Country Guide • Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands are in Southern South America The islands are in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina. The Falkland Islands are located to the northeast of Cape Horn and consist of two main islands, East and West Falkland as well as around 200 small islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Although first sighted by an English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement (French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce fighting forced Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.
| Official Name | Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) |
|---|---|
| Area | 12,173km² (4,700mile²) |
| Population | 2,900 |
| Continent | South America |
| Population per mile² | |
| Capital City | Port Stanley |
| Religions | Mostly Christians of the Roman Catholic, United Free and Anglican Churches |
| Language | English |
| Government | British Dependent Territory |
| Member of EU | N/A |
| Currency | Falkland Pound |
| GDP | $52 million (1996) |
| GDP per Head | $19,000 (1996) |
| Natural Resources | Fish |
| Land Use | Arable Land 1% |
| Agriculture | Fodder and vegetable crops, sheep, fish and dairy products |
| Industry | Wool and fish processing; sale of stamps and coins; tourism |
| Tourism | Relatively little tourism here |
| Natural Hazards | Strong winds persist throughout the year |
| Health Risks | |
| Climate | The Falkland Islands has a cold climate characterised by strong winds, particularly in the spring. For approximately half of the yearit rains but not heavily with rainfall during this time averaging 25 inches. Average annual temperature ranges are from 19°C in January to 2°C in July |
| Time | GMT/UTC-4 hours |
| National Days | June 14 |
| Visas | On arrival in the Falkland Islands you must have a passport valid for a minimum of six months and a current visa if required, a return air ticket (or other evidence of pre-paid onward travel) pre-booked accommodation and sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Islands. Visitors are prohibited from obtaining paid employment without first obtaining a work permit |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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