Overview of the Falkland Islands

Overview of the country

The Falkland Islands (or Islas Malvinas) are an archipelago in the South Atlantic. They form a British Overseas Territory, though they are still claimed by Argentina and were the focus of the Falklands War between the two countries in 1982.

Geographically remote, the archipelago consists of two main islands and countless smaller islands and islets. On these rolling lands (under 705 m) with rugged coastlines, the climate is harsh year-round for the population, which primarily lives off fishing, agriculture, and sheep farming. The population, overwhelmingly of British origin, is half-concentrated in Port Stanley, the "capital." Following the Falklands War with Argentina, a strong British military presence was added to the 2,000–3,000 inhabitants, nearly doubling the archipelago's population.

Even more isolated, about 1,300 km southeast of the Falklands (for the first) and 2,000 km (for the second), lie South Georgia (3,755 km²) and the South Sandwich Islands (310 km²), other British colonies "administered" from the Falklands. While the first hosts scientific and military bases (Grytviken and its 200 inhabitants), the second is uninhabited. Both have mountainous terrain (under 2,900 m) with glaciers and are home to rich local wildlife (penguins, seals, etc.).

Key facts

• Type of place: territory.

• Location: in the South Atlantic, a few hundred kilometers from the Argentine coast and Antarctica.

• Latitude/longitude: 51°42' S, 57°51' W.

• Local time: Heure : 12796

• Capital: Port Stanley (often simply called Stanley).

• Nature of the territory: British Overseas Territory.

• Official language: English.

• Currency: Falkland Islands pound.

• Population: 3,398 inhabitants (2016).

• Area: 12,173 km².

• Density: 0.28 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Mount Usborne (705 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 1,288 km.

• Driving: on the left.

Tourism

Essentials for travel

• Destination: for beginner travelers.

• By air: France to Port Stanley.

• Entry requirements:

• Currency to bring:

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★; Adventure ★; Culture ★; Relaxation/holidays ⊘

Useful addresses

Socio-economic statistics

• GDP per capita:

• Average monthly income:

• Inflation: +1.4% (2014)

• "Official" unemployment: +1% (2016).

• Population below the poverty line:

• Life expectancy: 77.9 years (2017).

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants:

• Population growth: +0.01% (2014)

• Literacy rate:

• Urban population: 77.7% (2018).

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook