Population: 45,661 (July 2001 est.)

Languages: Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish

Background: The population of the Faroe Islands is largely descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th century. A high degree of self-government was attained in 1948.

Currency: Danish Krone (DKK, DKK (5.59 = US$1))

Data from CIA World Factbook. Click on CIA link for more. Click on map or flag for larger images.