Faroe Islands / Føroyar / Færøerne...One of 3 places that i want to visit in the future
Faroe Islands / Føroyar / Færøerne
The Faroe Islands, sometimes Faeroe Islands, Faroe(s), or Faeroes (Faroese: Føroyar, Danish: Færøerne) are an island group situated between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately halfway between Scotland and Iceland. The Faroe Islands are a constituent country of the Kingdom of Denmark, along with Denmark proper and Greenland.
The Faroe Islands have been an autonomous province of the Kingdom of Denmark since 1948. Over the years, the Faroese have been granted control of most matters. Some areas still remain the responsibility of Denmark, such as military defence and foreign affairs.
The Faroe Islands were politically associated with Denmark in 1380, when Norway entered the Kalmar Union with Denmark and Sweden, which gradually evolved into Danish control of the islands, but this association ceased in 1814. The islands are represented on the Nordic Council by the Danish delegation.
History
The early history of the Faroe Islands is not well known, although Gael hermits and monks from a Hiberno-Scottish mission are believed by some to have settled in the 6th century, introducing sheep and goats and the early Goidelic language to the islands, however this is just speculation. A story goes that Saint Brendan, an Irish monastic saint, who is supposed to have lived around 484–578, is said to have visited the Faroe Islands on two or three occasions (512-530), naming two of the islands Sheep Island and Paradise Island of Birds.
Later (c. 650) Norsemen also settled the islands, bringing to the islands the Old Norse language which evolved into the modern Faroese language spoken today. The settlers are not thought to have come directly from Scandinavia, but rather they were Norse settlers from Shetland and Orkney, and Norse-Gaels from the areas surrounding the Irish Sea and Western Isles of Scotland. The old Gaelic name for the Faroe Islands Na Scigirí means the Skeggjar and probably refers to the Eyja-Skeggjar (Island-Beards), a nickname given to the island dwellers.
According to Færeyinga Saga, emigrants who left Norway to escape the tyranny of Harald I of Norway settled in the islands about the end of the 9th century. Early in the 11th century, Sigmundur Brestirson – whose clan had flourished in the southern islands but had been almost exterminated by invaders from the northern islands – escaped to Norway and was sent back to take possession of the islands for Olaf Tryggvason, King of Norway. He introduced Christianity and, though he was subsequently murdered, Norwegian supremacy was upheld. Norwegian control of the islands continued until 1380, when Norway entered the Kalmar Union with Denmark, which gradually evolved into Danish control of the islands. The Reformation reached the Faroes in 1538. When the union between Denmark and Norway was dissolved as a result of the Treaty of Kiel in 1814, Denmark retained possession of the Faroe Islands.
The trade monopoly in the Faroe Islands was abolished in 1856 and the area has since then developed as a modern fishing nation with its own fleet. The national awakening since 1888 was initially based on a struggle for the Faroese language and was thus culturally oriented, but after 1906 it was more and more politically oriented, with the foundation of the political parties of the Faroe Islands.
On 12 April 1940, the Faroes were occupied by British troops. The move followed the invasion of Denmark by Nazi Germany and had the objective of strengthening British control of the North Atlantic (see Second Battle of the Atlantic). In 1942-43 the British Royal Engineers built the only airport in the Faroes, Vágar Airport. Control of the islands reverted to Denmark following the war, but in 1948 home-rule was introduced, with a high degree of local autonomy. The Faroes declined to join Denmark in entering the European Community (now European Union) in 1973. The islands experienced considerable economic difficulties following the collapse of the fishing industry in the early 1990s, but have since made efforts to diversify the economy. Support for independence has grown and is the objective of the Republican Party.
The Faroes and Denmark
The Faroe Islands have been under the control of Denmark since 1388. The Treaty of Kiel in 1814 terminated the Danish-Norwegian union and Norway came under the rule of the King of Sweden, while the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland remained possessions of Denmark. Subsequently, the Løgting was abolished in 1816, and the Faroe Islands were to be governed as an ordinary Danish amt (county), with the Amtmand as its head of government. In 1851 the Løgting was reinstated, but served mainly as an advisory body until 1948.
At the end of the Second World War some of the population favored independence from Denmark, and on 14 September 1946 a referendum was held on the question of secession. It was a consultative referendum: the parliament was not bound to follow the people's vote. This was the first time that the Faroese people had been asked whether they favored independence or wanted to continue as a part of the Danish kingdom. The result of the vote was a narrow majority in favor of secession, but the coalition in parliament could not reach agreement on how this outcome should be interpreted and implemented; and because of these irresoluble differences, the coalition fell apart. A parliamentary election was held just a few months later, in which the political parties that favored staying in the Danish kingdom increased their share of the vote and formed a coalition. Based on this, they chose to reject secession. Instead, a compromise was made and the Folketing passed a home-rule law, which came into effect in 1948. The Faroe Islands' status as a Danish amt was thereby brought to an end; the Faroe Islands were given a high degree of self-governance, supported by a substantial financial subsidy from Denmark.
