CapitalTorshavn
Population52,933
Area1,393 km²
GDP per capita$70,400
LanguagesFaroese , Danish, other languages
CurrencyDanish kroner
Life Expectancy81.7 yr
Governmentparliamentary democracy (Faroese Parliament); part of the Kingdom of Denmark
Introduction
Background
By around A.D. 500, the Faroe Islands were already inhabited, yet the identity of the initial settlers—whether they were Celtic, early Norse, or another group—remains uncertain. In the 9th century, Viking settlers arrived at the islands, which played a crucial role as a waypoint for Viking expeditions throughout the North Atlantic during the medieval period. Politically, the islands have been linked to Denmark since the 14th century, and they currently function as a self-governing territory under Danish sovereignty. The Home Rule Act of 1948 conferred significant self-governance to the Faroese, allowing them control over most domestic matters and external trade, while Denmark retains authority over justice, defense, and certain aspects of foreign relations. The Faroe Islands do not belong to the European Union.
Geography
Area
land
1,393 sq km
water
0 sq km (some lakes and streams)
total
1,393 sq km
Climate
temperate winters, mild summers; predominantly cloudy; often foggy and breezy
Terrain
jagged, stony landscape, with some low elevations; cliffs line the majority of the coastline
Land use
other
29.8% (2023 est.)
forest
0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
70.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 70.1% (2023 est.)
Location
a northern European archipelago situated between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, roughly equidistant from Iceland and Norway
Coastline
1,117 km
Elevation
lowest point
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point
Slaettaratindur 882 m
Map references
Europe
Land boundaries
total
0 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea
12 nm
continental shelf
200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line
exclusive fishing zone
200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line
Natural hazards
intense winds and substantial rainfall can be experienced at any time of the year
Geography - note
comprising 17 inhabited islands, one uninhabited island, and several uninhabited islets; strategically positioned along crucial maritime routes in the northeastern Atlantic; steep topography restricts settlement to limited coastal lowlands
Natural resources
marine life, cetaceans, hydropower, potential oil and gas reserves
Area - comparative
eight times larger than Washington, D.C.
Geographic coordinates
62 00 N, 7 00 W
Population distribution
the island of Streymoy is significantly the most populated, housing over 40% of the total population; it has about twice the number of residents compared to Eysturoy, the second most populated island; seven of the inhabited islands each have fewer than 100 residents
People & Society
Languages
Faroese 93.8% (originating from Old Norse), Danish 3.2%, other languages 3% (2011 estimate)
Religions
Christian 87% (mainly Evangelical Lutheran), other religions 0.9%, none 3.7%, unspecified 8.9% (2011 estimate)
Sex ratio
at birth
1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years
1.07 male(s)/female
15-64 years
1.12 male(s)/female
total population
1.07 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
65 years and over
0.93 male(s)/female
Birth rate
14.76 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
8.58 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Median age
male
36.9 years
total
37 years (2025 est.)
female
36.8 years
Population
male
27,400
total
52,933 (2024 est.)
female
25,533
Nationality
noun
Faroese (singular and plural)
adjective
Faroese
Urbanization
urban population
43% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
0.89% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years
20% (male 5,489/female 5,122)
15-64 years
61.5% (male 17,188/female 15,346)
65 years and over
18.5% (2024 est.) (male 4,723/female 5,065)
Ethnic groups
Faroese 83.8% (of Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon heritage), Danish 8.3%, Filipino 1.2%, other Nordic 0.9%, other origins 4.5% (including Polish and Romanian) (2024 estimate)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio
62.7 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio
32.6 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio
3.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio
30.1 (2024 est.)
Physician density
2.62 physicians/1,000 population (2016)
Net migration rate
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Total fertility rate
2.26 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: rural
rural: NA
improved: total
total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: urban
urban: NA
unimproved: rural
rural: NA
unimproved: total
total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: NA
Education expenditure
7.6% of GDP (2019 est.)
Infant mortality rate
male
6.3 deaths/1,000 live births
total
5.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
female
5.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Population growth rate
0.62% (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.09 (2025 est.)
