The Falkland Islands reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004
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Falkland Islands

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The Colony of the Falkland Islands, also called Malvinas Islands (Spanish Las Islas Malvinas), is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom, claimed by Argentina. The capital is Port Stanley (Puerto Argentino).

Islas Malvinas
Colony of the Falkland Islands
Flag of the Falkland Islands
Falkland Islands coat of arms
(In Detail) (In Detail)
Motto: Desire the right
Official language English
Capital Port Stanley (Puerto Argentino)
Governor Howard Pearce
Chief Executive Chris Simpkins
 - Total
 - % water
not ranked
12,173 kmò
 - Total (2003 Estimation>E)
 - Density
not ranked
Currency pound (FKP; fixed to GBP)
Time zone UTC -4 (DST -3)
National anthem God Save the Queen
Internet TLD .FK
Calling Code 500

Table of contents
1 History
2 Politics
3 Geography
4 Economy
5 Demographics
6 Culture
7 Miscellaneous topics
8 See also
9 External links


Main article: History of the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands were first seen in 1520 by Ferdinand Magellan (during a Spanish expedition). They remained practically unsettled until the 19th century. Argentina set up a penal colony in the islands in 1820, and in 1829 named Luis Vernet as the islands' governor, in order to colonise them. The United Kingdom took the islands in 1833, but Argentina maintained its claim. Various tensions led to an Argentinian invasion in 1982. The island was later retaken by the UK. See: Falklands War.


Main article: Politics of the Falkland Islands

Executive authority comes from the Queen and is exercised by the governor on her behalf. Defence is the responsibility of the UK. There is a constitution, which was put into force in 1985. Under the constitution, eight Legislative Councillors, five from Stanley and three from Camp, are elected every four years.

The Executive Council, which advises the governor, consists of the Chief Executive, Financial Secretary and three Legislative Councillors, which are elected by the other Legislative Councillors. The Legislative Council consists of Chief Executive, Financial Secretary and the eight Legislative Councillors. The Governor is ex officio the presiding officer or speaker of the Council.

The loss of the war against Britain over control of the islands led to the collapse of the Argentine military dictatorship in 1983. Disputes over control of the islands still continue. On the 22nd anniversary of the war, ArgentinaÒs President Néstor Kirchner gave a speech insisting that the islands would once again be part of Argentina. In 2001, British Prime Minister, Tony Blair was the first to visit Argentina since the war. Kirchner, since becoming president in 2003, has made the islands a top priority. In June 2003 the issue was brought before a United NationÒs committee, and attempts have been made to open talks with Britain to resolve the issue of the islands. Falkland Islanders themselves continue to view themselves as British, despite Argentine claims.

Map of the Falkland IslandsEnlarge

Map of the Falkland Islands


Main article: Geography of the Falkland Islands

The islands are 300 miles (483 km) from the South American mainland.There are two main islands, East Falkland (Soledad) and West Falkland (Gran Malvina) and 200 small islands. The total land area is 12,173 sq km.


Main article: Economy of the Falkland Islands

The largest industries are fishing and agriculture. The islands have oil reserves that are believed to be quite substantial, but yet to be exploited


Main article: Demographics of the Falkland Islands

The population is 2,967 (July 2003 estimated).


Main article: Culture of the Falkland Islands

Miscellaneous topics

See also

External links

Countries in South America
Dependencies: Falkland Islands | French Guiana

Overseas territories of the United Kingdom
Anguilla | Bermuda | British Antarctic Territory | British Indian Ocean Territory | British Virgin Islands | Cayman Islands | Falkland Islands | Gibraltar | Montserrat | Pitcairn Islands | Saint Helena | South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands | Turks and Caicos Islands
Sovereign Base Areas