The Shetland Islands are a group of over a hundred islands, situated about 210km (130 miles) north-east of the Scottish mainland. Only 15 of the islands are inhabited, the largest of which is Mainland. Other important islands include Yell, Unst, Fetlar, Whalsay, Bressay, Muckle Roe, Burra, Foula and Fair Isle.

The population of the Islands is roughly 23,000 people, about a third of which live in the main town and administrative centre, Lerwick on the Mainland. Another important settlement is that of Scalloway, population approximately 1,000, which was the Islands' capital at one time.

Shetland's Viking past is reflected in the many traditions in the area. Up Helly Aa is a fire festival held every year to celebrate the coming of the spring. The main industries are crofting and fishing, however in recent years fish farming, fish processing and Shetland knitwear have increased. The discovery of vast oil fields to the east of the Islands led to the construction of the Sullom Voe Terminal, one of the largest oil and liquefied gas terminals in Europe, bringing jobs and money into the area.

The tourist industry has increased in recent years. Shetland is home to many hundreds of species of birds during the Summer months. Its spectacular scenery and jagged coastline is also appealing to tourists.

Muckle Flugga, Unst, the most northerly lighthouse in Britain, lies only about 650 km (400 miles) from the arctic circle. However, despite being so northerly, Shetland enjoys a rather mild climate, due to warm Atlantic Ocean currents. Having said that, it is frequently battered by storms, especially in the Winter months.

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