At present the islanders are about evenly split between those favoring independence and those who prefer to continue as a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Within both camps there is a wide range of opinions. Of those who favor independence, some are in favor of an immediate unilateral declaration. Others see it as something to be attained gradually and with the full consent of the Danish government and the Danish nation. In the unionist camp there are also many who foresee and welcome a gradual increase in autonomy even while strong ties with Denmark are maintained.
Regions and municipalities
Administratively, the islands are divided into 34 municipalities (kommunur) within which there are 120 or so settlements.
Traditionally, there are also the six sýslur ("regions": Norðoyar, Eysturoy, Streymoy, Vágar, Sandoy and Suðuroy). Although today sýsla technically means "police district", the term is still commonly used to indicate a geographical region. In earlier times, each sýsla had its own ting (assembly), the so-called várting ("spring assembly").
Geography
The Faroe Islands are an island group consisting of 18 major islands about 655 kilometres (407 mi) off the coast of Northern Europe, between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Iceland and Norway, the closest neighbours being the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland.
Its area is 1,399 square kilometres (540 sq. mi), and it has no major lakes or rivers. There are 1,117 kilometres (694 mi) of coastline. The only major island that is uninhabited is Lítla Dímun.
The islands are rugged and rocky with some low peaks; the coasts are mostly cliffs. The highest point is Slættaratindur, 882 metres (2,890 ft) above sea level.
The Faroe Islands are dominated by tholeiitic basalt lava which was part of the great Thulean Plateau during the Paleogene period.
Ólavsøka
The national holiday, Ólavsøka, is on 29 July, and commemorates the death of Saint Olaf. The celebrations are held in Tórshavn. They start on the evening of the 28th, and carry on until 31 July.
The official celebration starts on the 29th, with the opening of the Faroese Parliament, a custom which dates back some 900 years. This begins with a service held in Tórshavn Cathedral; all members of parliament as well as civil and church officials walk to the cathedral in a procession. All of the parish ministers take turns giving the sermon. After the service, the procession returns to the parliament for the opening ceremony.
Other celebrations are marked by different kind of sports competitions, the rowing competition (in Tórshavn Harbour) being the most popular, art exhibitions, pop concerts, and the famous Faroese dance. The celebrations have many facets, and only a few are mentioned here.
People also mark the occasion by wearing the national Faroese dress.
The Flag
The flag of the Faroe Islands is an offset cross, following as with other Nordic flags the tradition set by Dannebrog. The flag is called Merkið which means "the banner" or "the mark". It resembles the flags of neighbouring Norway and Iceland.
The flag was devised in 1919 by Jens Oliver Lisberg and others while they were studying in Copenhagen. The first time the Merkið was raised in the Faroe Islands was on June 22 that year in Famjin on the occasion of a wedding. On 25 April 1940 the British occupation government approved the flag for use by Faroese vessels. April 25 is still celebrated as Flaggdagur and it is a national holiday. With the Home Rule Act of 23 March 1948, the flag was finally recognized by the Danish Government as the national flag of the Faroes. The original copy of the flag is displayed in the church of Famjin.
Flags
Oficial name:
Føroyar (Føroyskt )
Færøerne (Dansk)
Area:
1.399 km2
Inhabitants:
48.450
Languages:
Føroyskt (Feroes) and Dansk
Capital city:
Tórshavn
Meaning of island name:
From Faroese (originally Old Norse) Føroyar, "sheep islands".
Description Flag:
The flag of the Faroe Islands is an offset cross, following as with other Nordic flags the tradition set by the Dannebrog. The flag is called Merkið which means "the banner" or "the mark".
On 25 April 1940 the British occupation government approved the flag for use by Faroese vessels. April 25 is still celebrated as Flaggdagur.
With the Home Rule Act of 23 March 1948 the flag was finally recognized by the Danish Government as the national flag of the Faroes.
It is interesting to note that the flag design is contrary to the heraldry and vexillology rule that red colour cannot be placed on top of the blue colour.
The flag carries the name Merkid, meaning the sign or banner. The dominant white colour is said to represent the pure sky as well as the foam of the waves breaking against the coasts of the islands, red and blue are both colours found in traditional Faroese headdress. At the same time the colours are those of the flags of Norway and Iceland
Coat of arms:
The Coat of arms of the Faroe Islands first appear in one of the mediæval chairs in Kirkjubøur from around the 15th century. It depicts a Ram (Faroese: Veðrur) on a shield. Later uses show a Ram in a seal used by the Løgrættumenn, members of the Old Faroese law Court, the Løgting.
