The political system
The parliament has seven standing committees: the Finance Committee, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Fisheries and Industry, the Welfare Committee, the Committee on Judicial Affairs and the Committee on Governmental Affairs.

The 33 members of parliament are elected by direct, general elections for a period of four years. The present members were elected on January 19, 2008, and represent six parties: Sjálvstyrisflokkurin (The Independence Party), Sambandsflokkurin (The Unionist Party), Javnadarflokkurin (The Faroese Social Democratic Party), Fólkaflokkurin (The People's Party), Tjodveldisflokkurin (Republican), and Midflokkurin (The Centre Party).

Since September 24, 2008 Mr. Kaj Leo Johannesen from Sambandsflokkurin has been the prime minister of a government consisting of Sambandsflokkurin, Javnadarflokkurin and Fólkaflokkurin. In addition to the prime minister, the Cabinet consists of the ministers for foreign affairs; finance; fishe-ries; trade and industry; edu-cation, research and culture; health; social affairs; and the interior.

Municipalities
The Faroe Islands have since 2005 been administratively divided into 34 municipalities. The number of municipalities is, however, expected to be reduced in the coming years.
The greater municipalities are organized in Kommunusamskipan Føroya (KFS) and the lesser are organized in Føroya Kommunufelag (FKF).