The population of the Faroe Islands as per December 2009 was 48,660. With a population density of 34,5 per square kilometer, the Faroe Islands have the second highest population density of the Nordic countries after Denmark. The Faroese are of Scandinavian origin, descendants of Vikings who came from Norway.
Culture of the Faroe Islands has its roots in the Nordic culture. The Faroe Islands were long isolated from the main cultural phases and movements that swept across parts of Europe.
The Faroe Islands are a self-governing territory under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark. It has its own parliament and own flag.