Faroe Islands

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Island group (17 out of 22 inhabited) in the North Atlantic, between the Shetland Islands and Iceland, forming an outlying part of Denmark; area 1,399 sq km/540 sq mi; population (2003 est) 47,600. The largest islands are Strømø, Østerø, Vagø, Suderø, Sandø, and Bordø; the islands are high and rugged and have only sparse vegetation. The capital is Thorshavn on Strømø. The main industries are fishing, fish processing, shipbuilding, and crafted goods. Faeroese and Danish are spoken.

History
The earliest known inhabitants were Celtic. The islands were first settled by Norse peoples in the 8th century, became part of the kingdom of Norway, and were Christianized in the 11th century. With Norway, the Faroes passed under Danish rule in 1380, and remained Danish after the Treaty of Kiel (1814) transferred Norway from the Danish to the Swedish crown. During the 19th century, a nationalist movement led to the revival of Faeroese, and there is an extensive native literature. The Faeroese obtained home rule from Denmark in 1948. They withdrew from the European Free Trade Association in 1972.

They did not join the European Community (EC) with Denmark in 1972 because it would have opened their fishing waters to other EC members.

The Union Jack marks Australia's historical links with Britain. The Southern Cross helped guide early European navigators to the continent. Effective date: 15 April 1954. >>