Faroe Islands

Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 56
Currency
💱 Danish krone
Languages
🗣️ Danish, Faroese
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 28 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Faroe Islands
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Faroese
Independence
The Faroe Islands are a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and do not have a separate date of independence.
Top-Level Domain
.fo
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+298
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+00:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Tórshavn
ISO Alpha-2
FO
ISO Alpha-3
FRO
UN Code
234
Geographic Coordinates
62,-7
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
1,393#186 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
56,210#210 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
39.74
Highest Point (m)
882 meters (Slættaratindur).
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Atlantic Ocean).
Land Use
Primarily pastureland and moorland.
Irrigated Land
Due to the climate, irrigation is not extensively used.
Coastline Length
Approximately 1,289 kilometers.
Climate
Temperate, oceanic climate with mild winters and cool summers; often windy and cloudy.
Natural Resources
Fish, whales, wind and potential for hydroelectric power.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
No land borders
Major Rivers
This island territory has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
This island territory has numerous smaller lakes.
Government Type
Parliamentary democracy within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Administrative Divisions
Six regions (sýslur) and 30 municipalities (kommunur).
Chief of State
Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.
Head of Government
Prime Minister Aksel V. Johannesen.
Cabinet
The Landsstýri (cabinet), led by the Prime Minister.
Elections
Elections for the Løgting (Faroese Parliament) are held every four years.
Judicial Branch
The High Court of the Faroe Islands.
Legislative Branch
The Løgting (Faroese Parliament), a unicameral legislature.
Major Political Parties
Social Democratic Party, Union Party, People's Party, Republic.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Danish krone
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4.05#174 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
4.49#179 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
74,175.28#15 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
16.07
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
18.3
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
53.83
Inflation Rate (%)
Inflation rates fluctuate; recent figures are approximately 3-5%.
Labor Force (people)
The labor force is approximately 28,000 people.
Unemployment Rate (%)
Unemployment is typically very low, often below 3%.
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Public debt is relatively low.
Budget
The Faroe Islands has an annual budget which reflects their autonomous status within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
2.21#154 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
2.07#165 of 192
Foreign Reserves
The Faroe Islands' foreign reserves are linked to those of Denmark.
GDP by Sector
Key sectors include fishing, aquaculture, and tourism.
Major Industries
Fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and related services are major industries.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Norway.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include Denmark, Norway, and Iceland.

Society

Literacy Rate (%)
Literacy is very high, estimated at nearly 100%.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
10.8
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.2
Net Migration Rate
Net migration is generally stable, or slightly positive.
Median Age
The median age is approximately 38 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
39.64#171 of 214
Urbanization Rate
The urbanization rate is low, reflecting gradual shifts.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
83.1#20 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence is very low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)
Health expenditures are a significant portion of GDP, supported by government funding.
Ethnic Groups
The population is predominantly Faroese, with a small Danish minority.
Religions
The predominant religion is Christianity, specifically the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Faroe Islands.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Danish, Faroese

Education

Education System
The Faroese education system is based on the Nordic model, with free education from primary to higher levels.
School Life Expectancy (years)
Around 19 years.
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is relatively high, as a percentage of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The University of the Faroe Islands (Fróðskaparsetur Føroya) is the primary institution.

Culture

Cultural Overview
Faroese culture is deeply rooted in its Norse heritage, with a strong emphasis on community, storytelling, and traditional crafts.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
  • Nýggjársdagur (2026-01-01)
  • Skírhósdagur (2026-04-02)
  • Langifríggjadagur (2026-04-03)
  • Páskadagur (2026-04-05)
  • 2. Páskadagur (2026-04-06)
  • Flaggdagur (2026-04-25)
  • Dýri biðidagur (2026-05-01)
  • Kristi himmalsferðar dagur (2026-05-14)
  • Hvítasunnudagur (2026-05-24)
  • 2. Hvítasunnudagur (2026-05-25)
  • Grundlógardagur Danmarkar (2026-06-05)
  • Ólavsøkuaftan (2026-07-28)
Popular Music
Faroese music includes traditional folk music, contemporary pop, rock, and metal.
Traditional Food
Traditional food includes fermented lamb (skerpikjøt), dried fish, and seabirds.
Sports
Rowing, football, handball, and swimming are popular sports. The national football team participates in international competitions.
Major Festivals
Ólavsøka is the main festival, along with music festivals and other cultural events.
Famous People
Notable Faroese individuals include artists, musicians, and politicians.
Cultural Heritage Sites
The Faroe Islands are known for their well-preserved villages and landscapes.
UNESCO Sites
No UNESCO World Heritage sites as of current information.
Annual Tourist Visits
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Tourism Overview
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Top Tourist Attractions
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Famous Cities
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National Parks
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Protected Areas
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Best Time to Visit
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Tourist Visa Info
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Visa Requirements Overview
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Travel Advisory
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Healthcare

Healthcare Quality
The Faroe Islands generally have a high-quality healthcare system.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are relatively affordable, as healthcare is largely publicly funded.
Number of Hospitals
There are several hospitals and medical centers located across the islands.
Universal Healthcare
Universal healthcare is provided through the Faroese health service, financed by taxes.
Medical Services Overview
Healthcare services include hospitals, clinics, and general practitioners.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available and readily accessible.

Emergency & Safety

Emergency Number (Police)
—
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
—
Emergency Number (Fire)
—
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
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Safety Overview
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Military Branches
—

Infrastructure

Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
There are no railways in the Faroe Islands.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
The transportation system includes roads, tunnels, ferries, and helicopters to connect the islands.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Vágar Airport (FAE)
Ports
—
Public Transit
—

Technology & Communication

Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2017)Checked September 29, 2026
97.58#15 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.04#194 of 202
Air Quality Index
Generally good, with low levels of air pollution.
Water Pollution Level
Relatively low, though localized pollution can occur.
Renewable Energy Usage
Significant, especially from hydropower and wind.
Environmental Issues
Coastal pollution, impacts of fishing, climate change.
Natural Hazards
Strong winds, storms.
Waste Management
Developing, with focus on recycling and waste reduction.
Environmental Agreements
Participates in international agreements relevant to its interests.
UN Membership
—
Diplomatic Missions
Represented through Danish embassies.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Council of Nordic Prime Ministers, North Atlantic Council (NAM), etc.
Major Treaties
Covered by treaties of Denmark.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free travel for citizens of many countries, similar to Denmark.

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