Faroe
Islands Foroyar;
literally "sheep islands"
Location in the North
Atlantic, between the Shetland Islands and
Iceland
Total Area 538
sq mi (1,393 sq km)
Coastline 694 mi (1,117 km)
Highest Point Slaettaratindur;
2,894 ft (882 m)
Lowest Point sea level
Natural Resources hydropower,
possible oil and gas
Nationality
Faroese
Population (July 2015) 50,196
Largest Cities Torshavn
Ethnic Groups Scandinavian
Religions Evangelical Lutheran
Languages Faroese, Danish
Capital
Torshavn
Form of Government
self-governing overseas administrative division
of Denmark
Present Constitution Adopted March 23,
1948
Chief of State Queen Margrethe II (since
January 14, 1972); represented by High
Commissioner Dan Michael Knudsen
Head of Government Prime Minister Aksel
V. Johannesen (September 15, 2015)
Cabinet Landsstyri, appointed by the
Prime Minister
Legislature unicameral Parliament
(Logting)
Judiciary Faroese Court (Raett)
Local Administration 34 municipalities
Currency
Danish Kroner
Per Capita Income $30,500
Industries fishing, fish
processing, small ship repair and refurbishment,
handicrafts
Agricultural Products potatoes,
vegetables; sheep; milk; salmon, other fish
Export Commodities fish and fish
products, postage stamps
Import Commodities goods
for household consumption, machinery and
transport equipment, fuels, raw materials and
semi-manufactures, salt
National Holiday
Olaifest (Olavsoka); July 29
Flag white with a red
cross outlined in blue extending to the edges of
the flag; the vertical part of the cross is
shifted toward the hoist side in the style of the
Dannebrog (Danish flag); referred to as Merkid,
meaning "the banner" or "the
mark," the flag resembles those of
neighboring Iceland and Norway, and uses the same
three colors, but in a different sequence; white
represents the clear Faroese sky as well as the
foam of the waves; red and blue are traditional
Faroese colors
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