Orkney Islands: Archipelago, county and council area in northern Scotland

It is about 16 kilometres north of Caithness. 20 of the about 70 islands have people living on them. The administrative centre is Kirkwall (with about 8000 people living there). The next largest settlements are Stromness (2000 people) and St. Margaret's Hope (with about 550 people).

Orkney

Gaelic name	Arcaibh
Flag
Location
Orkney Orkney shown within Scotland
Coordinates	59°N 3°W / 59°N 3°W / 59; -3
Physical geography
Island group	Northern Isles
Area	990 km2 (380 sq mi)
Administration
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Country	Scotland
Council area	Orkney Islands Council
Demographics
Population	21,349 (2011 census)
Population density	52 per square mile (20/km2)
Largest settlement	Kirkwall

In addition to the mainland, most of the islands are in two groups, the North and South Isles. All of them are made of sandstone. The climate is mild and the soil is fertile. Most of the land is farmed and agriculture is the main source of income for the economy. There are many birds and fish.

In 2023 there were proposals that the islands could change their status in the UK, to be more like the Isle of Man or even become a self-governing territory of Norway.

Ferry services go much of the time to Lerwick (in Shetland). Most islands have air strips (for airplanes). This includes the shortest known flight service in the world, between Westray and Papa Westray. Official flight time is 2 minutes. If the wind goes in the right direction, the flight can take just over a minute.