Vesteralen

a group of islands off the northwest coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula, near the Lofoten Islands. They belong to Norway and consist of three large islands (Hinnoy, Langoy, and Hadseloy) and numerous small islands. The general area is 2,400 sq km, and the population is approximately 35,000. The islands are rocky, with elevations to 600-700 m. There is a well-delineated coastal plain. The climate is temperate marine. In January the average temperature is around 0° C and in July around 12° C ; the annual precipitation is as much as 2,000 mm. There are peat bogs and meadows and in some areas birch scrub forests. The majority of the population earns a living by fishing.