FARI5E, f'a'ro, or FAROER ISLANDS (that is a group of islands in the Northern Ocean, lying between lat. 61° 25' and 62° 25' N., about 280 miles southeast of Iceland and about 190 miles northwest of the Shetland Islands; area 540 square miles. They belong to Denmark, and consist of about 20 islands, of which 17 are inhabited. The largest islands are Strome (144 square miles), Osterii, Sandd, Suderi:i and Vaago. The islands gen erally present steep and lofty precipices to the sea; the surface rises toward the interior, Slat taratinde in Ostero being 2,894 feet high, while a pinnacle called the Witch's Finger is said to be 3,000 feet. The climate is milder than the latitude might indicate, but the weather is very variable; the annual rainfall is about 70 inches. Sheep and horses can winter in the open air. The soil is generally thin; barley is the only cereal that comes to maturity; turnips and pota toes thrive well. There are no trees, but abun
dance of excellent turf and also coal. The wealth of the inhabitants is chiefly derived from fishing and the feeding of sheep. The feathers of sea-fowl form an important article of trade, and coarse woolens are manufactured. Some horses and cattle are kept; the former are small, but strong and hardy. Thorshavn, in Strome, is the seat of government and the only town. These islands have belonged to Denffiark since 1380. The inhabitants are Norse, and speak a Norse dialect in which there are a number of old ballads extant; the official language is Dan ish. They have autonomy in local affairs, and are also represented in the Danish Parliament by two representatives elected by the people. Pop. 18,000, mainly Lutheran in religion. Con sult Jeaffreson, (The Far& Islands' (1897) ; Annandale, (The Faroes and Iceland' (1905).