About the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory, located in the South Atlantic about 300 miles east of South America. They are a group of islands consisting of two main islands – East & West Falkland, separated by a stretch of water named Falkland Sound, and around seven hundred smaller islands. The majority of the population of around 3000 inhabit the two main islands, with some 2000 living in Stanley, the capital of the Islands on East Falkland, and the remainder of the population living in the “Camp” (small settlements and rural areas). Following the conflict in 1982, the UK maintains a permanent military garrison of around 1200 personnel at Mount Pleasant, about 35 miles from Stanley. The islands occupy a total land area of around 4700 square miles and have a coast line of approximately 800 miles.

The Falkland Islands are believed to have been first sighted in 1592, although the first landing (by the English) did not occur until 1690. The first settlement was established by the French in 1764 and two years later the colony was turned over to the Spanish. The Spanish settlement withdrew in 1811, leaving the island without a settled or indigenous population. The UK established a garrison in the Islands in 1833 and they have been British ever since. The UK Government has stated the Islands will remain British as long as the Islanders wish.

The Flag of the Falkland Islands is Blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms in a white disk centred on the outer half of the flag, although a slightly modified design is likely to be adopted. The coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising is the major economic activity) on a tussock of grass above the sailing ship Desire (prior to the advent of fishing and tourism, sheep farming was the major economic activity of the Islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT.

The climate of the Falkland Islands is similar to that of the Scottish Islands with the average hours of sunshine being akin to those of the Southern England coastal areas. The seasons are the reverse of those in the UK.

The Falklands is also a wildlife and bird-watchers haven, with an amazing diversity of more than 70 species of birds and 17 species of mammals that breed in the Falklands — black-browed albatross, giant petrels, five types of penguin, elephant seals, sea lions, striated caracara, crested caracara, night heron to name a few.

The Falkland Islands control a 200 mile fishing zone around the islands and derive a substantial income from the sale of licences to international fishing fleets. Current explorations for minerals on shore and hydrocarbons offshore could have an extremely significant impact on the Islands economy.

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