Are Faroe Islands a country?

There are some indications that Faroe Islands are a country, but there are also indications to the contrary.

A part of Denmark

• Faroe Islands, Greenland and Denmark are parts of one kingdom with one queen. If a Faroese person asks Danes whether Faroe Islands is a country, the Danes reply that it is called "The Kingdom of Denmark as far as Faroe Islands are concerned".
• We can not become member of the European Union because we are not a country.
• Faroe Islands have no seat in United Nations, Denmark represents Faroe Islands.
• The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority supervises Faroese financial insitutions.
• The Faroe Islands each year receive about half a billion Danish Kroner in financial support from Denmark. In the year 2007, this corresponds to 14% of the income in the Faroese national budget.
• On Faroe Islands the Danish currency Krone is used. There is no Faroese currency. The bank notes, however have Faroese text, although they still use the Danish currency.

A country

• On the Internet, Faroe Islands have their own country code which is FO, and a language code which is FO.
• When a foreigner wants to send mail to Faroe Islands, they must write Faroe Islands as country on the parcel.
• Faroe Islands have their own national soccer team.
• Faroe Islands have their own flag.
• Faroe Islands have a parliament which enacts laws.
• On flight trips between Denmark and Faroe Islands it is possible to buy goods tax-free, because that is what it is like between countries.