Faroe Islands

Official name: Faroe Islands (Føroyar in Faroese)

Capital: Tórshavn Municipality, with a population of 22.878 (2022)

Biggest City: Tórshavn (13.891)

Other cities: Other cities (Municipality): Klaksvík with a population of 5.401, Runavík with a population of 4.299, Vágur with a population of 1.371, and Tvøroyri with a population of 1.761. (2022)

Area: 1.399 km2

Population: The population on the Faroe Islands is 53.882 (2022)

National anthem: Tú alfagra land mítt (hou, my most beauteous land)

Density: 39 people/km2

Independence: Faroe Islands became selfgoverned i 1948

Language: The Faroese language is a germanian language, and has its roots in the old norse language. The language is similar with the icelandic, and some norwegian dialects. The language is one of the most aspects in the Faroese cultural identity, and therefore the Faroese are very conscious about preserving the language, to keep it alive and indomitable to global influences.

Religion: The biggest population on the Faroe Islands belong to the evangelical lutheran church. There are also denominations, such as Catholics, Adventists, Baptists Evangelicals and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Government and the political parties: The Faroe Islands is a selfgoverning region under the Kingdom of Denmark. The Home Rule Act from 1948 gives the Faroese perliament, one of the oldest in the world, autonomy in many areas, including the conservation and management of the living marine resources with 200 nautical mile fishing limit, underground resources, commercial, financial, industrial and environmental policies, transportation, communication, culture and research.

The faroese parliament, Løgtingið, consists of 33 members. Even though Denmark is a member of the European Union and the European Economic Area, the Faroe Islands decided not to join.

Infastructur: : The Faroe Islands have over 960 km worth of asphalted roads, which makes it easy to get about on the islands.

Timezone: Faroe Islands are in the GMT zone.

Electricity: 220 volt is used on the Faroe Islands, and the same sockets as used in Denmark.

Climate: The Faroe Islands belong to the tempered climate, and is mild and humid, with frequent rainfall, storms and fog. The weather changes very rapidly; it can be sunny, and in a blink of an eye it will be foggy. The average temperature is 3°C in the winter, and 11°C in the summmer. The air is always clean and fresh, no matter the time of the year.

Currency: Danish currency is used on the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands have their own notes and uses danish coins.

Price level: The Faroe Islands are self sufficient when it comes to fish, shellfish and dairy products. Everything else must be imported by sea or air, and this increases the price level. Compared to other Scandinavian countries, the price level on the Faroe Island is around 10% higher, and especially alcohol, tobacco, vegetables and fresh fruits are on the higher end of the scale.

Credit card: ATM’s can be found in every city, and the following cards can be used: Dankort, Eurocard/Mastercard and VISA.

Tipping: Tipping in the Faroe Island is not common and is not necessary, but always appreciated.

If you feel you’ve received really good service, the appropriate amount to tip in Denmark would be up to 10% of your bill.

Visum and passport:

Vaccinations: No vaccinations are needed for travels to the Faroe Islands.

Country code: +298