The coat of arms went out of use when the Løgting was abolished in 1816. After the Løgting was reestablished in 1852 and even when the Faroe Islands were effectively outside direct Danish rule during the British occupation in World War II the coat of arms was not used.
After the Home Rule Act came into force in 1948 the coat of arms came into use again. Not by the Løgting (Parliament) but by the Landsstýri (Government). The old title Løgmaður had been reestablished, but this time as the leader of the government. The coat of arms followed him.
On 1 April 2004 the Prime Minister's Office announced that from then on the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister's Office would use a new version of the coat of arms. This new one was based on the original from the chairs from Kirkjubøur. The colours were inspired from the Faroese flag Merkið and golden yellow was added. The new coat of arms depicts a ram on a blue shield ready to defend. It can be used by Cabinet Ministries and by official Faroese represtatives, though some still use the old symbol.
National Anthem: Tú alfagra land mítt
Faroese
Mítt Alfagra land
Tú alfagra land mítt, mín dýrasta ogn!
á vetri so randhvítt, á sumri við logn,
tú tekur meg at tær so tætt í tín favn.
Tit oyggjar so mætar, Guð signi tað navn,
sum menn tykkum góvu, tá teir tykkum sóu.
Ja, Guð signi Føroyar, mítt land!
Hin roðin, sum skínur á sumri í líð,
hin ódnin, sum týnir mangt lív vetrartíð,
og myrkrið, sum fjalir mær bjartasta mál,
og ljósið, sum spælir mær sigur í sál:
alt streingir, ið tóna, sum vága og vóna,
at eg verji Føroyar, mítt land.
Eg nígi tí niður í bøn til tín, Guð:
Hin heilagi friður mær falli í lut!
Lat sál mína tváa sær í tíni dýrd!
So torir hon vága - av Gudi væl skírd -
at bera tað merkið, sum eyðkennir verkið,
ið varðveitir Føroyar, mítt land!
English
My land, oh most beauteous, possession most dear,
Thou drawest me to thee, embracing me near;
becalmed in the summer, in winter snow covered,
magnificent islands, by God named beloved.
The name which men gave thee when they thee discovered,
Oh, God bless thee, Faroes my land.
Bright gleam, which in summer makes hill-tops so fair;
rough gale, which in winter drives men to despair;
oh life taking storm, oh conquest of soul,
all making sweet music uniting the whole.
Each hoping and trusting, inspiring us all,
To guard thee, O Faroes my land.
And therefore, I kneel down, to Thee God, in prayer,
may peaceful my lot be, and do thou me spare,
my soul cleansed; in glory; I ask Thee to bless,
when I raise my banner and venture the stress.
The sign of my task, be it lifted on high,
To guard thee, O Faroes my land.
Internet Page: www.faroeislands.dk
Faroe isl in diferent languages
eng: Faeroe Islands; Faroe Islands
fry | lim | nld: Faeröer
arg | spa: Islas Feroe
ces | slk: Faerské ostrovy
dsb | hsb: Färöske kupy; Färöje; Fereje
afr: Faroëreilande; Faroër
ast: Islles Feroe
aze: Farer adaları / Фарер адалары
bos: Farska ostrva / Фарска острва
bre: Inizi Faero
cat: Illes Fèroe
cor: Ynysow Faroe
csb: Ówczé òstrowë; Farersczé òstrowë
cym: Ynysoedd y Ffaroe
dan: Færøerne
deu: Färöer / Färöer; Färöerinseln / Färöerinſeln
epo: Ferooj; Feroaj Insuloj
est: Fääri saared
eus: Feroe Uharteak
fao: Føroyar
fin: Färsaaret
fra: Îles Féroé
gla: Na h-Eileanan Fàro; Na h-Eileanan Fàrach
gle: Oileáin Fháró / Oileáin Ḟáró
glg: Illas Feroe
glv: Ellanyn ny Geyrragh
hrv: Farski otoci; Ferojski otoci; Ovčji otoci
hun: Feröer-szigetek
ind: Kepulauan Faroe / كڤولاوان فاروي
isl: Færeyjar
ita: Isole Faroe; Isole Feroe
jav: Kepulauan Faroe
