none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 49 municipalities.
Population:
45,661 (July 2001 est.)
Currency:
Danish krone (DKK)
Languages:
Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish
Elevation:
highest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Climate:
mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy
Agricultural:
milk, potatoes, vegetables; sheep; salmon, other fish.
Economy:
The Faroese economy has had a strong performance since 1994, mostly as a result of increasing fish landings and high and stable export prices. Unemployment is falling and there are signs of labor shortages in several sectors. The positive economic development has helped the Faroese Home Rule Government produce increasing budget surpluses which in turn help to reduce the large public debt, most of it owed to Denmark. However, the total dependence on fishing makes the Faroese economy extremely vulnerable, and the present fishing efforts appear in excess of what is required to ensure a sustainable level of fishing in the long term. Oil finds close to the Faroese area give hope for deposits in the immediate Faroese area, which may eventually lay the basis for a more diversified economy and thus less dependence on Denmark and Danish economic assistance. Aided by a substantial annual subsidy (15% of GDP) from Denmark, the Faroese have a standard of living not far below the Danes and other Scandinavians.
Industry:
fishing, fish processing, shipbuilding, construction, handicrafts
Ethnicgroups:
Scandinavian
Vaccination requirements:
No vaccination requirements for any international traveller.
