Falkland Islands

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

Islas Malvinas

Colony of the Falkland Islands

(In Detail) (Full size)
Motto: Desire the right
Official language	English
Capital	Port Stanley (Puerto Argentino)
Governor	Howard Pearce
Chief Executive	Chris Simpkins
Area  - Total  - % water	not ranked 12,173 km² -
Population  - Total (2003 Estimation>E)  - Density	not ranked 2,967 0.24/km²
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

History

Main article: History of the Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands were first seen in 1520 by Magallanes. 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 invasion in 1982; which was later reversed. See: Falklands War.

Politics

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 advices 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 the speaker.

The loss of the war against Britain over control of the islands led to the collapse of the Argentine’s military dictatorship in 1983. Disputes over control of the islands still continue. On the 22nd anniversary of the war, Argentine’s President Nestor Kirchner gave a speech insisting that the Malvina islands will once again be part of Argentine. 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 Nation’s committee, and attempts have been made to open talks with Britain to resolve the issue of the islands.

Geography

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.

Economy

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

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of the Falkland Islands The population is 2,967 (July 2003 estimated).

Culture

Main article: Culture of the Falkland Islands

Miscellaneous topics

• Communications in the Falkland Islands
• Transportation in the Falkland Islands
• Military of the Falkland Islands
• Stamps and postal history of the Falkland Islands

See also

• Battle of the Falkland Islands - naval engagement of the First World War
• Falklands War - conflict between Argentina and United Kingdom
• Major Samuel Stransham

External links

• Falkland Islands Government
• Penguin News (weekly newspaper)
• Falkland Islands News Network
• Falkland Islands Portal
• Falkland Islands Tourism
• Jason Islands Banknotes
• Falkland Islands detailed map