kaa: Farer atawları / Фарер атаўлары
kmr: Adaêd Farêrê / Адаед Фарере / ئادایێد فارێرێ; Cizîrêd Farêrê / Щьзиред Фарере / جزیرێد فارێرێ
kur: Giravên Faroe / گراڤێن فارۆئه
lat: Insulae Faeroae; Insulae Faeroenses
lav: Farēru salas; Fēru salas
lin: Monɛ́nɛ ya Faroe
lit: Farerų salos
lld-bad: Isoles Faeroe; Isoles Feroe
lld-grd: Ijules Faeroe; Ijules Feroe
ltz: Färoe-Inselen / Färoe-Inſelen
mlt: Gżejjer Faroe; Gżejjer Faeroe
mol: Insulele Feroe / Инсулеле Ферое
msa: Pulau Faroe / ڤولاو فارؤي
nds: Färöer / Färöer
nno: Færøyane
nob: Færøyene
oci: Illas Feròe
pol: Wyspy Owcze
por: Ilhas Faroé; Ilhas Feroé
que: Pharuy W’atakuna
roh: Inslas Färöer
ron: Insulele Feroe; Insulele Faroe
rup: Insulile Faro
slo: Farovostrovis / Фаровостровис
slv: Ferski otoki
sme: Fearasullot
smg: Farėrū salas
sqi: Ishujt Faroe
swe: Färöarna
szl: Wyspy Uowče
tet: Nusar Faroé
tuk: Farer adalary / Фарер адалары
tur: Faroe Adaları
uzb: Farer orollari / Фарер ороллари
vol: Färovuäns
wol: Iil yu Faarow
abq: Фарерска дзыгӀвбжяква (Farerska dzəʿʷbžjakʷa)
alt: Фарер ортолыктар (Farer ortolyktar)
bak: Фарер утрауҙары / Farer utrauźarı
bel: Фарэрскія астравы / Farerskija astravy; Фарэрскія выспы / Farerskija vyspy
bul: Фарьорски острови (Far'orski ostrovi)
che: Фарер гӀайреш (Farer ġajreš); Фарерийн гІайренаш (Farerijn ġajrenaš)
chm: Фарерский остров-влак (Farerskij ostrov-vlak)
chv: Фарер утравӗсем (Farer utravĕsem)
kaz: Фарер аралдары / Farer araldarı / فارەر ارالدارى
kbd: Фарерскэ островхэр (Farerskă ostrovĥăr)
kir: Фарер аралдары (Farer araldary)
kjh: Фарерскай олтырыхтар (Farerskaj oltyryĥtar)
kom: Фарерскӧй островъяс (Farersköj ostrov"jas)
krc: Фарер айрымканлары (Farer ajrymkanlary)
kum: Фарер атавлары (Farer atavlary)
mkd: Фарски Острови (Farski Ostrovi)
mon: Фарерийн арлууд (Farerijn arluud)
oss: Фарераг сакъадӕхтӕ (Farerag saḳadäĥtä)
rus: Фарерские острова (Farerskije ostrova)
srp: Фарска острва / Farska ostrva
tat: Фарер утраулары / Farer utrawları
tgk: Ҷазираҳои Фарер / جزیرههای فریر / Çazirahoi Farer
tyv: Фарер ортулуктар (Farer ortuluktar)
ukr: Фарерські острови (Farers'ki ostrovy)
ara: جزر فارو (Ǧuzuru Fārū); جزر فيرويه (Ǧuzuru Fīruwīh); جزائر فارو (Ǧazāʾiru Fārū); جزائر فيرويه (Ǧazāʾiru Fīruwīh)
fas: جزایر فاروئه (Jazāyer-e Fāroʾe)
prs: جزایر فاروئی (Jazāyer-e Fārōʾē)
pus: د فاروئې ټاپوګان (də Fāroʾe ṫāpogān)
uig: فاروئې ئاراللىرى / Faroé aralliri / Фарое араллири
urd: فیروز (Feroz)
heb: איי-פארו (Iye-Fârô)
lad: איזלאס פ'ארואי / Izlas Faroe
yid: פֿערײער-אינדזלען (Fereyer-Indzlen)
amh: የፋሮ ደሴቶች (yä-Faro dässetoč); የፈሮ ደሴቶች (yä-Färo dässetoč)
ell-dhi: Νησιά Φερόες (Nīsiá Feróes)
ell-kat: Νήσοι Φερόες (Nī́soi Feróes)
hye: Ֆարերյան կղզիներ (Fareryan kġziner)
kat: ფარერის კუნძულები (Ṗareris kundzulebi); ფარერები (Ṗarerebi)
ben: ফেরো দ্বীপপুঞ্জ (Pʰero dbīppuñjô); ফারো দ্বীপমালা (Pʰāro dbīpmālā)
kan: ಫರೋ ದ್ವೀಪಗಳು (Pʰarō dvīpagaḷu)
mal: ഫറോയ് ഐലന്റ്സ് (Pʰaṟōy Ailanṟs)
tam: பரோயே தீவுகள் (Parōyē tīvukaḷ)
tel: ఫారో దీవులు (Pʰārō dīvulu)
zho: 法羅群島/法罗群岛 (Fǎluó Qúndǎo)
jpn: フェロー諸島 (Ferō Shotō)
kor: 페로스 제도 (Peroseu Jedo); 페로 제도 (Pero Jedo)
tha: หมู่เกาะแฟโร ([h]Mū̀kɔ Fǣrō)
khm: កោះហ្វារ៉ូ (Kōḥ Hvārū)
Faroe Islands / Føroyar / Færøerne...One of 3 places that i want to visit in the future
Faroe Islands / Føroyar / Færøerne
The Faroe Islands, sometimes Faeroe Islands, Faroe(s), or Faeroes (Faroese: Føroyar, Danish: Færøerne) are an island group situated between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately halfway between Scotland and Iceland. The Faroe Islands are a constituent country of the Kingdom of Denmark, along with Denmark proper and Greenland.
