South America :: FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS)

- ## Introduction :: FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS)

- Background:
  Although first sighted by an English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement (French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce fighting forced an Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982. With hostilities ended and Argentine forces withdrawn, UK administration resumed. In response to renewed calls from Argentina for Britain to relinquish control of the islands, a referendum was held in March 2013, which resulted in 99.8% of the population voting to remain a part of the UK.

- ## Geography :: FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS)

- Location:
  Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 500 km east of southern Argentina
  Geographic coordinates:
  51 45 S, 59 00 W
  Map references:
  South America
  Area:
  total: 12,173 sq km
  land: 12,173 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands
  country comparison to the world: 165
  Area - comparative:
  slightly smaller than Connecticut
  Land boundaries:
  0 km
  Coastline:
  1,288 km
  Maritime claims:
  territorial sea: 12 nm
  continental shelf: 200 nm
  exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
  Climate:
  cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 60 cm in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but typically does not accumulate
  Terrain:
  rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains
  Elevation extremes:
  lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
  highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m
  Natural resources:
  fish, squid, wildlife, calcified seaweed, sphagnum moss
  Land use:
  agricultural land: 92.4%
  arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; permanent pasture 92.4%
  forest: 0%
  other: 7.6% (2011 est.)
  Irrigated land:
  NA
  Natural hazards:
  strong winds persist throughout the year
  Environment - current issues:
  overfishing by unlicensed vessels is a problem; reindeer - introduced to the islands in 2001 from South Georgia - are part of a farming effort to produce specialty meat and diversify the islands' economy; this is the only commercial reindeer herd in the world unaffected by the 1986 Chornobyl disaster
  Geography - note:
  deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season

- ## People and Society :: FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS)

- Nationality:
  noun: Falkland Islander(s)
  adjective: Falkland Island
  Ethnic groups:
  Falkland Islander 57%, British 24.6%, St. Helenian 9.8%, Chilean 5.3%, other 3.4% (2012 est.)
  Languages:
  English 89%, Spanish 7.7%, other 3.3% (2006 est.)
  Religions:
  Christian 66%, none 32%, other 2% (2012 est.)
  Population:
  3,361 (July 2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 230
  Population growth rate:
  0.01% (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 193
  Birth rate:
  NA
  Net migration rate:
  NA
  Urbanization:
  urban population: 76.2% of total population (2015)
  rate of urbanization: 0.96% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
  Major urban areas - population:
  STANLEY (capital) 2,000 (2014)
  Sex ratio:
  total population: 1.11 male(s)/female
  note: sex ratio is somewhat skewed by the high proportion of males at the Royal Air Force station, Mount Pleasant Airport (MPA); excluding MPA, the sex ratio of the total population would be 1.01 (2012 est.)
  Infant mortality rate:
  total: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA
  Life expectancy at birth:
  total population: NA
  male: NA
  female: NA
  Total fertility rate:
  NA
  HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
  NA
  HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
  NA
  HIV/AIDS - deaths:
  NA

- ## Government :: FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS)

- Country name:
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
  Dependency status:
  overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina
  Government type:
  NA
  Capital:
  name: Stanley
  geographic coordinates: 51 42 S, 57 51 W
  time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
  Administrative divisions:
  none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
  Independence:
  none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
  National holiday:
  Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)
  Constitution:
  previous 1985; latest entered into force 1 January 2009 (2011)
  Legal system:
  English common law and local statutes
  Suffrage:
  18 years of age; universal
  Executive branch:
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); representated by Governor Colin ROBERTS (since 28 April 2014)
  head of government: Chief Executive Keith PADGETT (since 1 February 2012)
  cabinet: Executive Council elected by the Legislative Council
  elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; chief executive appointed by the governor
  Legislative branch:
  description: unicameral Legislative Assembly, formerly the Legislative Council (10 seats; 8 members directly elected by majority vote and 2 appointed ex officio members - the chief executive, appointed by the governor, and the financial secretary; members serve 4-year terms)
  elections: last held on 7 November 2013 (next to be held in November 2017)
  election results: percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 8
  Judicial branch:
  highest resident court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of the court president, the chief justice as an ex officio, non-resident member, and 2 justices of appeal); Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice); note - appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are referred to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)
  judge selection and term of office: all justices appointed by the governor; tenure specified in each justice's instrument of appointment
  subordinate courts: Magistrate's Court (senior magistrate presides over civil and criminal divisions); Court of Summary Jurisdiction
  Political parties and leaders:
  none; all independents
  Political pressure groups and leaders:
  Falkland Islands Association (supports freedom of the people from external causes)
  International organization participation:
  UPU
  Diplomatic representation in the US:
  none (overseas territory of the UK)
  Diplomatic representation from the US:
  none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
  Flag description:
  blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising was once the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT
  National symbol(s):
  ram
  National anthem:
  name: "Song of the Falklands""
  lyrics/music: Christopher LANHAM
  note: adopted 1930s; the song is the local unofficial anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" is official (see United Kingdom)

- ## Economy :: FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS)