Population distribution
the island of Streymoy is the most densely populated, housing over 40% of the total population; it possesses roughly double the number of residents compared to Eysturoy, the second most populous island; seven of the inhabited islands have populations under 100 individuals
Life expectancy at birth
male
79.2 years
female
84.4 years
total population
81.7 years (2024 est.)
Major urban areas - population
21,000 TORSHAVN (capital) (2018)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
52.3% (2021 est.)
Environment
Climate
temperate winters, refreshing summers; predominantly cloudy; misty, breezy
Land use
other
29.8% (2023 est.)
forest
0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land
70.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 0.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0% (2022 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 70.1% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population
43% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization
0.89% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually
61,000 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled
67% (2012 est.)
Environmental issues
shoreline degradation, landslides and rockslides, sudden flooding, stormy winds; petroleum leaks
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions
742,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids
742,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Government
Flag
description: features a white background with a red cross outlined in blue that stretches to the flag's edges; the cross is positioned toward the left, emulating the style of the Dannebrog (the Danish flag)
meaning: white symbolizes the waves crashing against the shore; red and blue are the traditional colors of the Faroe Islands
history: known as Merkid, meaning "the banner" or "the mark;" it was created by a group of students in 1919 but was not officially adopted until 1940
Capital
name
Torshavn
etymology
the name means "Thor's harbor" in Danish
time difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time
+1hr, commencing the last Sunday in March and concluding the last Sunday in October
geographic coordinates
62 00 N, 6 46 W
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Citizenship
see Denmark
Constitution
history
The constitutional status of the Faroe Islands within the Unity of the Realm is defined by the Danish Constitution of 5 June 1953, the Home Rule Act of 23 March 1948, and the Takeover Act of 24 June 2005
amendment process
see entry for Denmark
Country name
etymology
The name of the archipelago originates from the Old Norse term Faeroyar, which translates to "sheep islands;" faer refers to "sheep," while -oyar means "islands"
local long form
none
local short form
Foroyar
conventional long form
none
conventional short form
Faroe Islands
Independence
none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)
Legal system
the laws of Denmark are applicable
Government type
parliamentary democracy (Faroese Parliament); part of the Kingdom of Denmark
Judicial branch
highest court(s)
The Faroese Court, known as Raett (Rett in Danish), adjudicates civil and criminal matters; it operates within the Danish legal framework
subordinate courts
Court of the First Instance or Tribunal de Première Instance; Court of Administrative Law or Tribunal Administratif; Mixed Commercial Court; Land Court
Executive branch
cabinet
Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister
chief of state
King FREDERIK X of Denmark (effective 14 January 2024), represented by High Commissioner Lene Moyell JOHANSEN, who has served as the chief administrative officer since 15 May 2017 (2024)
head of government
Prime Minister Aksel V. JOHANNESEN (in office since 22 December 2022)
most recent election date
8 December 2022
election/appointment process
the monarchy follows hereditary principles; the high commissioner is appointed by the monarch; after legislative elections, the Parliament typically selects the leader of the majority party or coalition as prime minister
expected date of next election
2026
National holiday
Olaifest (Olavsoka), 29 July (1030)
Dependency status
part of the Kingdom of Denmark; has been a self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948
Political parties
Center Party or H (Midflokkurin)
People's Party or A (Folkaflokkurin)
Progress Party or F (Framsokn)
Republic or E (Tjodveldi) (formerly the Republican Party)
Social Democratic Party or JF (Javnadarflokkurin) or JF
Union Party or B (Sambandsflokkurin)
Legislative branch
term in office
4 years
number of seats
33 (directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
legislature name
Faroese Parliament (Logting)
scope of elections
full renewal
legislative structure
unicameral
most recent election date
12/8/2022
expected date of next election
2026
percentage of women in chamber
27.3%
parties elected and seats per party
JF (9); B (7); A (6); E (6); F (3); H (2)
National anthem(s)
title
"Mitt alfagra land" (My Fairest Land)
history
adopted in 1948; the anthem is also referred to as "Tu alfagra land mitt" (Thou Fairest Land of Mine); as a self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark, the Faroe Islands can maintain their own national anthem
lyrics/music
Simun av SKAROI/Peter ALBERG
National symbol(s)
ram
Administrative divisions
29 first-order municipalities (kommunur, singular - kommuna) include Eidhi, Eystur, Famjin, Fuglafjordhur, Fugloy, Hov, Husavik, Hvalba, Hvannasund, Klaksvik, Kunoy, Kvivik, Nes, Porkeri, Runavik, Sandur, Sjovar, Skalavik, Skopun, Skuvoy, Sorvagur, Sumba, Sunda, Torshavn, Tvoroyri, Vagar, Vagur, Vestmanna, Vidhareidhi
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy
none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark)
International organization participation
Arctic Council, IMO (associate), NC, NIB, UNESCO (associate), UPU
Economy
Exports
Exports 2021
$1.923 billion (2021 est.)
