Faroe Islands a reaction to the growing self-government and independence movements, Denmark finally granted the Faroe Islands home-rule with a high degree of local autonomy on 30 March 1948. In 1973 the Faroe Islands declined to join Denmark in entering the European Economic Community (later absorbed into the European Union). The islands experienced considerable economic difficulties following the collapse of the fishing industry in the early 1990s, but have since made efforts to diversify the economy. Support for independence has grown and is the objective of the Republican Party. The Faroe Islands are an island group consisting of 18 major islands (and
Church of the Faroe Islands his absence, and sits "ex officio" on the Church of the Faroe Islands ministerial council. There are around twenty-five ordained priests serving the churches and chaplaincies of the Church of the Faroe Islands. Around 60 churches and chapels are grouped into 14 parishes across the country. The Church of the Faroe Islands clergy directory lists 25 parish priests "(Sóknarprestur)", of whom one also serves as hospital chaplain, and one as diocesan exorcist. "For pre-Reformation bishops see Ancient Diocese of the Faroe Islands" Church of the Faroe Islands The Church of the Faroe Islands (, "people's church") is one of the