Falkland Islands

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The Colony of the Falkland Islands, also called Malvinas Islands (Spanish Islas Malvinas) are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. They are also claimed by Argentina. The capital is Port Stanley (Puerto Argentino).

Islas Malvinas

Colony of the Falkland Islands

Flag of the Falkland Islands Falkland Islands coat of arms
(In Detail) (Full size)

Motto: Desire the right
Official language English
Capital Port Stanley (Puerto Argentino)
Governor Howard Pearce
Chief Executive Chris Simpkins
Area
- Total
- % water not ranked
12,173 kmÃÂÃÂ²
-
Population
- Total (2003 Estimation>E)
- Density not ranked
2,967
0.24/kmÃÂÃÂ²
Currency pound (FKP; fixed to GBP)
Time zone UTC -4 (DST -3)
National anthem God Save the Queen
Internet TLD .FK
Calling Code 500

Table of contents

1 History
2 Politics
3 Geography
4 Economy
5 Demographics
6 Culture
7 Miscellaneous topics
8 See also
9 External links

History

Main article: History of the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands were first seen in 1520 by Magallanes. They remained practically unsettled until the 19th century. Argentina set up a penal colony in the islands in 1820, and in 1929 named Luis Vernet as the islands' governor, in order to colonise them. The United Kingdom took the islands in 1833, but Argentina maintained its claim. Various tensions led to an invasion in 1982; which was later reversed. See: Falklands War.

Politics

Main article: Politics of the Falkland Islands

Executive authority comes from the Queen and is exercised by the governor on her behalf. Defence is the responsibility of the UK. There is a constitution, which was put into force in 1985. Under the constitution, eight Legislative Councillors, five from Stanley and three from Camp, are elected every four years.

The Executive Council, which advices the governor, consists of the Chief Executive, Financial Secretary and three Legislative Councillors, which are elected by the other Legislative Councillors. The Legislative Council consists of Chief Executive, Financial Secretary and the eight Legislative Councillors. The governor is the speaker.

The loss of the war against Britain over control of the islands led to the collapse of the ArgentineÃÂÃÂs military dictatorship in 1983. Disputes over control of the islands still continue. On the 22nd anniversary of the war, ArgentineÃÂÃÂs President NÃÂÃÂ©stor Kirchner gave a speech insisting that the Malvina islands will once again be part of Argentine. In 2001, British Prime Minister, Tony Blair was the first to visit Argentina since the war. Kirchner, since becoming president in 2003, has made the islands a top priority. In June 2003 the issue was brought before a United NationÃÂÃÂs committee, and attempts have been made to open talks with Britain to resolve the issue of the islands.

Map of the Falkland Islands

External links

South America

Dependencies

Falkland Islands | French Guiana

Commonwealth of Nations