Tórshavn

Tórshavn

Tórshavn, also spelled Thorshavn, port and capital of the Faroe Islands, Denmark. It is situated at the southern tip of Streymoy (Streym), the largest of the Faroe Islands. Tórshavn was founded in the 13th century, but it remained only a small village for several centuries thereafter. The ancient Lagting, or Faeroese parliament, used to meet on Tinganaes, a promontory that cuts Tórshavn harbour into two parts. The Lagting now meets in the centre of town. Tórshavn itself now houses about one-fourth of the total population of the Faroe Islands. It is well connected by road to other settlements on Streymoy, and boats link it to settlements on other islands in the archipelago. Its main industries are fishing and related activities. Tórshavn has secondary schools, the Faroese Academy, and a local museum. Pop. (2008 est.) 12,342.