Population of the Faroe Islands: how many people live there
The Faroe Islands have about 55,000 inhabitants (2026). How many live in Tórshavn and Klaksvík, how they are spread across the islands and how the population has grown.
The Faroe Islands have about 54,945 inhabitants (estimate at 1 January 2026 by Hagstova Føroya, the statistics office). It is one of the smallest populations in Europe with its own football team, language and parliament.
A growing population
| Year | Inhabitants (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1985 | 45,300 |
| 2005 | 48,300 |
| 2020 | 52,100 |
| 2025 | 54,640 |
| 2026 | 54,945 |
In recent years the population has grown steadily, with the biggest increase in the series between 2015 and 2026.
Where people live
Almost half the population lives on Streymoy, the capital’s island.
| Area (sýsla) | Inhabitants (1 January 2026) |
|---|---|
| Streymoy | 26,466 |
| Eysturoy | 12,709 |
| Norðoyar (northern islands) | 6,489 |
| Suðuroy | 4,491 |
| Sandoy | 1,348 |
The largest places are Tórshavn (about 14,200 inhabitants in the town), Klaksvík (about 5,100) and Hoyvík and Argir (about 4,700 and 2,600), two districts right next to the capital.
At the other end of the scale there are villages with very few residents: about 15 people live on Mykines, about 20 in Gjógv and only two on Stóra Dímun.
More sheep than people
There are almost 70,000 sheep in the islands, more than inhabitants. It is no coincidence that the country’s coat of arms is a ram: we tell you about it in the flag and coat of arms.
What language they speak
For around 90% of the population, Faroese is the mother tongue. Almost everyone also speaks Danish and English. More details in language.
Frequently asked questions
How many people live in the Faroe Islands?
About 54,945 on 1 January 2026, according to the estimate of the Faroese statistics office.
What is the largest town?
Tórshavn, the capital, with about 14,000 inhabitants in the town and quite a few more if you count the surrounding districts, such as Hoyvík and Argir. The second is Klaksvík, with about 5,100.
Are there more sheep than people?
Yes. There are almost 70,000 sheep for about 55,000 inhabitants.