Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
As a microstate in Northern Europe, Faroe Islands is home to just 54.9k people, making it one of the less populous countries in the world. The country extends across 1,393 km², translating to a density of 39 people per km². Its capital is Tórshavn, and official languages include Danish and Faroese, while the Danish krone serves as the national currency.
Population
54,885
Area
1,393 km²
Density
39/km²
World Rank
#210
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. The gap between the birth rate (10.6 per thousand) and death rate (7.6 per thousand) has narrowed considerably. The population skews older, with 17.7% aged 65 or above and 20% under 15, signaling rising dependency ratios.
General Information
- Capital
- Tórshavn
- Region
- Europe
- Subregion
- Northern Europe
- Continent
- Europe
- Languages
- Danish, Faroese
- Currencies
- Danish krone (kr), Faroese króna (kr)
- Calling Code
- +298
- Top-Level Domain
- .fo
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- No
- Timezones
- UTC+00:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 54,885
- Land Area
- 1,393 km²
- Population Density
- 39 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +483 people
- Daily Growth
- +1 people
- World Population Share
- 0.00%
- Coordinates
- 62.00°, -7.00°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $74.1k, Faroe Islands sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards.
Life Expectancy
83.1 years
GDP per Capita
$74,120
Birth Rate
10.6 per 1,000
Death Rate
7.6 per 1,000
Urban Population
39.4%
Fertility Rate
1.86 births/woman
Internet Users
97.6%
Under 15
20.0%
Over 65
17.7%
Age Distribution
0-14 years
11K
15-64 years
34K
65+ years
10K
Urbanization
Only 39.4% of the population lives in urban areas, reflecting a predominantly rural way of life that shapes access to services and markets. Tórshavn serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net inward migration of 386.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
21,630
39.4%
33,255
60.6%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 83.1 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Internet penetration of 97.6% is well above the global average, influencing access to information, education, and digital services.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Faroe Islands is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.9 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. The territory's governance arrangements will influence how effectively it adapts to evolving population dynamics.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 54,885 |
| 2030 | 56,829 |
| 2035 | 59,329 |
| 2040 | 61,911 |
| 2045 | 64,580 |
| 2050 | 67,342 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Faroe Islands?
The population of Faroe Islands is approximately 54,885 as of 2026, making it #210 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Faroe Islands?
The capital of Faroe Islands is Tórshavn.
What languages are spoken in Faroe Islands?
The main languages spoken in Faroe Islands are Danish, Faroese.
How big is Faroe Islands?
Faroe Islands covers an area of 1,393 km² with a population density of 39 people per km².
Is Faroe Islands growing or shrinking?
Faroe Islands is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 483 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Faroe Islands?
The average life expectancy in Faroe Islands is 83.1 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Faroe Islands?
The GDP per capita of Faroe Islands is $74,120.