Orkney is a group of about 70 islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean to the north-east of Scotland, of which only 20 are inhabited by human population.
This archipelago has been formed by glacial erosion of sandstone and limestone. It is separated from the Scottish mainland by the Strait of Pentland Firth.
It was under Norwegian and Danish rule till the end of the 15th century. Presently it is under Scotland.
Four UNESCO World Heritage Sites Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones of Stenness and Meshowe Tomb are located on this archipelago.
Recently it has passed a proposal to break away from Britain and become a self-governing territory of Norway.