an archipelago in the Norwegian Sea, near the northwestern coast of Scandinavia, from which it is separated by the strait of Vestfjorden. The islands belong to Norway. They include Austvagöy, Vestvagüy, Flakstadoy, Moskenesüy, and numerous small islands. Area, 1,200 sq km. The relief is mountainous, with elevations to 1,161 m. The islands are composed primarily of granites, gneisses, syenites, and crystal-line schists. The shorelines are rocky and indented by small fjords; there is a narrow coastal plain only in some places. The climate is humid and oceanic. The average January temperature is approximately 0°C; the average July temperature, 12°C; precipitation totals more than 1,000 mm per year. The sea near the coasts of the islands does not freeze. Mountain tundra vegetation and heaths cover the islands. There is intensive sea fishing (herring and cod) and sheep raising. The main inhabited area is Svolvser.