Orkney

The Orkney Islands are an archipelago north of mainland Scotland, consisting of around 70 islands, of which about 20 are inhabited. The largest island is called Mainland, and the capital is Kirkwall.

The islands are part of Scotland and have their own local government through the Orkney Islands Council. Orkney has been inhabited for thousands of years, with a rich history that includes both Picts and Norse settlers. The islands are home to some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe.

Agriculture is a key industry, and renewable energy—especially from wind and tidal sources—is rapidly growing. The fertile land is extensively used for cultivation.

The climate in Orkney is similar to that of the Faroe Islands, with average winter temperatures around 4°C and summer temperatures around 12°C. The people of Orkney are called Orcadians, and they speak a distinctive Scottish dialect.

Population: Approx. 22,000
Currency: British Pound (GBP)
Area: 990 km²
IIGA Member since: 1985 - one of the founding member islands