Hetland is a constituent republic of Volcanic Region.
| Hetland Republic | |
|---|---|
| Archipelago of the Shetland Islands | |
| Constituent Republic of Vekllei | |
 |
|
| Part of the Volcanic Region | |
| Its windswept and mostly treeless islands are famous for the quality of their wool. | |
| Population | 26,400 |
| Demographics |
90% Scandinavian 6% European 2% Chinese
2% other
|
| Economy | Metals, machinery & defence Energy & minerals, Fisheries & shipping |
| Produces | Petroleum, Natural Gas, Knitwear, Wool, Fish |
| Working week | 19.0 hours |
| Specialisation | Science & Research |
| Accession | 1836, as part of the British Atlantic Territories |
| Area | 1,467 km² |
| Capital | Lerwick |
| Languages | Commonwealth Celtic, Irish, Scots, Norn, English |
The Hetland Republic is a constituent republic of Vekllei in the North Atlantic Ocean. It comprises a group of about 100 islands east of the Vekllei republic of Aismious between Norway and Scotland, though only a couple dozen of them are inhabited. They are skirted by rich undersea oil deposits which form the economic basis of the their economy, and its windswept and mostly treeless islands are famous for the quality of their wool.
Most Hetlanders live in Lerwick, the capital and largest city located on the island of Mainland. Historically, Hetland has been influenced by both Celtic and Norse cultures. First settled by the Norse in the 8th and 9th centuries, the islands were part of the Kingdom of Norway until they were transferred to the North Sea Kingdom in the 16th century. Throughout Norse settlement, an influx of Celtic settlers from Ireland and West Scotland influenced culture on the islands. This heritage is still visible today in the local dialect, place names and its traditions. One of the most famous cultural events is the Up Helly Aa festival, a Viking-inspired celebration in Lerwick that features torch-lit processions and the burning of a galley. They speak a kind of fusion of Celtic and Old Norse languages, including a variant of Norn and Irish.
Economically, the islands have traditionally depended on fishing, crofting (small-scale farming), and knitwear, particularly their famous Fair Isle sweaters. In recent decades, oil extraction from the North Sea has been exploited by Commonwealth Oil, bringing considerable development to the region. The Hetlands are also a popular tourist destination for Vekllei people because of their proximity to the British Isles, natural beauty, birdwatching opportunities, and rich archaeological sites. These include Jarlshof, which provide evidence for 4,000 years of human history on the islands.
Despite their isolation, the Hetlands are well-connected to both Aismious and Oslola by hydrofoil and air services. The islands maintain a strong sense of community and cultural identity. Their recent prosperity and discovery of oil under the North Sea has brought it into economic conflict with the UK, and the Armed Forces maintains Air Station Hetland on Mainland.
- Electronic Components
- Fish
- Wheat
- Lubricants
- Milk
- Palm Oil
- Beans
- Salt
- Sea Island Cotton
- Sheep
- Wool
Climate
Subarctic maritime, with cool temperatures moderated by the surrounding ocean. Summers are mild and brief, averaging 10–14°C; winters are cold and dark, though rarely freezing at sea level. Strong winds are a constant presence.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6° 2° 6° 2° 7° 2° 8° 4° 11° 6° 13° 8° 14° 10° 15° 11° 13° 9° 10° 7° 8° 4° 7° 3°
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun 6° 2° 6° 2° 7° 2° 8° 4° 11° 6° 13° 8° Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 14° 10° 15° 11° 13° 9° 10° 7° 8° 4° 7° 3°
Public Holidays
- New Year’s Day 1 Jan
- Up Helly Aa Last Tue in Jan
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Commonwealth Day 1 May
- Republic Day 20 Jun
- Christmas Day 25 Dec
- Boxing Day 26 Dec
- Jarlshof: An archaeological site spanning 4,000 years, with remnants from the Bronze Age, Viking, and medieval periods.
- Sumburgh Head Lighthouse: A historic lighthouse offering views of seabirds like puffins and dramatic coastal scenery.
- Lerwick: The capital with charming streets Nordic-style streets, the Hetland National Museum, and a busy waterfront.
- Fair Isle: Renowned for its knitwear and as a top destination for birdwatchers.
- St Ninian’s Isle: A tombolo beach connecting to a small isle, known for scenic walks and archaeological finds.
- Lerwick Harbour: Key for fishing, freight, oil transport, and cruise ship docking.
- Office of Administration 45
- Office of Industrial Affairs 25
- Office of Research Ethics 35
- Office of Nuclear Security & Safeguards 35
- Office of the DSRE 45
- Office of Legislative, Foreign & Public Relations 30
- Office of the Chief Scientist 35
- Division of Reactor Engineering 420
- Division of Fuel Cycle Science 360
- Division of Thermal Hydraulics 375
- Division of Plasma Physics 405
- Division of Magnetic Confinement 295
- Division of Direct Energy Conversion 465
- Division of Nuclear Thermal Rocketry 345
- Division of Compact Power Systems 375
- Division of Monopole Physics 310
- Division of Catalyst Engineering 265
- Division of Magnetic Trap Systems 295
- Division of Dosimetry & Health Physics 310
- Division of Shielding & Materials 330
- Division of Environmental Monitoring 500
- Office of Rural Placement 1,800
- Boreal Economic Area 2,100
- Scatsta Air Base 1,120
- National Signals Training School 1,370
- Muckle Roe Barracks 350
- Muckle Roe Patrol Station 430
- Boreal Court Area 3,100
- Boreal Supply Area 2,400
- Celtic Works 1,800
- Boreal Distribution Area 1,780
- Office of Country Works 1,400
- Hearing Aids Office 1,200
- Hetland Shell Factory 1,000
- Hotel Jamieson 50
- Tulloch's Böd 30
- Science & Research 16.7%
- Industry 14.8%
- Economic Planning 12.7%
- Healthcare 9.2%
All 19 groups
Hide table
- Science & Research 16.7%
- Industry 14.8%
- Economic Planning 12.7%
- Healthcare 9.2%
| Occupation | Share | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| Science & Research | 16.7% | 9,440 |
| Industry | 14.8% | 8,350 |
| Economic Planning | 12.7% | 7,170 |
| Healthcare | 9.2% | 5,220 |
| Retail, Distribution & Logistics | 9.2% | 5,190 |
| Law & Justice | 7.6% | 4,280 |
| Education | 6.0% | 3,390 |
| Information & Communications | 3.9% | 2,220 |
| Security & Defence | 3.7% | 2,080 |
| Transport | 3.1% | 1,750 |
| Agriculture, Land & Sea | 2.3% | 1,290 |
| Skilled Trades & Construction | 2.3% | 1,290 |
| Energy & Resources | 2.3% | 1,280 |
| Domestic | 1.9% | 1,090 |
| Government & Civil Administration | 1.3% | 750 |
| Sport & Recreation | 1.2% | 700 |
| Arts & Media | 1.2% | 670 |
| Hospitality & Participatory Trades | 0.5% | 270 |
| Religious & Ceremonial | 0.2% | 130 |
Register estimates of posts located in the republic, rounded; figures under 50 suppressed. Includes 25,200 posts held by non-residents.