Introduction Faroe Islands

Background: The population of the Faroe Islands is largely descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th century. A high degree of self-government was attained in 1948.

Geography Faroe Islands

Location: Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Iceland to Norway

Geographic coordinates: 62 00 N, 7 00 W

Map references: Europe

Area: total: 1,399 sq km water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams) land: 1,399 sq km

Area - comparative: eight times the size of Washington, DC

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 1,117 km