Rib 62
von Mortan Mortensen
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Rib 62The World > Europe > Faroe Islands |
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Trips and Tours. Nólsoy The trip goes from Bursatangi in Tórshavn to Nólsoy harbour. From there, curr...
The Royal Yacht Dannebrog was launched by Queen Alexandrine in Copenhagen in 1931 and was commissione...
Torshavn is a modern town, but in the center can still find some of the old and small wooden houses.
The building that holds the Faroe goverment.
View to the harbour and the city - and to the small island Nolsoy in front of Torhavn
Tinganes The Faroese parliament, Løgting, is probably the oldest in Europe. On the the histori...
Tinganes The Faroese parliament, Løgting, is probably the oldest in Europe. On the the histori...
Hotel Hafnia situated in the heart of the world’s smallest capital, within walking distance of the ha...
Taken from the deck of the Smyril Line Ship Norröna on Midsummer's day 2012. The Faroese ferry stops ...
Location and size
Situated in the heart of the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic at 62°00’N, the Faroe Islands lie northwest of Scotland and halfway between Iceland and Norway. The archipelago is composed of 18 islands covering 1399 km2 (545.3 sq.miles) and is 113 km (70 miles) long and 75 km (47 miles) wide, roughly in the shape of an arrowhead. There are 1100 km (687 miles) of coastline and at no time is one more than 5 km (3 miles) away from the ocean. The highest mountain is 882 m (2883 ft) above sea level and the average height above sea level for the country is 300 m (982 ft).
Climate
The weather is maritime and quite changeable, from moments of brilliant sunshine to misty hill fog, to showers. The Gulf Stream encircling the islands tempers the climate. The harbours never freeze and the temperature in winter time is very moderate considering the high latitude. Snowfall occurs, but is shortlived. The average temperature ranges from 3°C in winter to 11°C in the summer. In sheltered areas, the temperature can be much higher, but the air is always fresh and clean no matter what the season.
Population
The population is 48.520 (1st April 2008). About 19,400 people live in the metropolitan area which comprises Tórshavn, Kirkjubøur, Velbastaður, Nólsoy, Hestur, Koltur, Hoyvík, Argir, Kaldbak, Kaldbaksbotnur, Norðradalur, Syðradalur, Hvítanes, Sund, Kollafjørður, Signabøur and Oyrareingir, while about 4,700 people live in Klaksvík, the second largest town in the Faroe Islands.
Form of Government
Since 1948, the Faroe Islands have been a self governing region of the Kingdom of Denmark. It has its own parliament and its own flag. It is not, however, a member of the European Union and all trade is governed by special treaties.
Languages
Spoken Faroese is the national language and is rooted in Old Norse. Nordic languages are readily understood by most Faroese, and English is also widely spoken, especially among the younger people.
Religion
Religion plays an important part in Faroese culture and over 80% of the population belong to the established church, the EvangelicalLutheran. 10% of the population belong to the Christian Brethren (Plymouth Brethren).
Industry
The fishing industry is the most important source of income for the Faroes. Fish products account for over 97% of the export volume. Tourism is the second largest industry, followed by woollen and other manufactured products.