The Faroe Islands have been an autonomous province of the Kingdom of Denmark since 1948. Over the years, the Faroese have been granted control of most matters. Some areas still remain the responsibility of Denmark, such as military defence and foreign affairs.
The Faroe Islands were politically associated with Denmark in 1380, when Norway entered the Kalmar Union with Denmark and Sweden, which gradually evolved into Danish control of the islands, but this association ceased in 1814. The islands are represented on the Nordic Council by the Danish delegation.
History
The early history of the Faroe Islands is not well known, although Gael hermits and monks from a Hiberno-Scottish mission are believed by some to have settled in the 6th century, introducing sheep and goats and the early Goidelic language to the islands, however this is just speculation. A story goes that Saint Brendan, an Irish monastic saint, who is supposed to have lived around 484–578, is said to have visited the Faroe Islands on two or three occasions (512-530), naming two of the islands Sheep Island and Paradise Island of Birds.
Later (c. 650) Norsemen also settled the islands, bringing to the islands the Old Norse language which evolved into the modern Faroese language spoken today. The settlers are not thought to have come directly from Scandinavia, but rather they were Norse settlers from Shetland and Orkney, and Norse-Gaels from the areas surrounding the Irish Sea and Western Isles of Scotland. The old Gaelic name for the Faroe Islands Na Scigirí means the Skeggjar and probably refers to the Eyja-Skeggjar (Island-Beards), a nickname given to the island dwellers.
According to Færeyinga Saga, emigrants who left Norway to escape the tyranny of Harald I of Norway settled in the islands about the end of the 9th century. Early in the 11th century, Sigmundur Brestirson – whose clan had flourished in the southern islands but had been almost exterminated by invaders from the northern islands – escaped to Norway and was sent back to take possession of the islands for Olaf Tryggvason, King of Norway. He introduced Christianity and, though he was subsequently murdered, Norwegian supremacy was upheld. Norwegian control of the islands continued until 1380, when Norway entered the Kalmar Union with Denmark, which gradually evolved into Danish control of the islands. The Reformation reached the Faroes in 1538. When the union between Denmark and Norway was dissolved as a result of the Treaty of Kiel in 1814, Denmark retained possession of the Faroe Islands.
The trade monopoly in the Faroe Islands was abolished in 1856 and the area has since then developed as a modern fishing nation with its own fleet. The national awakening since 1888 was initially based on a struggle for the Faroese language and was thus culturally oriented, but after 1906 it was more and more politically oriented, with the foundation of the political parties of the Faroe Islands.
On 12 April 1940, the Faroes were occupied by British troops. The move followed the invasion of Denmark by Nazi Germany and had the objective of strengthening British control of the North Atlantic (see Second Battle of the Atlantic). In 1942-43 the British Royal Engineers built the only airport in the Faroes, Vágar Airport. Control of the islands reverted to Denmark following the war, but in 1948 home-rule was introduced, with a high degree of local autonomy. The Faroes declined to join Denmark in entering the European Community (now European Union) in 1973. The islands experienced considerable economic difficulties following the collapse of the fishing industry in the early 1990s, but have since made efforts to diversify the economy. Support for independence has grown and is the objective of the Republican Party.
The Faroes and Denmark
The Faroe Islands have been under the control of Denmark since 1388. The Treaty of Kiel in 1814 terminated the Danish-Norwegian union and Norway came under the rule of the King of Sweden, while the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland remained possessions of Denmark. Subsequently, the Løgting was abolished in 1816, and the Faroe Islands were to be governed as an ordinary Danish amt (county), with the Amtmand as its head of government. In 1851 the Løgting was reinstated, but served mainly as an advisory body until 1948.
At the end of the Second World War some of the population favored independence from Denmark, and on 14 September 1946 a referendum was held on the question of secession. It was a consultative referendum: the parliament was not bound to follow the people's vote. This was the first time that the Faroese people had been asked whether they favored independence or wanted to continue as a part of the Danish kingdom. The result of the vote was a narrow majority in favor of secession, but the coalition in parliament could not reach agreement on how this outcome should be interpreted and implemented; and because of these irresoluble differences, the coalition fell apart. A parliamentary election was held just a few months later, in which the political parties that favored staying in the Danish kingdom increased their share of the vote and formed a coalition. Based on this, they chose to reject secession. Instead, a compromise was made and the Folketing passed a home-rule law, which came into effect in 1948. The Faroe Islands' status as a Danish amt was thereby brought to an end; the Faroe Islands were given a high degree of self-governance, supported by a substantial financial subsidy from Denmark.
