Forgotten World (242): Faroe Islands
The Faroes, an archipelago of 18 islands in the North Atlantic with a population of only 50,000, constitute an autonomous region of Denmark. While the islands’ rugged coastlines and extensive bird life are a draw for some, the Faroes also offer the prospect of major offshore reserves of oil and gas.
These potential resources have given extra weight to the argument for full independence from Denmark. But a planned referendum on the issue was shelved in 2001 after Denmark said it would halt aid within four years if voters favoured the independence proposals.