Exports 2022
$2.219 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023
$2.255 billion (2023 est.)
Imports
Imports 2021
$1.906 billion (2021 est.)
Imports 2022
$2.223 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023
$2.212 billion (2023 est.)
Industries
fishing, fish processing, tourism, minor ship repair and refurbishment, handicrafts
Remittances
Remittances 2021
4.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Remittances 2022
4.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023
4.1% of GDP (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2020
6.542 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
6.287 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
7.076 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
6.89 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2024
6.894 (2024 est.)
Economic overview
high-income Danish territorial economy; not a member of the EU or Schengen Area; associate member of the Nordic Council; exceptionally low unemployment rate; distinctive foreign ownership policy in the fishing sector; recognized salmon exporter; expanding IT sectors
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)
Imports - partners
Denmark 33%, China 10.7%, Germany 7.6%, Poland 6.8%, Norway 6.7%, Ireland 5%, Chile 4.3% (2017)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2021
$67,800 (2021 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022
$69,400 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023
$70,400 (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2021
5.5% (2021 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022
3.6% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023
2.5% (2023 est.)
Agricultural products
milk, potatoes, lamb/mutton, sheepskins, sheep offal, beef, sheep fat, beef offal, cattle hides, beef suet (2023)
Exports - commodities
fish and fish products (2021)
Imports - commodities
consumer goods, machinery and transport equipment, fuels, raw materials and semi-manufactured goods, automobiles
GDP (official exchange rate)
$3.907 billion (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
40.6% (2023 est.)
government consumption
27.3% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories
0% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital
31% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services
57.7% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services
-56.6% (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2021
$3.613 billion (2021 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022
$3.741 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023
$3.834 billion (2023 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry
19.7% (2023 est.)
services
52% (2023 est.)
agriculture
18.2% (2023 est.)
Energy
Coal
imports
1 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption
5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
consumption
463.285 million kWh (2023 est.)
installed generating capacity
180,000 kW (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses
25.115 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity access
electrification - rural areas
100%
electrification - urban areas
99.9%
electrification - total population
100% (2022 est.)
Electricity generation sources
wind
18.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
fossil fuels
53.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity
26.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste
1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Communications
Internet users
percent of population
98% (2017 est.)
Broadcast media
One television station that is publicly owned; the telecommunications company in the Faroe Islands provides both local and international channels via its digital terrestrial network; in addition to the publicly owned radio station, there are three privately owned stations that operate across various frequencies.
Internet country code
.fo
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions
15,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
28 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions
57,146 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
106 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total
19,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants
35 (2022 est.)
Transportation
Ports
large
0
small
0
medium
0
key ports
Fuglafjørður, Klaksvík, Kongshavn, Runavík, Sørvágur, Tórshavn, Tvøroyri, Vágur, Vestmanna
very small
9
total ports
9 (2024)
ports with oil terminals
5
Airports
1 (2025)
Heliports
12 (2025)
Merchant marine
total
91 (2023)
by type
container ships 6, general cargo 45, other 40
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
OY-H
Military & Security
Military - note
The defense of Denmark is managed by its government; consequently, the Joint Arctic Command of the Danish military, located in Nuuk, Greenland, oversees the defense coordination for the Faroe Islands. The Joint Arctic Command maintains a liaison unit in the capital city, Torshavn.
Military and security forces
There are no standing military forces or conscription in place.