At present the islanders are about evenly split between those favoring independence and those who prefer to continue as a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Within both camps there is a wide range of opinions. Of those who favor independence, some are in favor of an immediate unilateral declaration. Others see it as something to be attained gradually and with the full consent of the Danish government and the Danish nation. In the unionist camp there are also many who foresee and welcome a gradual increase in autonomy even while strong ties with Denmark are maintained.
Regions and municipalities
Administratively, the islands are divided into 34 municipalities (kommunur) within which there are 120 or so settlements.
Traditionally, there are also the six sýslur ("regions": Norðoyar, Eysturoy, Streymoy, Vágar, Sandoy and Suðuroy). Although today sýsla technically means "police district", the term is still commonly used to indicate a geographical region. In earlier times, each sýsla had its own ting (assembly), the so-called várting ("spring assembly").
Geography
The Faroe Islands are an island group consisting of 18 major islands about 655 kilometres (407 mi) off the coast of Northern Europe, between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about halfway between Iceland and Norway, the closest neighbours being the Northern and Western Isles of Scotland.
Its area is 1,399 square kilometres (540 sq. mi), and it has no major lakes or rivers. There are 1,117 kilometres (694 mi) of coastline. The only major island that is uninhabited is Lítla Dímun.
The islands are rugged and rocky with some low peaks; the coasts are mostly cliffs. The highest point is Slættaratindur, 882 metres (2,890 ft) above sea level.
The Faroe Islands are dominated by tholeiitic basalt lava which was part of the great Thulean Plateau during the Paleogene period.
Ólavsøka
The national holiday, Ólavsøka, is on 29 July, and commemorates the death of Saint Olaf. The celebrations are held in Tórshavn. They start on the evening of the 28th, and carry on until 31 July.
The official celebration starts on the 29th, with the opening of the Faroese Parliament, a custom which dates back some 900 years. This begins with a service held in Tórshavn Cathedral; all members of parliament as well as civil and church officials walk to the cathedral in a procession. All of the parish ministers take turns giving the sermon. After the service, the procession returns to the parliament for the opening ceremony.
Other celebrations are marked by different kind of sports competitions, the rowing competition (in Tórshavn Harbour) being the most popular, art exhibitions, pop concerts, and the famous Faroese dance. The celebrations have many facets, and only a few are mentioned here.
People also mark the occasion by wearing the national Faroese dress.
The Flag
The flag of the Faroe Islands is an offset cross, following as with other Nordic flags the tradition set by Dannebrog. The flag is called Merkið which means "the banner" or "the mark". It resembles the flags of neighbouring Norway and Iceland.
The flag was devised in 1919 by Jens Oliver Lisberg and others while they were studying in Copenhagen. The first time the Merkið was raised in the Faroe Islands was on June 22 that year in Famjin on the occasion of a wedding. On 25 April 1940 the British occupation government approved the flag for use by Faroese vessels. April 25 is still celebrated as Flaggdagur and it is a national holiday. With the Home Rule Act of 23 March 1948, the flag was finally recognized by the Danish Government as the national flag of the Faroes. The original copy of the flag is displayed in the church of Famjin.
Flags
Oficial name:
Føroyar (Føroyskt )
Færøerne (Dansk)
Area:
1.399 km2
Inhabitants:
48.450
Languages:
Føroyskt (Feroes) and Dansk
Capital city:
Tórshavn
Meaning of island name:
From Faroese (originally Old Norse) Føroyar, "sheep islands".
Description Flag:
The flag of the Faroe Islands is an offset cross, following as with other Nordic flags the tradition set by the Dannebrog. The flag is called Merkið which means "the banner" or "the mark".
On 25 April 1940 the British occupation government approved the flag for use by Faroese vessels. April 25 is still celebrated as Flaggdagur.
With the Home Rule Act of 23 March 1948 the flag was finally recognized by the Danish Government as the national flag of the Faroes.
It is interesting to note that the flag design is contrary to the heraldry and vexillology rule that red colour cannot be placed on top of the blue colour.
The flag carries the name Merkid, meaning the sign or banner. The dominant white colour is said to represent the pure sky as well as the foam of the waves breaking against the coasts of the islands, red and blue are both colours found in traditional Faroese headdress. At the same time the colours are those of the flags of Norway and Iceland
Coat of arms:
The Coat of arms of the Faroe Islands first appear in one of the mediæval chairs in Kirkjubøur from around the 15th century. It depicts a Ram (Faroese: Veðrur) on a shield. Later uses show a Ram in a seal used by the Løgrættumenn, members of the Old Faroese law Court, the Løgting.
