QUICK FACTS

Name: The Faroe Islands (Føroyar)

Location: In the middle of the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic at 62º00’N and 06º47’W, halfway between Scotland and Iceland

Neighbouring countries: The closest land is North Rona, part of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, 257km (139 nautical miles) to the south

Total land area: 1,399km2 (540 square miles)

Total marine area: 247,000km2 (105,792 square miles)

Area: Faroese archipelago, 113km (70 miles) long and 75km (47 miles) wide. The total coastline is 1,100km (687 miles). No point in the Faroe Islands is further than 5km (3 miles) from the sea

Islands: 18 volcanic islands separated by narrow sounds and fjords arranged roughly like an arrowhead. All but one are inhabited

Heights: Highest peak 880m (2,887ft); average height above sea level 300m (980ft)

Climate: Average 3º-11ºC, winter-summer

Population: 56,365 (as of February ’26)

Capital: Tórshavn population 22,711 (as of February ’26)

Status: Self-governing region within the Kingdom of Denmark

Language: Faroese. Danish has equal status in all official affairs

Religion: Evangelical Lutheran

Government: Parliamentary democracy

Prime Minister: Aksel V. Johannesen (Social Democratic Party, Javnaðarflokkurin)

Anthem: "Tú alfagra land mítt"

KEY FIGURES


GDP (2023): 26 bn DKK
GDP per capita (2021): 431.000
National budget (2023): 7.275 bn DKK (Block subsidy from Denmark 616.8 mill = 2.4% of GDP)
Public sector surplus (2021): 138 mill or 0.01% of GDP
Balance of trade (exports – imports) (2022): 570 mill (12.7 – 12.1) bn
Government Debt (2022): 3.5 bn (35.7% of GDP)
Unemployment rate (May 2023): 0.7%
Female % of total population (2023): 48.1%
Fertility Rate (2022): 2.050

These and other statistics can be found by visiting Hagstova Føroya‘s website.

Main industries: fishing and aquaculture, shipping and offshore services, tourism, and petroleum prospects in the Faroese area

Currency: Faroese króna (DKK)

Exchange rate: £1 = 8.58kr, US$1 = 6.28kr, €1 = 7.47kr (February 2026)

International telephone code: +298

Internet TLD: .fo

Time: GMT (winter); GMT+1 (summer)

Electrical voltage: 220V; European two-pin plugs

Weights and measures: Metric

Flag: Red cross fringed with blue on white background

Public holidays: New Year’s Day 1 January, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Flag Day 25 April, Common Prayers’ Day (May), Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, Ólavsøka 28-29 July, Christmas 24-26 December, New Year’s Eve 31 December

Read Also: National symbols

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Faroe Islands located?

The Faroe Islands are located in the North Atlantic Ocean, in the middle of the Gulf Stream, halfway between Scotland and Iceland. The archipelago lies at 62º00’N and 06º47’W, with the closest neighbouring land being North Rona in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.

Where are Faroe Islands in relation to Europe?

If you’re wondering where are Faroe Islands in a European context, they are situated northwest of mainland Europe, between Norway, Scotland, and Iceland. The islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark but operate as a self-governing region.

What is the Faroe Islands population?

The Faroe Islands population is 56,365 people as of February 2026. Nearly half of the population lives in and around the capital, Tórshavn, which has a population of 22,711.

How many islands make up the Faroe Islands?

The Faroe Islands consist of 18 volcanic islands, separated by narrow sounds and fjords. All but one of the islands are inhabited, and no point on the islands is more than 5 km from the sea.

Are the Faroe Islands part of Denmark?

Yes, the Faroe Islands are a self-governing region within the Kingdom of Denmark. They have their own parliamentary democracy, official language (Faroese), and government, while Denmark handles certain foreign and defence matters.

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