- Economy - overview:
  The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but fishing and tourism currently comprise the bulk of economic activity. In 1987, the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falkland Islands' exclusive fishing zone. These license fees net more than $40 million per year, which help support the island's health, education, and welfare system. The waters around the Falkland Islands are known for their squid, which account for around 75% of the annual 200,000 ton fish catch. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Foreign exchange earnings come from shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and from the sale of postage stamps and coins. In 2001, the government purchased 100 reindeer with the intent to increase the number to 10,000 over the following 20 years so that venison could be exported to Scandinavia and Chile. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 69,000 visitors in 2009. The British military presence also provides a sizable economic boost. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. In 1993 the British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day. Political tensions between the UK and Argentina remain high following the start of oil drilling activities in the waters. In September 2011, a British exploration firm announced that it plans to commence oil production in 2016.
  GDP (purchasing power parity):
  $164.5 million (2007 est.)
  $105.1 million (2002 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 223
  GDP (official exchange rate):
  $164.5 million (2007 est.)
  GDP - per capita (PPP):
  $55,400 (2002 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 15
  GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
  agriculture: 95%
  industry: NA%
  services: NA% (1996)
  Agriculture - products:
  fodder and vegetable crops; venison, sheep, dairy products; fish, squid
  Industries:
  fish and wool processing; tourism
  Industrial production growth rate:
  NA%
  Labor force:
  1,944 (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 228
  Labor force - by occupation:
  agriculture: 95% (mostly sheepherding and fishing)
  industry and services: 5% (1996)
  Unemployment rate:
  4.1% (2010)
  country comparison to the world: 37
  Population below poverty line:
  NA%
  Household income or consumption by percentage share:
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%
  Budget:
  revenues: $67.1 million
  expenditures: $75.3 million (FY09/10)
  Taxes and other revenues:
  40.8% of GDP (FY09/10)
  country comparison to the world: 36
  Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
  -5% of GDP (FY09/10)
  country comparison to the world: 164
  Fiscal year:
  1 April - 31 March
  Inflation rate (consumer prices):
  1.2% (2003)
  country comparison to the world: 76
  Exports:
  $125 million (2004 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 187
  Exports - commodities:
  wool, hides, meat, venison, fish, squid
  Imports:
  $90 million (2004 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 214
  Imports - commodities:
  fuel, food and drink, building materials, clothing
  Debt - external:
  $NA
  Exchange rates:
  Falkland pounds (FKP) per US dollar -
  0.6003 (2014)
  0.6391 (2013)
  0.63 (2012)
  0.624 (2011)
  0.6472 (2010)

- ## Energy :: FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS)

- Electricity - production:
  12 million kWh (2011 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 215
  Electricity - consumption:
  11.16 million kWh (2011 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 215
  Electricity - exports:
  0 kWh (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 138
  Electricity - imports:
  0 kWh (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 145
  Electricity - installed generating capacity:
  10,000 kW (2011 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 207
  Electricity - from fossil fuels:
  90% of total installed capacity (2011 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 74
  Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
  0% of total installed capacity (2011 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 89
  Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
  0% of total installed capacity (2011 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 170
  Electricity - from other renewable sources:
  10% of total installed capacity (2011 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 33
  Crude oil - production:
  0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 173
  Crude oil - exports:
  0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 112
  Crude oil - imports:
  0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 185
  Crude oil - proved reserves:
  0 bbl (1 January 2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 133
  Refined petroleum products - production:
  0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 143
  Refined petroleum products - consumption:
  320 bbl/day (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 209
  Refined petroleum products - exports:
  0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 176
  Refined petroleum products - imports:
  312.5 bbl/day (2010 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 207
  Natural gas - production:
  0 cu m (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 131
  Natural gas - consumption:
  0 cu m (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 143
  Natural gas - exports:
  0 cu m (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 97
  Natural gas - imports:
  0 cu m (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 193
  Natural gas - proved reserves:
  0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 138
  Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
  45,570 Mt (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 210

- ## Communications :: FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS)

- Telephones - fixed lines:
  total subscriptions: 2,100
  subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 66 (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 214
  Telephones - mobile cellular:
  total: 4,200
  subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 133 (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 216
  Telephone system:
  domestic: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all points on both islands
  international: country code - 500; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) with links through London to other countries (2011)
  Broadcast media:
  TV service provided by a multi-channel service provider; radio services provided by the public broadcaster, Falkland Islands Radio Service, broadcasting on both AM and FM frequencies, and by the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) (2007)
  Radio broadcast stations:
  AM 1, FM 7, shortwave 0 (British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) provides Radio 1 and Radio 2 service) (2006)
  Television broadcast stations:
  2 (British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) provides multi-channel satellite service to members of UK Forces as well as islanders); cable television is available in Stanley (2006)
  Internet country code:
  .fk
  Internet users:
  total: 2,900
  percent of population: 92.4% (2009)
  country comparison to the world: 209

- ## Transportation :: FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS)

- Airports:
  7 (2013)
  country comparison to the world: 170
  Airports - with paved runways:
  total: 2
  2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
  914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2013)
  Airports - with unpaved runways:
  total: 5
  under 914 m:
  5 (2013)
  Roadways:
  total: 440 km
  paved: 50 km
  unpaved: 390 km (2008)
  country comparison to the world: 199
  Ports and terminals:
  major seaport(s): Stanley

- ## Military :: FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS)

- Military branches:
  no regular military forces
  Military - note:
  defense is the responsibility of the UK

- ## Transnational Issues :: FALKLAND ISLANDS (ISLAS MALVINAS)

- Disputes - international:
  Argentina, which claims the islands in its constitution and briefly occupied them by force in 1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force; UK continues to reject Argentine requests for sovereignty talks