What Country Starts With F? An Overview of Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France & French Polynesia
When most people think about countries starting with the letter "F", France is probably the first to come to mind. However, there are actually five countries around the world whose English names begin with the letter F!
In this article, we‘ll take a quick tour across the globe to learn some interesting facts about:
- Faroe Islands
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- French Polynesia
So let‘s get started on our "F country" journey!
Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are an archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean, roughly halfway between Iceland, Norway and Scotland. Contrary to their name, the Faroe Islands are not actually that far or remote, located only 300 miles from Scotland.
Here are some key facts about this scenic island nation:
- Population[1]: Around 50,000
- Capital: Tórshavn
- Language: Faroese. Danish also widely spoken.
- Geography: 18 mountainous volcanic islands, ranging from just a few square miles to over 200 square miles in size. Known for dramatic fjords, sheer sea cliffs, and green rolling hills.
- Economy[2]: Fishing and fish processing are vital to the islands‘ economy and way of life. Salmon and herring exports drive much of the Faroe Islands‘ trade and GDP. Shipbuilding and woolen goods like sweaters are also exported abroad. Tourism is a growing sector.
- Fun Fact: The Faroe Islands are known for their thriving seabird populations, especially puffins! Over 300 species of birds have been spotted in this remote island chain.
So in summary, the Faroe Islands may be remote and tiny in population, but they offer visitors gorgeous vistas and a proud tradition of seafaring. Just dress warmly!
Fiji
Fiji is arguably the tropical paradise of the South Pacific. With white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and welcoming locals, Fiji has become a popular destination for travelers and honeymooners.
Here‘s an overview of key facts:
- Population[3]: Around 900,000
- Capital: Suva
- Geography: Fiji consists of over 300 islands, although only about a third are inhabited. The two largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
- Languages: Fijian, English, and Fiji Hindi
- Economy[4]: Tourism and sugar exports are main drivers of Fiji‘s economy. Visitors flock to Fiji‘s luxury resorts and diving sites while sugar and bottled water are also exported abroad.
- Culture & Cuisine: Fijian culture is a melting pot of native, Indian, Chinese and European influences after waves of immigration and colonization over the centuries. Traditional Fijian cuisine makes use of root crops and seafood flavored with coconut and chili pepper. Indian dishes like curries are also popular.
In summary, Fiji deserves its reputation as an alluring island getaway with a unique blend of cultures. The traditional Fijian greeting "Bula!" means "life" as well as "hello!", perfectly capturing Fiji‘s warm spirit.
Finland
Let‘s head back over to Europe now to the Nordic country of Finland. While often overshadowed by its Scandinavian neighbors, Finland has plenty to offer visitors and locals alike:
- Population[5]: Around 5.5 million
- Capital and Largest City: Helsinki
- Language: Finnish and Swedish (both official). Saami languages also recognized.
- Geography: Located in Fennoscandia and Northern Europe with coastlines along Baltic Sea, Gulf of Finland, and Gulf of Bothnia. Thick boreal forests, over 188,000 lakes, and milder weather due to Gulf Stream influence.
- Economy[6]: Highly industrialized mixed economy with well-developed manufacturing, services, and trade sectors. Notable companies include Nokia (telecom), Kone (elevators), and Rovio (Angry Birds games).
- Culture & Cuisine: Finnish way of life reflects the country‘s geographic location between East and West. Finns value equality, nature, resilience (sisu), and quiet reflection. Finnish cuisine makes use of the region‘s natural bounty such as berries, mushrooms, reindeer meat, and fresh fish.
So while not a tropical paradise, Finland offers stunning Nordic wilderness, cutting-edge design and technology, and the chance to unwind with an authentic smoke sauna.
| Faroe Islands | Fiji | Finland | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 50,000 | 900,000 | 5,500,000 |
| Location | North Atlantic Ocean | South Pacific Ocean | Northern Europe |
| Economy | Fishing, fish processing | Tourism, sugar exports | High-tech manufacturing, forestry, services |
| Cuisine | Seafood, root vegetables | Seafood, tropical fruits, curry | Berries, mushrooms, reindeer meat, fish |
Sources:
[1] https://countryeconomy.com/demography/population/faroe-islands
[2] https://www.britannica.com/place/Faroe-Islands/Economy
[3] https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=FJ
[4] https://www.britannica.com/place/Fiji-republic-Pacific-Ocean/Cultural-life#ref1028807
[5] https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=FI
[6] https://www.britannica.com/place/Finland/Manufacturing
France
No article on "F countries" would be complete without discussing France! Let‘s cross the English Channel and learn more about this famed European country:
- Population[7]: Around 67 million
- Capital and Largest City: Paris
- Language: French (official). Also regional languages like Breton and Alsatian.
- Geography: France has coastlines along the English Channel, Bay of Biscay, and Mediterranean Sea. Landscapes range from coastal plains in the north and west to the Pyrenees and Alps mountains in the south. France also has various overseas regions and territories around the world.
- Economy[8]: France has the world‘s 7th largest economy by GDP. Major industries include tourism, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, and agriculture. Agricultural products range from wheat and dairy to the world-famous wines of French vineyards.
- Culture & Cuisine: France draws over 80 million visitors a year to experience its renowned cuisine, arts, fashion, and culture. French gastronomy—centered around pastries, cheese, and wine—is influential globally. Culturally, France takes pride in its "art de vivre", valuing good food, conversation, and beauty in everyday life.
So while opinions of the French people can be mixed, few can deny that France offers superb cuisine and scenery from the cultured streets of Paris to the sunny vineyards of Provence. No wonder France remainssuch a popular global tourist destination!
French Polynesia
For our last stop on this world tour of "F countries", let‘s escape to the warm tropical waters of French Polynesia in the South Pacific!
- Population[9]: Around 300,000
- Capital: Papeete, on the island of Tahiti
- Geography: French Polynesia consists of over 100 scattered islands and atolls spread out over a swath of the Pacific Ocean about the size of Western Europe. The islands are grouped into archipelagos like the Society Islands (including Tahiti), Marquesas Islands, and Tuamotus.
- Economy[10]: Tourism and pearl farming are main industries. French subsidies and aid also provide economic assistance.
- Culture & Cuisine: With a blend of Polynesian, French, Chinese and other cultural influences, French Polynesia offers a unique hybrid culture. Cuisine consists mainly of seafood, root vegetables, and tropical fruits like mangoes, papaya, bananas and pineapple.
So if you ever dream of relaxing on a white sand beach under swaying palm trees, keep French Polynesia in mind! The postcard-perfect islands offer a taste of paradise.
While France may be the most famous "F country", there are actually five fascinating countries around the world starting with the letter F. From the remote yet stunning Faroe Islands to the beaches and reefs of French Polynesia, each destination promises its own brand of adventure. I hope you‘ve enjoyed this quick introduction to the "F countries". Let me know if you have any other questions!
