The Faroe Islands were inhabited in the sixth century by Irish monks and religion plays an important role in society with 80% of the population belonging to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The country is self-governing under the Danish crown and the Constitution provides for complete freedom of religion. The fishing industry is the main sector contributing to the Faroese economy. Due to price swings in this branch, the Faroese economy is vulnerable. The Faroese practice of whaling has drawn international criticism. (See previous Faroe Islands article) Denmark contributes about 15% of the Faroese GDP, allowing the Faroese population to have a standard of living almost equal to that of the Danes and other Scandinavians. The Islands have a firm fisheries and free trade agreement with the European Union. At present the Faroese government is assessing the possibility of widening the scope of co-operation to the so-called four freedoms – the free movement of goods, services, capital and persons. They are also participating in EU's research cooperation programme (FP7). See also: www.framtak.com/eysturoy/places/churches.html