World’s ‘darkest country’ with even less sunny hours than the UK

There are some European islands that are even less sunny than the UK

While it may sometimes seem like the UK is the gloomiest country, particularly with its scant sunshine during winter, this isn’t actually true. In fact, four countries have been identified as having less sunshine.

The Faroe Islands top the list of the darkest countries, receiving only an average of 840 hours of sunshine annually.

In contrast, the UK enjoys around 1,530 hours of sunshine each year. The Faroe Islands, an archipelago nestled between Iceland and Scotland, are part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Despite their lack of sunlight, these 18 islands remain a breathtaking holiday spot, brimming with caves, walking trails and historical sites.

The capital city, Tórshavn, situated on Streymoy Island at the heart of the archipelago, is renowned for its beautiful old town and Tinganes, one of the world’s oldest parliamentary buildings, first used when settlers arrived on the island in 825.

The island also hosts Tórshavn Cathedral, the second oldest preserved church in the Faroes, established in 1609. The oldest church in the Faroes, Saint Ólav’s Church, dating back to 1250, can also be found on Streymoy Island, along with the ruins of the medieval Magnus Cathedral.

Over on Kalsoy Island, visitors can immerse themselves in the picturesque nature of these islands and hike to the lighthouse, affectionately known as the ‘lighthouse at the end of the world. ‘ This is one of the most popular hiking routes in the Faroe Islands.

Visitors to the Faroes can also rent cars and utilise the undersea tunnels, significantly reducing travel time across the archipelago’s various islands.

Secret London has unveiled lists of the world’s sunniest and least sunny countries. Egypt basks in the top spot as the sunniest, while the Faroe Islands take the dubious honour of being the darkest, closely trailed by Iceland and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

The UK unsurprisingly features on the list of least sunny nations, ranking fifth, just behind Ireland in fourth place.

The countries with the least sunshine

1. Faroe Islands
2. Iceland
3. Saint Pierre and Miquelon
4. Ireland
5. United Kingdom
6. Belgium
7. Equatorial Guinea
8. Switzerland
9. Poland
10. Lithuania

The world’s sunniest countries

1. Egypt
2. Namibia
3. Sudan
4. United Arab Emirates
5. Oman
6. Botswana
7. Eritrea
8. Chad
9. Mauritania
10. Cyprus