Page last updated on January 17, 2014

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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 With hostilities ended and Argentine forces withdrawn, UK administration resumed.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:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
51 45 S, 59 00 W
Map references:
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South America
Area:
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total: 12,173 sq km
country comparison to the world: 165
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
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
slightly smaller than Connecticut
Land boundaries:
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0 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1,288 km
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Climate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 24 inches in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but typically does not accumulate
Terrain:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains
Elevation extremes:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fish, squid, wildlife, calcified seaweed, sphagnum moss
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (99% permanent pastures, 1% other) (2011)
Irrigated land:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Natural hazards:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
strong winds persist throughout the year
Environment - current issues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
overfishing by unlicensed vessels is a problem; reindeer were introduced to the islands in 2001 for commercial reasons; this is the only commercial reindeer herd in the world unaffected by the 1986 Chornobyl disaster
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season
People and Society:
Nationality:
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noun: Falkland Islander(s)
adjective: Falkland Island
Ethnic groups:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
British
Languages:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
English
Religions:
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Christian 67.2%, none 31.5%, other 1.3% (2006 census)
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3,140 (July 2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 232
Population growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.01% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 192
Birth rate:
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NA
Net migration rate:
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NA
Urbanization:
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urban population: 74% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 0.9% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Major urban areas - population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
STANLEY (capital) 2,000 (2009)
Infant mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: NA
male: NA
female: NA
Life expectancy at birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA
Total fertility rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Literacy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Dependency status:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina
Government type:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Capital:
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name: Stanley
geographic coordinates: 51 42 S, 57 51 W
time difference: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, observed all year in 2013
Administrative divisions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
Independence:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
National holiday:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)
Constitution:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
previous 1985; latest entered into force 1 January 2009 (2011)
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
English common law and local statutes
Suffrage:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Governor Nigel HAYWOOD (since 16 October 2010) is the Queen's representative; Chief Executive Keith PADGETT (since 1 February 2012)
cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial secretary), and the governor; the governor must obey the rulings of the Executive Council on domestic affairs
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; chief executive appointed by the governor
Legislative branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
unicameral Legislative Assembly (10 seats; 2 members are ex officio and 8 are elected by popular vote; members to serve four-year terms); presided over by the governor
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:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
highest 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)
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:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none; all independents
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Falkland Islands Association (supports freedom of the people from external causes)
International organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
Flag description:
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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):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
ram
National anthem:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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 sizeable 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):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$164.5 million (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 222
GDP (official exchange rate):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$164.5 million (2007 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$55,400 (2002 est.)
country comparison to the world: 9
GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 95%
industry: NA%
services: NA% (1996)
Agriculture - products:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fodder and vegetable crops; venison, sheep, dairy products; fish, squid
Industries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fish and wool processing; tourism
Industrial production growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Labor force:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5,246 (2006)
country comparison to the world: 221
Labor force - by occupation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 95% (mostly sheepherding and fishing)
industry and services: 5% (1996)
Unemployment rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.1% (2010)
country comparison to the world: 33
Population below poverty line:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Budget:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
revenues: $67.1 million
expenditures: $75.3 million (FY09/10)
Taxes and other revenues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
40.8% of GDP (FY09/10)
country comparison to the world: 41
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-5% of GDP (FY09/10)
country comparison to the world: 167
Fiscal year:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 April - 31 March
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.2% (2003)
country comparison to the world: 19
Exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$125 million (2004 est.)
country comparison to the world: 188
Exports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
wool, hides, meat, venison, fish, squid
Imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$90 million (2004 est.)
country comparison to the world: 214
Imports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fuel, food and drink, building materials, clothing
Debt - external:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$NA
Exchange rates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Falkland pounds (FKP) per US dollar -
Energy:
Electricity - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
19 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 214
Electricity - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
17.67 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 214
Electricity - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 195
Electricity - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 186
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10,000 kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 203
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
90% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 74
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 87
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 168
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 26
Crude oil - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 169
Crude oil - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 113
Crude oil - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 185
Crude oil - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 131
Refined petroleum products - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 175
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
300 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 208
Refined petroleum products - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 174
Refined petroleum products - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
312.5 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 207
Natural gas - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 131
Natural gas - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 143
Natural gas - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 100
Natural gas - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 192
Natural gas - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 138
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
45,740 Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 209
Communications:
Telephones - main lines in use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1,980 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 218
Telephones - mobile cellular:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3,450 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 216
Telephone system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
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)
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.fk
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
110 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 206
Internet users:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2,900 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 209
Transportation:
Airports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 170
Airports - with paved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 2
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 5
under 914 m:
Roadways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 440 km
country comparison to the world: 198
paved: 50 km
unpaved: 390 km (2008)
Ports and terminals:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
major seaport(s): Stanley
Military:
Military branches:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
no regular military forces
Military - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
defense is the responsibility of the UK