Country Profile: Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands, located in the northern part of Europe between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, are an archipelago consisting of 17 inhabited islands. With a population of approximately 52,933, these islands function as a self-governing dependency of Denmark, having enjoyed a high degree of autonomy since the enactment of the Home Rule Act in 1948. The economy is characterized by a high-income status, driven by fisheries, a growing IT sector, and low unemployment rates. The political framework is a parliamentary democracy, with its capital located in Torshavn.

Geography

The Faroe Islands comprise a rugged archipelago situated about halfway between Iceland and Norway, featuring cliffs and rocky terrain. The total land area is approximately 1,393 square kilometers, with a coastline stretching 1,117 kilometers. The islands are known for their mild winters and cool summers, often experiencing fog and winds. Natural resources include fish, hydropower, and potential oil and gas reserves.

1,393 sq km - Total land area
1,117 km - Coastline length
882 m - Highest point (Slaettaratindur)
0 sq km - Area of water bodies
70.1% - Percentage of agricultural land (2023 est.)

People and Society

With a population estimate of 52,933 in 2024, the Faroe Islands have a diverse demographic composition, primarily of Faroese descent. The predominant language is Faroese, with Christianity being the major religion, particularly Evangelical Lutheranism. The population is characterized by a relatively young median age of 36.8 years, with a birth rate of 14.9 births per 1,000 individuals.

52,933 - Total population (2024 est.)
36.8 years - Median age (2024 est.)
2.27 children/woman - Total fertility rate (2024 est.)
81.7 years - Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
43% - Urban population (2023)

Economy

The Faroese economy is a high-income territory that is not part of the EU or Schengen Area. Its economic activities primarily revolve around fishing, with significant exports of salmon and fish products. The GDP (PPP) in 2023 is estimated at $3.834 billion, with a per capita GDP of around $70,400. The economy boasts low unemployment rates and a unique regulatory environment that allows for foreign ownership in fishing.

$3.834 billion - Real GDP (PPP) (2023 est.)
2.5% - Real GDP growth rate (2023 est.)
52% - Services sector contribution to GDP (2023 est.)
18.2% - Agriculture sector contribution to GDP (2023 est.)
57.7% - Exports of goods and services relative to GDP (2023 est.)

Government

The Faroe Islands operate as a parliamentary democracy within the Kingdom of Denmark, maintaining significant autonomy since 1948. The capital city is Torshavn, which also serves as the political center. The legislative authority is vested in the Faroese Parliament, comprising 33 directly elected members. The governance structure includes a prime minister and a high commissioner representing the Danish monarchy.

Torshavn - Capital city coordinates (62 00 N, 6 46 W)
33 - Seats in the Faroese Parliament
18 years - Minimum voting age for suffrage
9 - Number of seats held by the largest political party (JF)
1948 - Year of significant autonomy granted

Military and Security

The Faroe Islands do not maintain regular military forces or conscription; defense responsibilities lie with Denmark. The Danish military's Joint Arctic Command is responsible for the defense coordination of the islands, with a contact element situated in Torshavn.

No regular military forces - The islands rely on Denmark for defense
Joint Arctic Command - Danish military coordination based in Nuuk, Greenland

Energy

Electricity access in the Faroe Islands is universal, with 100% of the population electrified as of 2022. The energy generation landscape includes a mix of fossil fuels, wind, and hydropower, with a total installed capacity of 180,000 kW.

100% - Electrification of total population (2022 est.)
463.285 million kWh - Total electricity consumption (2023 est.)
53.7% - Percentage of energy from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
18.4% - Percentage of energy from wind (2023 est.)
180,000 kW - Total installed electricity generating capacity (2023 est.)

Environment

The Faroe Islands face several environmental challenges, including coastal erosion and landslides. The climate is characterized by mild winters and cool summers, with considerable overcast. Approximately 70.1% of the land is used for agriculture.

742,000 metric tonnes - CO2 emissions (2023 est.)
29.8% - Land use not classified as agricultural (2023 est.)
67% - Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2012 est.)

Transportation

Transportation in the Faroe Islands includes 1 airport and 12 heliports, alongside a merchant marine fleet of 91 vessels. The islands have 9 very small ports, with significant use for fishing and trade.

1 - Airport (2025 projection)
91 - Merchant marine vessels (2023)
9 - Total ports (2024 projection)
12 - Heliports (2025 projection)

Communications

The islands enjoy high connectivity, with 98% internet user penetration as of 2017. The telecommunications infrastructure includes both fixed-line and mobile cellular subscriptions.

59,000 - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2021 est.)
15,000 - Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2021 est.)
98% - Internet usage rate (2017 est.)
19,000 - Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	52,933	2024 estimate
Area	1,393 sq km	Total land area
GDP (PPP)	$3.834 billion	2023 estimated
Energy Consumption	463.285 million kWh	2023 estimate
Birth Rate	14.9 births/1,000	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	81.7 years	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	Very low	Estimated low unemployment
Total Fertility Rate	2.27 children/woman	2024 estimate
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	742,000 metric tonnes	2023 estimate
Urban Population	43%	2023 estimate