Shetland Islands

Shetland Islands is an archipelago in northern Scotland and the northernmost part of the United Kingdom. The islands lie between Orkney, the Faroe Islands and Norway with Lerwick as the capital and largest settlement.

The largest island is called Mainland, and it is the fifth-largest island in the British Isles. Of the approximately 100 islands, 16 are inhabited. Ferry routes and an airport in Sumburgh connect Shetland to the Scottish mainland.

Fishing and energy are major contributors to the economy, especially following the development of the North Sea oil industry in the 1970s.

The Norse cultural heritage is clearly visible, particularly in place names and in the coat of arms, which bears the motto "Með lögum skal land byggja" ("With law shall the land be built").

Population: Approx. 23.000
Currency: British Pound (GBP)
Area: 1,467 km²
IIGA Member since: 1985 – one of the founding member islands