The coat of arms went out of use when the Løgting was abolished in 1816. After the Løgting was reestablished in 1852 and even when the Faroe Islands were effectively outside direct Danish rule during the British occupation in World War II the coat of arms was not used.
After the Home Rule Act came into force in 1948 the coat of arms came into use again. Not by the Løgting (Parliament) but by the Landsstýri (Government). The old title Løgmaður had been reestablished, but this time as the leader of the government. The coat of arms followed him.
On 1 April 2004 the Prime Minister's Office announced that from then on the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister's Office would use a new version of the coat of arms. This new one was based on the original from the chairs from Kirkjubøur. The colours were inspired from the Faroese flag Merkið and golden yellow was added. The new coat of arms depicts a ram on a blue shield ready to defend. It can be used by Cabinet Ministries and by official Faroese represtatives, though some still use the old symbol.
National Anthem: Tú alfagra land mítt
Faroese
Mítt Alfagra land
Tú alfagra land mítt, mín dýrasta ogn!
á vetri so randhvítt, á sumri við logn,
tú tekur meg at tær so tætt í tín favn.
Tit oyggjar so mætar, Guð signi tað navn,
sum menn tykkum góvu, tá teir tykkum sóu.
Ja, Guð signi Føroyar, mítt land!
Hin roðin, sum skínur á sumri í líð,
hin ódnin, sum týnir mangt lív vetrartíð,
og myrkrið, sum fjalir mær bjartasta mál,
og ljósið, sum spælir mær sigur í sál:
alt streingir, ið tóna, sum vága og vóna,
at eg verji Føroyar, mítt land.
Eg nígi tí niður í bøn til tín, Guð:
Hin heilagi friður mær falli í lut!
Lat sál mína tváa sær í tíni dýrd!
So torir hon vága - av Gudi væl skírd -
at bera tað merkið, sum eyðkennir verkið,
ið varðveitir Føroyar, mítt land!
English
My land, oh most beauteous, possession most dear,
Thou drawest me to thee, embracing me near;
becalmed in the summer, in winter snow covered,
magnificent islands, by God named beloved.
The name which men gave thee when they thee discovered,
Oh, God bless thee, Faroes my land.
Bright gleam, which in summer makes hill-tops so fair;
rough gale, which in winter drives men to despair;
oh life taking storm, oh conquest of soul,
all making sweet music uniting the whole.
Each hoping and trusting, inspiring us all,
To guard thee, O Faroes my land.
And therefore, I kneel down, to Thee God, in prayer,
may peaceful my lot be, and do thou me spare,
my soul cleansed; in glory; I ask Thee to bless,
when I raise my banner and venture the stress.
The sign of my task, be it lifted on high,
To guard thee, O Faroes my land.
Internet Page: www.faroeislands.dk
Faroe isl in diferent languages
eng: Faeroe Islands; Faroe Islands
fry | lim | nld: Faeröer
arg | spa: Islas Feroe
ces | slk: Faerské ostrovy
dsb | hsb: Färöske kupy; Färöje; Fereje
afr: Faroëreilande; Faroër
ast: Islles Feroe
aze: Farer adaları / Фарер адалары
bos: Farska ostrva / Фарска острва
bre: Inizi Faero
cat: Illes Fèroe
cor: Ynysow Faroe
csb: Ówczé òstrowë; Farersczé òstrowë
cym: Ynysoedd y Ffaroe
dan: Færøerne
deu: Färöer / Färöer; Färöerinseln / Färöerinſeln
epo: Ferooj; Feroaj Insuloj
est: Fääri saared
eus: Feroe Uharteak
fao: Føroyar
fin: Färsaaret
fra: Îles Féroé
gla: Na h-Eileanan Fàro; Na h-Eileanan Fàrach
gle: Oileáin Fháró / Oileáin Ḟáró
