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Compare Faroe Islands (2005) - Virgin Islands (2008)

Compare Faroe Islands (2005) z Virgin Islands (2008)

 Faroe Islands (2005)Virgin Islands (2008)
 Faroe IslandsVirgin Islands
Administrative divisions none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 49 municipalities none (territory of the US); there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are three islands at the second order; Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas
Age structure 0-14 years: 21.3% (male 4,997/female 4,999)


15-64 years: 64.9% (male 16,120/female 14,360)


65 years and over: 13.8% (male 2,923/female 3,563) (2005 est.)
0-14 years: 21.8% (male 11,897/female 11,696)


15-64 years: 66.5% (male 34,204/female 37,911)


65 years and over: 11.7% (male 5,642/female 7,098) (2007 est.)
Agriculture - products milk, potatoes, vegetables; sheep; salmon, other fish fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle
Airports 1 (2004 est.) 2 (2007)
Airports - with paved runways total: 1


914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2004 est.)
total: 2


over 3,047 m: 1


1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2007)
Area total: 1,399 sq km


land: 1,399 sq km


water: 0 sq km (some lakes and streams)
total: 1,910 sq km


land: 346 sq km


water: 1,564 sq km
Area - comparative eight times the size of Washington, DC twice the size of Washington, DC
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. During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.
Birth rate 13.97 births/1,000 population (2005 est.) 13.68 births/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Budget revenues: $488 million


expenditures: $484 million, including capital expenditures of $21 million (1999)
revenues: $NA


expenditures: $NA
Capital Torshavn name: Charlotte Amalie


geographic coordinates: 18 21 N, 64 56 W


time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Climate mild winters, cool summers; usually overcast; foggy, windy subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November
Coastline 1,117 km 188 km
Constitution 5 June 1953 (Danish constitution) Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954
Country name conventional long form: none


conventional short form: Faroe Islands


local long form: none


local short form: Foroyar
conventional long form: United States Virgin Islands


conventional short form: Virgin Islands


former: Danish West Indies


abbreviation: USVI
Death rate 8.69 deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.) 6.59 deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Debt - external $64 million (1999) $NA
Dependency status part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark since 1948 organized, unincorporated territory of the US with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior
Diplomatic representation from the US none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark) none (territory of the US)
Diplomatic representation in the US none (self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark) none (territory of the US)
Disputes - international because anticipated offshore hydrocarbon resources have not been realized, earlier Faroese proposals for full independence have been deferred; Iceland disputes the Faroe Islands' fisheries median line boundary; Iceland, the UK, and Ireland dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm none
Economic aid - recipient $135 million (annual subsidy from Denmark) (1998) $NA
Economy - overview The Faroese economy has had a strong performance since 1994, mostly as a result of increasing fish landings and high and stable export prices. Unemployment is minimal and there are signs of labor shortages in several sectors. The positive economic development has helped the Faroese Home Rule Government produce increasing budget surpluses, which in turn has helped to reduce the large public debt, most of it owed to Denmark. However, the total dependence on fishing makes the Faroese economy extremely vulnerable, and the present fishing efforts appear in excess of what is a sustainable level of fishing in the long term. Oil finds close to the Faroese area give hope for deposits in the immediate Faroese area, which may eventually lay the basis for a more diversified economy and thus lessen dependence on Danish economic assistance. Aided by a substantial annual subsidy (15% of GDP) from Denmark, the Faroese have a standard of living not far below the Danes and other Scandinavians. Tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for 80% of GDP and employment. The islands hosted 2.6 million visitors in 2005. The manufacturing sector consists of petroleum refining, textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and watch assembly. One of the world's largest petroleum refineries is at Saint Croix. The agricultural sector is small, with most food being imported. International business and financial services are small but growing components of the economy. The islands are vulnerable to substantial damage from storms. The government is working to improve fiscal discipline, to support construction projects in the private sector, to expand tourist facilities, to reduce crime, and to protect the environment.
Electricity - consumption 204.6 million kWh (2002) 926.4 million kWh (2005)
Electricity - exports 0 kWh (2002) 0 kWh (2005)
Electricity - imports 0 kWh (2002) 0 kWh (2005)
Electricity - production 220 million kWh (2002) 996.1 million kWh (2005)
Elevation extremes lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m


highest point: Slaettaratindur 882 m
lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m


highest point: Crown Mountain 475 m
Environment - current issues NA lack of natural freshwater resources
Ethnic groups Scandinavian black 76.2%, white 13.1%, Asian 1.1%, other 6.1%, mixed 3.5% (2000 census)
Exchange rates Danish kroner per US dollar - 5.9911 (2004), 6.5877 (2003), 7.8947 (2002), 8.3228 (2001), 8.0831 (2000) the US dollar is used
Executive branch chief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II of Denmark (since 14 January 1972), represented by High Commissioner Birgit KLEIS, chief administrative officer (since 1 November 2001)


