Peter Maunsbach

Belonging by the Naked Hills

Faroe Islands. 18 small, isolated islands between Norway and Iceland, commonly known for sheep and whaling. But here, on these wind-swept isles in the North Atlantic Ocean, one social issue is talked about more than others: young women are disappearing.

They leave the country to study abroad—and they don’t return. Meanwhile, some villages are left more or less empty of entire age groups.
The ones who remain are those who consciously have chosen to stay. Their connection to the country and their village runs deep—strong enough to make them want to shape a life around the hills, where women their age are more the exception than the rule.

Spring, 2025

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