Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NAIndependence none (overseas territory of the UK
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) as the 2000 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 101 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.
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Introduction
1 fieldBackground
Discovered in the 16th century and settled in the mid-18th century, 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 Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.
Geography
Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina
17 fieldsLand useshare of 12,173 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
People
13 fieldsReligions
primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, Evangelist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist
Government
NA; Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); Governor Donald LAMONT (since NA May 1999)
19 fieldsLegislative Council, 8 seats, elected 9 October 1997one dot, one seat
Executive branch
- chief of state:
- Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
- head of government:
- Governor Donald LAMONT (since NA May 1999);
- Chief Executive A. M. GURR (since NA);
- Financial Secretary D. F. HOWATT (since NA)
- cabinet:
- Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial secretary), and the governor
- elections:
- none;
- the monarch is hereditary;
- governor appointed by the monarch
Legislative branch
unicameral Legislative Council (10 seats - 2 ex officio, 8 elected by popular vote, members serve four-year terms)
- elections:
- last held 9 October 1997 (next to be held NA October 2001)
- election results:
- percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 8
Flag description
- 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, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity.
31 fieldsElectricity
Economy - overview
The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In 1987 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, which goes to support the island's health, education, and welfare system.
Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. 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. 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; to date no exploitable site has been identified.
An agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves.
Exchange rates
- Falkland pound per US$1 - 0.6092 (January 2000), 0.6180 (1999), 0.6037 (1998), 0.6106 (1997), 0.6403 (1996), 0.6335 (1995);
- note - the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound
Communications
8 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
Transportation
7 fieldsAirports by runway lengthpaved only
Airports by runway lengthunpaved only
Networkskm
Military
British Forces Falkland Islands (includes Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Royal Marines), Police Force
4 fieldsMilitary branches
British Forces Falkland Islands (includes Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and Royal Marines), Police Force
Transnational Issues
1 fieldCite this entry
Central Intelligence Agency. “Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).” The World Factbook 2000. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/falkland-islands/2000.