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The islands are on the whole low-lying, windswept, waterlogged and desolate. There is a conspicuous absence of trees. Only a few of the islands are inhabited. The capital is at [[Lerwick]] on Mainland, and other important settlements are at Sumburgh, Scalloway, Otterswick and Baltasound.

The islands are on the whole low-lying, windswept, waterlogged and desolate. There is a conspicuous absence of trees. Only a few of the islands are inhabited. The capital is at [[Lerwick]] on Mainland, and other important settlements are at Sumburgh, Scalloway, Otterswick and Baltasound.

The name Zetland was until the early 20th century applied to the county as a whole; and survives in the truncated form of the postcode (US: zip code) prefix for the islands, which is ZE. It is also the origin of the given name Zeta, popular for Shetland girl children and still sometimes encountered, for example in the film actress Catherine Zeta Jones, from [[Swansea]], [[Wales]], whose maternal grandmother was a Shetlander.

The name Zetland was, until the early 20th century, applied to the county as a whole; and survives in the truncated form of the postcode (US: zip code) prefix for the islands, which is ZE. It is also the origin of the given name Zeta, popular for Shetland girl children and still sometimes encountered, for example in the film actress Catherine Zeta Jones, from [[Swansea]], [[Wales]], whose maternal grandmother was a Shetlander.

== Economy ==

== Economy ==

Fishing, especially for [[cod]] and ling was historically important, the catches being exported in Medieval times to the cities of the [[Hanseatic League]].

Fishing, especially for [[cod]] and ling was historically important, the catches being exported in Medieval times to the cities of the [[Hanseatic League]].

Today, the [[oil]] industry dominates the islands economy, and is served by the huge terminal at Sullom Voe.

Today, the [[oil]] industry dominates the islands' economy, and is served by the huge terminal at Sullom Voe.

Fair Isle is famous for its jumpers, colorfully patterned woollen sweaters, traditionally knitted with no arms so that they can be worn while gathering [[seaweed]] from rockpools to be used as [[fertiliser]]; making these is still the primary occupation of the islands womenfolk today, although now they are exported worldwide and fetch high prices. In 1834 James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan visited the islands and ordered some of the local knitwear, but with a system of [[buttons]] fastening the front. This garment is still known as a cardigan.

Fair Isle is famous for its jumpers, colorfully patterned woollen sweaters, traditionally knitted with no arms so that they can be worn while gathering [[seaweed]] from rockpools to be used as [[fertiliser]]; making these is still the primary occupation of the island's women today, although now they are exported worldwide and fetch high prices. In 1834 James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan visited the islands and ordered some of the local knitwear, but with a system of [[buttons]] fastening the front. This garment is still known as a cardigan.

== Wildlife ==

== Wildlife ==