What is Shetland?
[[File:Wfm shetland map.svg|thumb|right|A map of the islands]] [[File:Shetland Brit Isles Sect 1.svg|thumb|right|The islands are shown in red]] [[File:Flag of Shetland.svg|thumb|right|Flag of Shetland]] '''Shetland''' (or the '''Shetland Islands''') is an [[archipelago]], the furthest out part of [[Scotland]] in the [[United Kingdom]]. The islands are between the [[Faroe Islands]] and the [[Orkney Islands]]. They are about 50 [[mile]]s to the northeast of the Orkney Islands. They are about 100 islands in the group. People live on 16 of them. The islands form part of the boundary between the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the west, and the [[North Sea]] to the east. The largest islands of the group are Mainland, Yell, Unst, Fetlar, Whalsay, and Bressay. In general, the [[climate]] of the group is sub[[arctic]], and rather [[bleak]]. They used to be called '''Hjaltland''' or '''Zetland'''. Today, the islands are part of [[Scotland]]. The administrative centre is [[Lerwick]]. The economy of the islands is largely based on [[agriculture]]. The [[sheep]] are known for their fine [[wool]]. Other well-known exports are the [[Shetland pony|Shetland ponies]] and [[Shetland Sheepdog]]. In [[1969]] [[crude oil]] was discovered near the islands, leading to an alternative source of income for them. == History == ===Scandinavian colonisation=== [[Image:Flateyjarbok Haraldr Halfdan.jpg|thumb|Harald Hårfagre took control of Hjaltland in ca 875. <br>From an Icelandic manuscript of the 1400s.]] By the end of the 9th century the [[Norse]]men shifted from [[Viking|plundering]] to [[invasion]], mainly due to the overpopulation of [[Scandinavia]] in comparison to resources and arable land available there.<ref>James Graham-Campbell 1999. ''Cultural atlas of the Viking world''. p38. {{ISBN|0-8160-3004-9}}</ref> Shetland was colonised by Norsemen in the 9th century. The fate of the native population is unknown. The colonisers established their laws and language. That language evolved into the West Nordic language [[Norn language|Norn]