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 attained in 1948.

Land boundaries: none

Coastline: 764 km

Maritime claims
Contiguous zone: 4 nm
Continental shelf: 200 meters or to depth of exploitation
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Territorial sea: 3 nm

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

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

Natural resources: fish

Land use: 2% arable land; 0% permanent crops; 0% meadows and pastures; 0% forest and woodland; 98% other

Geography
Note: defense is the responsibility of Denmark

Population: 47,283 (July 1989), growth rate 0.9% (1989)

Nationality: noun - Faroese (sing., pl.; adjective - Faroese

Ethnic groups: homogeneous Scandinavian population

Languages: Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Religions: Evangelical Lutheran

Birth rate: 17 births/1000 population (1989)

Death rate: 8 deaths/1000 population (1989)

Net migration rate: 0 migrants/1000 population (1989)

Environment
Current issues: precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands; archipelago of 18 inhabited islands and a few uninhabited islets

Infant mortality rate: 9 deaths/1000 live births (1989)

Life expectancy at birth: 74 years male, 81 years female (1989)

Total fertility rate: 2.2 children born/woman (1989)

Literacy: 99%

Country name: conventional long form: none

Government type: part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division

Capital: Torshavn

Administrative divisions: none (overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Independence: part of the Danish realm; self-governing overseas administrative division

National holiday: Birthday of the Queen, 16 April (1940)

Constitution: Danish

Legal system: Danish

Suffrage: universal, but not compulsory, over age 20

Executive branch: Chief of State - Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Bent KLINTE (since NA 19 ; Head of Government - Prime Minister Jogvan SUNDSTEIN (since 17 January 1989)

Legislative branch: legislative authority rests jointly with crown, acting through appointed high commissioner, and 32-member provincial parliament (Lagting) in matters of strictly Faroese concern; executive power vested in crown, acting through high commissioner, but exercised by provincial cabinet responsible to provincial parliament

International organization participation: Nordic Council

Diplomatic representation
In the us: none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)

Flag description: white with a red cross outlined in blue that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag)

Economy overview: The Faroese enjoy a relatively high standard of living, with per capita GNP coming to $16,800 in 1986. Agricultural activities are limited to raising sheep and to potato and vegetable cultivation because of the cool summers. Fishing is the dominant economic activity. It employs over 25% of the labor force, accounts for about 25% of GNP, and contributes over 90% to export revenues. A handicraft industry employs about 20% of the labor force. The Faroes has a labor shortage, and immigrant workers accounted for 5% of the work force in 1987. Denmark annually subsidizes the economy; in 1986 the subsidy came to 15% of GDP.

Agriculture products: sheep and cattle herding, potatoes, vegetables;

Industries: fishing, ship building, handicrafts

Industrial production growth rate: NA%

Labor force: 17,585; largely engaged in fishing, manufacturing, transportation, and commerce

Unemployment rate: labor shortage Budget:revenues $176 million; expenditures $176 million, including capital expenditures of NA (FY86)

Fiscal year: 1 April-31 March

Exports: $267 million (f.o.b., 1986)
Commodities: fish and fish products 86%, animal feedstuffs, transport equipment
Partners: Denmark 18%, US 14%, FRG, France, UK, Canada

Imports: $363 million (c.i.f., 1986)
Commodities: machinery and transport equipment 38%, food and livestock 11%, fuels 10%, manufactures 10%, chemicals 5%
Commodities partners: Denmark 46%, FRG, Norway, Japan, UK

Debt external: $518 million (1986)

Exchange rates: Danish kroner (DKr) per US$1 - 7.085 (January 1989), 6.732 (1988), 6.840 (1987), 8.091 (1986), 10.596 (1985)

Electricity
Capacity: 80,000 kW capacity; 245 million kWh produced, 5,230 kWh per capita (1988)

Airports: 1 with permanent-surface runways 1,220-2,439 m

Merchant marine: 3 ships (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 10,642 GRT/5,459 DWT; includes 1 short-sea passenger, 1 cargo, 1 roll-on/roll-off cargo