Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
dependent territory of the UKIndependence none (dependent territory of the UK)
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) as the 1992 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 67 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.
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Geography
13 fieldsLand area
12,170 km2; includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands
Climate
- cold marine;
- strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid;
- rain occurs on more than half of days in year;
- occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but does not accumulate
Land use
- arable land 0%;
- permanent crops 0%;
- meadows and pastures 99%;
- forest and woodland 0%;
- other 1%
People
14 fieldsReligions
primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, and United Free Church; Evangelist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist
Government
Dependent territory of the UK
17 fieldsLeaders
- Chief of State:
- Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
- Head of Government:
- Governor William Hugh FULLERTON (since NA 1988)
Elections
- Legislative Council:
- last held 11 October 1989 (next to be held October 1994);
- results - percent of vote by party NA;
- seats - (10 total, 8 elected) number of seats by party NA
Flag
- blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms in a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag;
- the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising is 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
Economy
The economy is based on sheep farming, which directly or indirectly employs | most of the work force.
16 fieldsOverview
The economy is based on sheep farming, which directly or indirectly employs most of the work force. A few dairy herds are kept to meet domestic consumption of milk and milk products, and crops grown are primarily those for providing winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins.
Rich stocks of fish in the surrounding waters are not presently exploited by the islanders. So far, efforts to establish a domestic fishing industry have been unsuccessful. In 1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone.
These license fees amount to more than $40 million per year and are a primary source of income for the government. To encourage tourism, the Falkland Islands Development Corporation has built three lodges for visitors attracted by the abundant wildlife and trout fishing.
Exports
at least $14.7 million
- commodities:
- wool, hides and skins, and other
- partners:
- UK, Netherlands, Japan (1987 est.)
Imports
at least $13.9 million
- commodities:
- food, clothing, fuels, and machinery
- partners:
- UK, Netherlands Antilles (Curacao), Japan (1987 est.)
Exchange rates
- Falkland pound (#F) per US$1 - 0.5519 (January 1992), 0.5652 (1991), 0.5604 (1990), 0.6099 (1989), 0.5614 (1988), 0.6102 (1987);
- note - the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound
Communications
5 fieldsTelecommunications
- government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radio networks provide effective service to almost all points on both islands;
- 590 telephones;
- broadcast stations - 2 AM, 3 FM, no TV;
- 1 Atlantic Ocean INTELSAT earth station with links through London to other countries
Defense Forces
British Forces Falkland Islands (including Army, Royal Air Force, Royal | Navy, and Royal Marines); Police Force
2 fieldsCite this entry
Central Intelligence Agency. “Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).” The World Factbook 1992. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/falkland-islands/1992.