glg: Illas Feroe
glv: Ellanyn ny Geyrragh
hrv: Farski otoci; Ferojski otoci; Ovčji otoci
hun: Feröer-szigetek
ind: Kepulauan Faroe / كڤولاوان فاروي
isl: Færeyjar
ita: Isole Faroe; Isole Feroe
jav: Kepulauan Faroe
kaa: Farer atawları / Фарер атаўлары
kmr: Adaêd Farêrê / Адаед Фарере / ئادایێد فارێرێ; Cizîrêd Farêrê / Щьзиред Фарере / جزیرێد فارێرێ
kur: Giravên Faroe / گراڤێن فارۆئه
lat: Insulae Faeroae; Insulae Faeroenses
lav: Farēru salas; Fēru salas
lin: Monɛ́nɛ ya Faroe
lit: Farerų salos
lld-bad: Isoles Faeroe; Isoles Feroe
lld-grd: Ijules Faeroe; Ijules Feroe
ltz: Färoe-Inselen / Färoe-Inſelen
mlt: Gżejjer Faroe; Gżejjer Faeroe
mol: Insulele Feroe / Инсулеле Ферое
msa: Pulau Faroe / ڤولاو فارؤي
nds: Färöer / Färöer
nno: Færøyane
nob: Færøyene
oci: Illas Feròe
pol: Wyspy Owcze
por: Ilhas Faroé; Ilhas Feroé
que: Pharuy W’atakuna
roh: Inslas Färöer
ron: Insulele Feroe; Insulele Faroe
rup: Insulile Faro
slo: Farovostrovis / Фаровостровис
slv: Ferski otoki
sme: Fearasullot
smg: Farėrū salas
sqi: Ishujt Faroe
swe: Färöarna
szl: Wyspy Uowče
tet: Nusar Faroé
tuk: Farer adalary / Фарер адалары
tur: Faroe Adaları
uzb: Farer orollari / Фарер ороллари
vol: Färovuäns
wol: Iil yu Faarow
abq: Фарерска дзыгӀвбжяква (Farerska dzəʿʷbžjakʷa)
alt: Фарер ортолыктар (Farer ortolyktar)
bak: Фарер утрауҙары / Farer utrauźarı
bel: Фарэрскія астравы / Farerskija astravy; Фарэрскія выспы / Farerskija vyspy
bul: Фарьорски острови (Far'orski ostrovi)
che: Фарер гӀайреш (Farer ġajreš); Фарерийн гІайренаш (Farerijn ġajrenaš)
chm: Фарерский остров-влак (Farerskij ostrov-vlak)
chv: Фарер утравӗсем (Farer utravĕsem)
kaz: Фарер аралдары / Farer araldarı / فارەر ارالدارى
kbd: Фарерскэ островхэр (Farerskă ostrovĥăr)
kir: Фарер аралдары (Farer araldary)
kjh: Фарерскай олтырыхтар (Farerskaj oltyryĥtar)
kom: Фарерскӧй островъяс (Farersköj ostrov"jas)
krc: Фарер айрымканлары (Farer ajrymkanlary)
kum: Фарер атавлары (Farer atavlary)
mkd: Фарски Острови (Farski Ostrovi)
mon: Фарерийн арлууд (Farerijn arluud)
oss: Фарераг сакъадӕхтӕ (Farerag saḳadäĥtä)
rus: Фарерские острова (Farerskije ostrova)
srp: Фарска острва / Farska ostrva
tat: Фарер утраулары / Farer utrawları
tgk: Ҷазираҳои Фарер / جزیرههای فریر / Çazirahoi Farer
tyv: Фарер ортулуктар (Farer ortuluktar)
ukr: Фарерські острови (Farers'ki ostrovy)
ara: جزر فارو (Ǧuzuru Fārū); جزر فيرويه (Ǧuzuru Fīruwīh); جزائر فارو (Ǧazāʾiru Fārū); جزائر فيرويه (Ǧazāʾiru Fīruwīh)
fas: جزایر فاروئه (Jazāyer-e Fāroʾe)
prs: جزایر فاروئی (Jazāyer-e Fārōʾē)
pus: د فاروئې ټاپوګان (də Fāroʾe ṫāpogān)
uig: فاروئې ئاراللىرى / Faroé aralliri / Фарое араллири
urd: فیروز (Feroz)
heb: איי-פארו (Iye-Fârô)
lad: איזלאס פ'ארואי / Izlas Faroe
yid: פֿערײער-אינדזלען (Fereyer-Indzlen)
amh: የፋሮ ደሴቶች (yä-Faro dässetoč); የፈሮ ደሴቶች (yä-Färo dässetoč)
ell-dhi: Νησιά Φερόες (Nīsiá Feróes)
ell-kat: Νήσοι Φερόες (Nī́soi Feróes)
hye: Ֆարերյան կղզիներ (Fareryan kġziner)
kat: ფარერის კუნძულები (Ṗareris kundzulebi); ფარერები (Ṗarerebi)
ben: ফেরো দ্বীপপুঞ্জ (Pʰero dbīppuñjô); ফারো দ্বীপমালা (Pʰāro dbīpmālā)
kan: ಫರೋ ದ್ವೀಪಗಳು (Pʰarō dvīpagaḷu)
mal: ഫറോയ് ഐലന്റ്സ് (Pʰaṟōy Ailanṟs)
tam: பரோயே தீவுகள் (Parōyē tīvukaḷ)
tel: ఫారో దీవులు (Pʰārō dīvulu)
zho: 法羅群島/法罗群岛 (Fǎluó Qúndǎo)
jpn: フェロー諸島 (Ferō Shotō)
kor: 페로스 제도 (Peroseu Jedo); 페로 제도 (Pero Jedo)
tha: หมู่เกาะแฟโร ([h]Mū̀kɔ Fǣrō)
khm: កោះហ្វារ៉ូ (Kōḥ Hvārū)