Faroe Islands

Wealth and National Well-Being

World Factbook: "The Faroese economy is dependent on fishing, which makes the economy vulnerable to price swings. The sector accounts for about 95% of exports and nearly half of GDP. In early 2008 the Faroese economy began to slow as a result of smaller catches and historically high oil prices that continue to trouble the economy. Reduced catches, especially of cod and haddock, have continued to strain the Faroese economy. "

Estimated per capita GDP
2008: 32,900

Infant mortality (deaths before the age of one year per 1,000 live births)
2011: 6.06 deaths.
2008: 6.46

Average life expectancy at birth
2011: 79.72 years
2008: 79.29

People

Population
July 2011: 49,267

Living in an urban area
2010: 40%

Density for 2005: 33 per square kilometer.

Ethnicity
World Factbook: Scandinavian

Religion
2006 census: Evangelical Lutheran 83.8%, other and unspecified 16.2%

Languages
Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Geography

Halfway between Iceland and Norway. Equivalent to 37.5 by 37.5 kilometers or 23.4 by 23.4 miles. Usually overcast, foggy and windy. Rocky.

Government

The Faroe (FAR-oh) Islands is a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Chief of state: Queen Margrethe II. A unicameral legislature (parliament) with 37 members popularly elected to four-year terms.

Capital: Torshavn

Recent History

The Faroe Islands have been associated politically with the Kingdom of Denmark since the 1300s. Autonomy was acquired in 1948, with Denmark responsible for foreign affairs and self-defense.

SOURCES:
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/