Labour force, survey

14. Nov 2025
Ongoing Survey: Are Faroese people still as active in the labour market?

Internationally Comparable Survey

The Labour Force Survey is a recurring annual survey conducted at the end of November each year. The purpose is to assess the labour force in the Faroe Islands among people aged 15 to 74 years resident in the Faroe Islands.

The labour force statistics are compiled in accordance with the definitions set by the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the United Nations. This ensures that the Faroese statistics are comparable to those of other countries.

Proportionally largest labour force in Europe

In November last year, there were 33,102 people in the Faroese labour force. The labour force includes both the employed and the unemployed. The share of the population aged 15–74 in the labour force — known as the activity rate — was 85 percent last year, which is the highest activity rate in Europe.

Recent surveys have shown that the Faroese activity rate is higher in almost all age groups. Below is a comparison with Iceland, Denmark, and the EU. The difference is mainly due to the fact that more women participate in the labour market in the Faroe Islands.

About the Survey

Most individuals are classified as part of the labour force — either as employed or unemployed — based on official registers. Of those remaining, 1,300 randomly selected people are chosen to participate in the survey.

Those who have Mínboks (the Faroese digital mailbox) will have the opportunity to respond online within a short time frame.
In the following days, Hagstova Føroya will call those who do not have Mínboks, as well as those who have not responded via Mínboks. The phone number from which Hagstova will call is 352828.

Read More

You can find more information about the survey  here, as well as on the theme page.
The article with internationally comparable figures from last year can be found here.