Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands, often called the Falklands, are a group of islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. They are located about 300 miles east of South America's southern coast and about 752 miles from the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The islands consist of two large islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, along with many smaller ones.

As a British Overseas Territory, the Falklands are largely self-governing, with the United Kingdom handling their defense and foreign affairs. The largest town and capital is Stanley on East Falkland. The islands were first settled by Europeans in the 17th century, and over time have been claimed by France, Britain, Spain, and Argentina. In 1982, Argentine forces invaded the islands, leading to the Falklands War, after which British control was restored.

Today, the Falkland Islands have a small population of around 3,662 people, many of whom were born there. Most people speak English, and the islands are British citizens. The climate is subantarctic and tundra-like, with mountains and many birds. The main ways people make a living include fishing, tourism, and sheep farming. There has also been interest in oil exploration, though this remains a point of disagreement with Argentina.

Etymology

See also: List of Falkland Islands placenames

The name Falkland Islands comes from Falkland Sound, the narrow sea path that separates the two largest islands. An English explorer named John Strong named this sound in 1690 to honor a man who helped fund his trip.

The islands are also called Islas Malvinas in Spanish. This name comes from a French explorer who visited the islands in 1764. He named them after a port in France called Saint-Malo, which was where his journey began.

History

Main articles: History of the Falkland Islands and Timeline of the history of the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands were not home to any people when Europeans first arrived. Early explorers from Europe visited the islands in the 16th century, but it was not until 1690 that an English captain named John Strong officially landed there.

For many years, the islands had no permanent settlers. In 1764, France set up a small settlement, and soon after, in 1765, Britain did the same. Over time, Spain took control from France and there were some conflicts between Spain and Britain. By 1774, Britain left, leaving Spain in charge.

In the early 1800s, an American privateer claimed the islands for Argentina, and a merchant named Luis Vernet started a settlement there. However, things became unstable, and in 1833, British forces returned and reestablished control.

In 1840, the Falklands became an official British colony. The main industry was raising sheep for wool, which helped the islands grow economically. In the 20th century, the Falklands were important for Britain in World War I and World War II, and they helped govern some nearby islands too.

Tensions rose between Britain and Argentina over who should control the Falklands, especially in the later half of the 20th century. This led to a short war in 1982 when Argentina invaded, but British forces quickly took the islands back. Since then, the Falklands have worked to build a stronger economy with tourism, fishing, and other industries.

Government

Main article: Politics of the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory. They have full control over their own local matters, while the United Kingdom handles their defense and foreign affairs. The Monarch of the United Kingdom is the official head of state, but a governor appointed by the monarch runs the government, with help from a chief executive chosen by the local Legislative Assembly.

The government is led by the governor and chief executive, who work with an Executive Council made up of the chief executive, the Director of Finance, and elected members of the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly is made up of the chief executive, the director of finance, and eight elected members who serve four-year terms. There are no political parties in the Falkland Islands.

Defence

Main article: Military of the Falkland Islands

The United Kingdom is responsible for defending the Falkland Islands. There is a British military presence on the islands, and the local government supports a small Falkland Islands Defence Force. The islands also have an exclusive economic zone that stretches 200 nautical miles from the coast, based on international law.

Sovereignty dispute

Both the United Kingdom and Argentina say the Falkland Islands belong to them. The UK says it has controlled the islands since 1833 and that the people there have the right to decide their own future. Argentina says it gained the islands when it became independent in 1816. In a vote in 2013, nearly all people on the islands voted to stay a British territory. Argentina does not accept this vote and does not discuss the islands' status with the Falkland Islanders.

Geography

Main article: Geography of the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands cover an area of 4,700 square miles (12,000 km²) and have a coastline of about 800 miles (1,300 km). The islands consist of two large islands, West Falkland and East Falkland, along with 776 smaller islands. They are mostly hilly and mountainous, except for the flat area called Lafonia on the southern part of East Falkland.

Located in the South Atlantic Ocean on the Patagonian Shelf, the Falklands sit about 300 miles (480 km) east of southern Argentina. East Falkland holds the capital, Stanley, a UK military base, and the highest point, Mount Usborne, which rises to 2,313 feet (705 m). The climate is cool, windy, and often rainy, with temperatures ranging from about 9 °C (48 °F) in summer to −1 °C (30 °F) in winter.

Biodiversity

Main article: Wildlife of the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are home to many interesting plants and animals. Birds are very common there, including a special flightless duck called the Falkland steamer duck. The islands also have many insects and over 400 types of lichens, which are mixtures of fungi and algae.

The waters around the islands are visited by sea animals like seals and whales. There are also five kinds of penguins and some of the biggest albatross colonies in the world. The land is mostly grassy fields used for sheep, and many plants there are small and tough because of the strong winds. Some animals like foxes and rabbits were brought to the islands by people, and they have sometimes caused problems for the native wildlife.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the Falkland Islands

See also: Falkland Islands oil and Transport in the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands has a small but strong economy. It is one of the highest in the world for each person's share of wealth but is ranked low overall because of its small size. The islands have very low unemployment and stable prices.

The islands' economy grew because of ships stopping for supplies and raising sheep for fine wool. Fishing and oil exploration became important after a war in 1982. Today, the islands export wool, fish, and squid, and many people work for the local government. Tourism is growing, with visitors coming to see wildlife and go fishing or explore old shipwrecks. Even during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy stayed strong.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the Falkland Islands

See also: Falkland Islanders and Religion in the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands have a small and friendly population. Most people there come from families who moved from Scotland and Wales long ago. Some families also have roots in England, France, Gibraltar, Scandinavia, and South America. In 2016, about 43% of the people living there were born on the islands.

Many young people left the islands in the past for better education and jobs, especially in a city in Britain called Southampton. Recently, new people from the United Kingdom, Saint Helena, and Chile have moved there. In 2012, most people said they felt most like Falkland Islanders, with many also feeling British.

The islands don’t have many people living there. In 2012, about 2,932 people lived on the islands, not counting military workers and their families. The biggest town is Stanley, with over 2,000 people. Most people are in their working years, and there are a few more men than women.

Most people on the Falkland Islands believe in Christianity, especially Anglican and Protestant traditions. Some people do not follow any religion, and a few follow other beliefs like the Baháʼí Faith, Buddhism, or Islam.

Education

Further information: Education in the Falkland Islands

Children in the Falkland Islands go to school for free from age 5 to 16, just like in England. They can start their school journey in places like Stanley or small villages. For older students, secondary school is only in Stanley, where they can stay in boarding homes and choose from 12 different subjects. After age 16, students can go to colleges in England to learn more, and the government helps pay for them to study in the United Kingdom.

Culture

Main article: Culture of the Falkland Islands

The culture of the Falkland Islands comes from the traditions of British settlers, with some influence from Hispanic South America. People there often use words and names from the old Gaucho inhabitants. English is the main language, and most speak British English, but some also speak Spanish. The islands are known for being friendly places where people love to chat.

There is one weekly newspaper called The Penguin News, and TV and radio shows mostly come from the United Kingdom. Local food is much like British food, using fresh vegetables, lamb, mutton, beef, and fish. People also enjoy homemade cakes and biscuits with tea or coffee. Social life is busy with many clubs and groups for different interests.

Sport

Main article: Sport in the Falkland Islands

Even though the Falkland Islands are small, they take part in the Commonwealth Games and Island Games. The Falkland Islands national cricket team is part of the International Cricket Council.