Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands, group of 90 islands and islets, northern Scotland, constituting Orkney Island Area (an administrative region), separated from the northern coast of the Scottish mainland by the Pentland Firth. The administrative center and largest town is Kirkwall, on Mainland (or Pomona), the largest of the islands. Other major islands include Hoy, Sanday, Westray, Stronsay, and South Ronaldsay. The islands are generally low-lying and treeless, and just 30 are inhabited. Soils are fertile, and agriculture, the chief economic activity, is productive. Many of the islands have brochs (Pictish stone towers) and other relics of prehistoric habitation. The sea basin Scapa Flow, which was a British naval base during World War I and World War II, is located here. Area, 910 sq km (350 sq mi); population (2001) 19,245.