head of government: Prime Minister Joannes EIDESGAARD (since 3 February 2004)


cabinet: Landsstyri appointed by the prime minister


elections: the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually elected prime minister by the Faroese Parliament; election last held 20 January 2004 (next to be held no later than January 2008)


election results: Joannes EIDESGAARD elected prime minister; percent of parliamentary vote - NA%


note: coalition of Social Democrats, Union Party, and People's Party
chief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US (since 20 January 2001); Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since 20 January 2001)


head of government: Governor John DeJONGH (since 1 January 2007)


cabinet: NA


elections: under the US Constitution, residents of unincorporated territories, such as the Virgin Islands, do not vote in elections for US president and vice president; governor and lieutenant governor elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms (eligible for a second term); election last held 7 and 21 November 2006 (next to be held November 2010)


election results: John DeJONGH elected governor; percent of vote - John DeJONGH 57.3%, Kenneth MAPP 42.7%
Exports NA 397,400 bbl/day (2004)
Exports - commodities fish and fish products 94%, stamps, ships (1999) refined petroleum products
Exports - partners Denmark 33.5%, UK 29.7%, Norway 8.4%, Nigeria 7.2% (2004) US, Puerto Rico (2006)
Fiscal year calendar year 1 October - 30 September
Flag description white with a red cross outlined in blue extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted toward the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag) white, with a modified US coat of arms in the center between the large blue initials V and I; the coat of arms shows a yellow eagle holding an olive branch in one talon and three arrows in the other with a superimposed shield of vertical red and white stripes below a blue panel
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 27%


industry: 11%


services: 62% (1999)
agriculture: 1%


industry: 19%


services: 80% (2003 est.)
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $22,000 (2001 est.) -
GDP - real growth rate 10% (2001 est.) 2% (2002 est.)
Geographic coordinates 62 00 N, 7 00 W 18 20 N, 64 50 W
Geography - note archipelago of 17 inhabited islands and one uninhabited island, and a few uninhabited islets; strategically located along important sea lanes in northeastern Atlantic; precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands important location along the Anegada Passage - a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal; Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deepwater harbors in the Caribbean
Highways total: 463 km


paved: 454 km


unpaved: 9 km (1999)
-
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
Imports NA 493,000 bbl/day (2004)
Imports - commodities machinery and transport equipment 29%, consumer goods 36%, raw materials and semi-manufactures 32%, fuels, fish and salt (1999) crude oil, foodstuffs, consumer goods, building materials
Imports - partners Denmark 52.8%, Norway 18.3%, Iceland 4.4%, Sweden 4.2% (2004) US, Puerto Rico (2006)
Independence none (part of the Kingdom of Denmark; self-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark) none (territory of the US)
Industrial production growth rate 8% (1999 est.) NA%
Industries fishing, fish processing, small ship repair and refurbishment, handicrafts tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics
Infant mortality rate total: 6.24 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 7.54 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 4.93 deaths/1,000 live births (2005 est.)
total: 7.69 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 8.75 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 6.58 deaths/1,000 live births (2007 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 5.1% (1999) 2.2% (2003)
International organization participation IMO (associate), NC, NIB, UPU IOC, UPU
Irrigated land 0 sq km (1998 est.) NA
Judicial branch none US District Court of the Virgin Islands (under Third Circuit jurisdiction); Superior Court of the Virgin Islands (judges appointed by the governor for 10-year terms)
Labor force 24,250 (October 2000) 43,980 (2004 est.)
Labor force - by occupation fishing, fish processing, and manufacturing 33%, construction and private services 33%, public services 34% agriculture: 1%


industry: 19%


services: 80% (2003 est.)
Land boundaries 0 km 0 km
Land use arable land: 2.14%


permanent crops: 0%


other: 97.86% (2001)
arable land: 5.71%


permanent crops: 2.86%


other: 91.43% (2005)
Languages Faroese (derived from Old Norse), Danish English 74.7%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 16.8%, French or French Creole 6.6%, other 1.9% (2000 census)
Legal system Danish based on US laws
Legislative branch unicameral Faroese Parliament or Logting (32 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional basis from the seven constituencies to serve four-year terms)


elections: last held 20 January 2004 (next to be held no later than January 2008)


election results: percent of vote by party - Union Party 23.7%, Social Democrats 21.8%, Republican Party 21.7%, People's Party 20.6%, Center Party 5.2%, Independence Party 4.6%; seats by party - Union Party 7, Social Democrats 7, Republican Party 8, People's Party 7, Center Party 2, Independence Party 1


