| Summary: | [Extract] Located in the North Atlantic Ocean directly north of Scotland, the Faroe Islands are an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark and have a population of 48,000 persons. The total area of the 18 islands that together comprise the Faroes is 1399 km². Originally settled by Norwegian emigrants during the early 9th century, the Faroes have been administered by Denmark since the 14th century, and in 1948 achieved home rule. There is strong support for full sovereignty. The administrative capital is based in Thórshavn. Due to the rugged nature of the terrain there is little cultivated land, although sheep herding is a significant agricultural industry. Landforms consist of elevated coastal cliffs averaging 300 m in altitude and some elevated peaks, the highest of which is 882 m. The islands are encircled by the Gulf Stream, which tempers the weather, particularly in winter.
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