A cluster of 18 rocky islands, the Faroe Islands are located about halfway between Norway and Iceland. Thanks to the Gulf Stream the climate is mild for the latitude. The approximately 50,000 inhabitants are mainly descendants of Vikings who arrived on the islands in the 9^th century. The Faroe Islands are a selfgoverning Danish region with its own parliament and flag.

The national language is Faroese, originating from the Old Norse. Fishing is the most important source of income, followed by tourism, ship building, wool manufacturing and handicrafts.