and many islets and reefs. The largest island, Strømø, holds the capital of Tórshavn.
The islands are high and rugged with coasts deeply indented by fjords. The economy is based on fishing and sheep raising. They were first settled by Irish monks around 700, then colonized by Vikings around 800. Despite seeking independence in 1946, the Faroes received self-government in 1948, but continue discussions today about full independence.
The official languages are Faroese and Danish, the official religion is Faroese Lutheran, and the official name is Føroyar (Faroese) or Færøerne (Danish). The population rank in 2022 is 213, with a projection of 54,300 for 2030. The density of people per square mile is 99.8, and people per square km is 38.6. In 2018 the urban-rural population was 42.1% urban and 57.9% rural. Life expectancy at birth in 2018 was 80.5 years for males and 84.7 years for females. The GNI in 2019 was 3,220 in U.S. $’000,000 and the GNI per capita was 62,031 in U.S. $. The political status is self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark, with one legislative house, Løgting, or Parliament.
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