Introduction: 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: 12,173 sq km (4,700 sq miles)
Population: 2,900
Continent: South America
Density per square mile:
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 & 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 degrees Celsius in January to 2 degrees Celsius 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 Details