Shetland Islands

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Shetland Islands Group of c.100 islands ne of the Orkneys, 210km (130mi) off the n coast of Scotland, constituting an administrative region. The principal islands are Mainland (which has the main town of Lerwick), Yell, Unst, Whalsay, and Bressay. Settled by Norse invaders in the 9th century, Scotland sezied the islands in 1472. Fishing and livestock are important, and the islands are famous for Shetland ponies. The region is also noted for its woollen clothing. More recently, oil and tourism have become major industries. Area: 1433sq km (553sq mi) Pop. (2000) 22,440.

http://www.shetland.gov.uk; http://www.visitshetland.com

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