note: election of 2 seats to the Danish Parliament was last held on 8 February 2005 (next to be held February 2009); results - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Republican Party 1, People's Party 1
unicameral Senate (15 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve two-year terms)


elections: last held 7 November 2006 (next to be held November 2008)


election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Democratic Party 8, ICM 4, independent 3


note: the Virgin Islands elects one non-voting representative to the US House of Representatives; election last held 7 November 2006 (next to be held November 2008)
Life expectancy at birth total population: 79.21 years


male: 75.77 years


female: 82.67 years (2005 est.)
total population: 79.2 years


male: 75.4 years


female: 83.22 years (2007 est.)
Literacy definition: NA


total population: NA%


male: NA%


female: NA%


note: probably the same as Denmark proper
definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 90-95% est.


male: NA%


female: NA% (2005 est.)
Location Northern Europe, island group between the Norwegian Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Iceland to Norway Caribbean, islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico
Map references Europe Central America and the Caribbean
Maritime claims territorial sea: 3 nm


continental shelf: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line


exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm or agreed boundaries or median line
territorial sea: 12 nm


exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
Merchant marine total: 14 ships (1,000 GRT or over) 24,051 GRT/11,998 DWT


by type: cargo 6, container 1, passenger/cargo 5, petroleum tanker 2


foreign-owned: 8 (Denmark 2, Germany 1, Iceland 2, Norway 2, United Kingdom 1) (2005)
-
Military - note defense is the responsibility of Denmark defense is the responsibility of the US
Military branches no regular military forces -
Military expenditures - dollar figure $NA -
Military expenditures - percent of GDP NA -
National holiday Olaifest (Olavasoka), 29 July Transfer Day (from Denmark to the US), 27 March (1917)
Nationality noun: Faroese (singular and plural)


adjective: Faroese
noun: Virgin Islander(s) (US citizens)


adjective: Virgin Islander
Natural hazards NA several hurricanes in recent years; frequent and severe droughts and floods; occasional earthquakes
Natural resources fish, whales, hydropower, possible oil and gas sun, sand, sea, surf
Net migration rate 0.94 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.) -8.8 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Political parties and leaders Center Party [Jenis A. RANA]; Independence Party [Kari P. HOJGAARD]; People's Party [Anfinn KALLSBERG]; Republican Party [Hogni HOYDAL]; Social Democratic Party [Joannes EIDESGAARD]; Union Party [Kaj Oeo JOHANNESEN] Democratic Party [Arturo WATLINGTON]; Independent Citizens' Movement or ICM [Usie RICHARDS]; Republican Party [Gary SPRAUVE]
Political pressure groups and leaders NA NA
Population 46,962 (July 2005 est.) 108,448 (July 2007 est.)
Population below poverty line NA% 28.9% (2002)
Population growth rate 0.62% (2005 est.) -0.171% (2007 est.)
Ports and harbors Torshavn -
Radio broadcast stations AM 1, FM 13, shortwave 0 (1998) AM 6, FM 16, shortwave 0 (2005)
Religions Evangelical Lutheran Baptist 42%, Roman Catholic 34%, Episcopalian 17%, other 7%
Sex ratio at birth: 1 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.12 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.82 male(s)/female


total population: 1.05 male(s)/female (2005 est.)
at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.017 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 0.902 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.795 male(s)/female


total population: 0.912 male(s)/female (2007 est.)
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal 18 years of age; universal; island residents are US citizens but do not vote in US presidential elections
Telephone system general assessment: good international communications; good domestic facilities


domestic: digitalization was completed in 1998; both NMT (analog) and GSM (digital) mobile telephone systems are installed


international: country code - 298; satellite earth stations - 1 Orion; 1 fiber-optic submarine cable to the Shetland Islands, linking the Faroe Islands with Denmark and Iceland; fiber-optic submarine cable connection to Canada-Europe cable
general assessment: modern system with total digital switching, uses fiber-optic cable and microwave radio relay


domestic: full range of services available


international: country code - 1-340; submarine cable connections to US, the Caribbean, Central and South America; satellite earth stations - NA
Telephones - main lines in use 23,000 (2002) 71,700 (2005)
Telephones - mobile cellular 30,700 (2002) 80,300 (2005)
Television broadcast stations 3 (plus 43 low-power repeaters) (September 1995) 5 (2006)
Terrain rugged, rocky, some low peaks; cliffs along most of coast mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land
Total fertility rate 2.2 children born/woman (2005 est.) 2.16 children born/woman (2007 est.)
Unemployment rate 1% (October 2000) 6.2% (2004)
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