The Falkland Islands is a British Overseas Territory. It is an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean. You can find the Falklands east of Argentina and south of the Antarctic.
Geography
The Falkland Islands consist of two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, along with approximately 776 smaller uninhabited islands and islets. The total land area is just over 12,000 sq. km. East Falkland is the largest and most populous island. West Falkland is home to numerous wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves, providing habitats for a variety of species, including penguins, seals, albatrosses, and dolphins.
The landscape is made of rugged terrain, rolling hills, and vast open spaces. Much of the islands' interior is covered by grassy plains, which provide grazing land for sheep and other livestock. Coastal areas feature rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and numerous bays and inlets.
The highest point on the islands is Mount Usborne, located on East Falkland. It rises 705 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
There are very few rivers and lakes on the islands, due to flat topography and permeable bedrock. Freshwater sources are small streams, ponds, and marshes, which are important habitats for wildlife
History
The history of the Falkland Islands is a tale marked by discovery, colonization, contention, and ultimately sovereignty disputes.
The Falkland Islands were first sighted by Europeans in 1592 by English explorer John Davis. However, the islands remained largely uninhabited until 1765 due to its remote location and harsh climate. When the British established settlement, tensions between Britain and Spain escalated because the Spanish also claimed the islands, this tension led to a brief conflict known as the Falkland Crisis of 1770, which ended with Spain ceding control of the islands to Britain (of Utrecht in 1771.)
During the Napoleonic Wars, the British temporarily withdrew from the Falklands. Argentina, then part of Spain briefly occupied the islands in 1832. However, 3 months later, British forces reasserted control. A year later, a small, permanent British administration was established and in 1845 Stanley became the capital of the Falklands
Argentina has continued to assert its claim to the Falklands, arguing that the islands rightfully belong to Argentina due to proximity and historical inheritance from Spain.
On April 1st, 1982, the Argentine military invaded Falkland. For 74 days Falklands were under Argentinian occupation. British forces liberated them on 14 June 1982. Nearly 1,000 Falkland Islands, British and Argentine lives were lost in the Falklands War.
Since the Falklands War, the islands have been a British Overseas Territory, with a degree of self-governance. The Islanders expressed their desire to remain British in various referendums, most recently in 2013, 99.8% voted to maintain British territory.
The Falklands have significant economic potential due to their rich fishing grounds and offshore oil deposits. However, exploitation of these resources has been a source of tension between Britain and Argentina, with Argentina still challenging the sovereignty of the Falklands.
In 1983, full British citizenship was given to Falkland Islanders under the British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act
Today, the Falklands local government is responsible for all local affairs. After the war islanders live and work in peace.
People and Culture
Population of around 3,500 people, most live in the capital Stanley. Most of them are of British descent. There is also a small number of people of other nationalities, including Chilean and Saint Helenian heritage.
The culture is heavily influenced by British traditions. The islanders are known for their resilience, resourcefulness, and strong sense of community. Traditional activities such as fishing, farming, and sheep herding play a significant role in their culture.
The Falklands have a rich military history, particularly after the Falklands War. Memorials, museums, and historical sites scattered across the islands serve as reminders of this conflict and the sacrifices made by Falkland Islanders and British forces.
50% of all adults have some post-secondary or vocational qualifications. Education is free until 16. Beyond 16, young people have access to education abroad, usually UK funded by the Government. 85% of students who leave to study overseas choose to return to the Islands after graduating.
Economy
The economy is a mix of fishing, sheep farming, tourism, hydrocarbon exploration.
Fishing is the backbone, accounting for a significant portion of its GDP and employment. Sheep farming has long been a traditional industry, with wool production historically being a major export.
Tourism is becoming increasingly popular, driven by stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and unique cultural heritage. The currency is the Falkland Islands pound (£)