Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
NAIndependence none (overseas territory of the UK
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) as the 2003 edition of the CIA World Factbook published it: 110 fields, one of 36 editions from 1990 to 2025.
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Introduction
1 fieldBackground
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 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;
- average annual rainfall is 24 inches in Stanley;
- occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but does not accumulate
Environment - current issues
- 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 Chornobyl disaster
People
16 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 Howard PEARCE (since 3 December 2002)
19 fieldsLegislative Council, 8 seats, elected 22 November 2001one dot, one seat
Executive branch
- chief of state:
- Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
- elections:
- none;
- the monarchy is hereditary;
- governor appointed by the monarch
- head of government:
- Governor Howard PEARCE (since 3 December 2002);
- Chief Executive Chris SIMPKINS (since NA March 2003);
- Financial Secretary Derek 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
Legislative branch
unicameral Legislative Council (10 seats - 2 ex officio, 8 elected by popular vote, members serve four-year terms); presided over by the governor
- elections:
- last held 22 November 2001 (next to be held NA November 2005)
- election results:
- percent of vote - NA%;
- seats - independents 8;
- note - 71% voter turnout
Judicial branch
- Supreme Court (chief justice is a nonresident);
- Magistrates Court (senior magistrate presides over civil and criminal divisions);
- Court of Summary Jurisdiction
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 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.
36 fieldsTrading partnersexports left, imports right
Electricity
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. 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. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in 2001.
Another large source of income is interest paid on money the government has in the bank. The British military presence also provides a sizeable economic boost.
Exchange rates
Falkland pounds per US dollar - 0.67 (2002), 0.69 (2001), 0.66 (2000), 0.62 (1999), 0.6 (1998); note - the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound
Communications
8 fieldsTelephone system
- general assessment:
- NA
- 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
Television broadcast stations
2 (operated by the British Forces Broadcasting Service) note: cable television is available in Stanley (2002)
Transportation
8 fieldsAirports by runway lengthpaved only
Airports by runway lengthunpaved only
Networkskm
Ports and harbors
Stanley
note: the primary port is located in Stanley Harbour and known locally as FIPASS (Falkland Interim Port and Storage System); the facility consists of seven permanently moored barges providing 300 meters of berthing space;
it was installed by the military after 1982 and handed over to the Falkland Islands Government in 1988
Military
British Forces Falkland Islands no regular indigenous military forces; (includes Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy), Police Force
4 fieldsMilitary branches
British Forces Falkland Islands no regular indigenous military forces; (includes Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy), Police Force
Transnational Issues
1 fieldDisputes - international
claimed by Argentina whose forces briefly occupied it in 1982, but now declares it will no longer seek settlement by force
Cite this entry
Central Intelligence Agency. “Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas).” The World Factbook 2003. Archived by The Factbook, thefactbook.org/falkland-islands/2003.