Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Colony of the Falkland Islands
dependent territory of the UKIndependence none (dependent territory of the UK)
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) as the 1996 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 82 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.
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Geography
Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic | Ocean, east of southern Argentina
15 fieldsLand useshare of 12,170 sq km
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
Terrain
rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains
- lowest point:
- Atlantic Ocean 0 m
- highest point:
- Mount Usborne 705 m
Environment
- current issues:
- NA
- natural hazards:
- strong winds persist throughout the year
- international agreements:
- NA
People
14 fieldsGovernment
Dependent territory of the UK; Queen ELIZABETH II (of the UK since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch; Governor R. RALPH (since NA) was appointed by the queen
19 fieldsLegislature, 8 seatsone dot, one seat
Name of country
- conventional long form:
- Colony of the Falkland Islands
- conventional short form:
- Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Executive branch
- chief of state:
- Queen ELIZABETH II (of the UK since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch
- head of government:
- Governor R. RALPH (since NA) was appointed by the queen
- cabinet:
- Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative Council, two ex-officio members (chief executive and the financial secretary), and the governor
Legislative Council
- elections last held 11 October 1989 (next was to be held NA October 1994);
- results - percent of vote by party NA;
- seats - (10 total, 8 elected) independents 8
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 was formerly based on agriculture, | mainly sheep farming, which directly or indirectly employs most of | the work force.
20 fieldsInstalled generating capacity, 9,200 kW
Economic overview
The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, which directly or indirectly employs most of the work force. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish 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. The economy has diversified since 1987, when the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone.
These license fees total more than $40 million per year and support the island's health, education, and welfare system. To encourage tourism, the Falkland Islands Development Corporation has built three lodges for visitors attracted by the abundant wildlife and trout fishing. The islands are now self-financing except for defense.
The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day. An agreement between Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves.
Imports
$26.2 million
- commodities:
- food, clothing, timber, and machinery
- partners:
- UK, Netherlands Antilles (Curacao), Japan (1992)
Economic aid
recipient: ODA, $NA note: UK, ODA and OOF bilateral commitments totaled $18 million (1993-94)
Exchange rates
- Falkland pound (LF) per US$1 - 0.6535 (January 1996), 0.6335 (1995), 0.6529 (1994), 0.6658 (1993), 0.5664 (1992), 0.5652 (1991);
- note - the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound
Transportation
5 fieldsAirports by runway lengthpaved left, unpaved right · 5 in all
Networkskm
Communications
British Forces Falkland Islands (includes Army, Royal | Air Force, Royal Navy, and Royal Marines), Police Force
9 fieldsTelephone system
- domestic:
- government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all points on both islands
- international:
- satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) with links through London to other countries
Branches
British Forces Falkland Islands (includes Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Royal Marines), Police Force
Cite this entry
Central Intelligence Agency. “Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).” The World Factbook 1996. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/falkland-islands/1996.