Falkland Islands
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| Motto: Desire the right | |||||
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| Official language | English | ||||
| Capital | Port Stanley (Puerto Argentino) | ||||
| Governor | Howard Pearce | ||||
| Chief Executive | Chris Simpkins | ||||
| Area - Total - % water | not ranked 12,173 kmò - | ||||
| Population - Total (2003 Estimation>E) - Density | not ranked 2,967 0.24/kmò | ||||
| 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 |
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2 Politics 3 Geography 4 Economy 5 Demographics 6 Culture 7 Miscellaneous topics 8 See also 9 External links |
The Falkland Islands were first seen in 1520 by Ferdinand Magellan (during a Spanish expedition). They remained practically unsettled until the 19th century. Argentina set up a penal colony in the islands in 1820, and in 1829 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 Argentinian invasion in 1982. The island was later retaken by the UK. See: Falklands War.
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 advises 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 ex officio the presiding officer or speaker of the Council.
The loss of the war against Britain over control of the islands led to the collapse of the Argentine military dictatorship in 1983. Disputes over control of the islands still continue. On the 22nd anniversary of the war, ArgentinaÃÂs President Néstor Kirchner gave a speech insisting that the islands would once again be part of Argentina. 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 NationÃÂs committee, and attempts have been made to open talks with Britain to resolve the issue of the islands. Falkland Islanders themselves continue to view themselves as British, despite Argentine claims.
Map of the Falkland Islands
The islands are 300 miles (483 km) from the South American mainland.There are two main islands, East Falkland (Soledad) and West Falkland (Gran Malvina) and 200 small islands. The total land area is 12,173 sq km.
The largest industries are fishing and agriculture. The islands have oil reserves that are believed to be quite substantial, but yet to be exploited
The population is 2,967 (July 2003 estimated).
History
Main article: History of the Falkland IslandsPolitics
Main article: Politics of the Falkland Islands
Geography
Main article: Geography of the Falkland IslandsEconomy
Main article: Economy of the Falkland IslandsDemographics
Main article: Demographics of the Falkland IslandsCulture
Main article: Culture of the Falkland IslandsMiscellaneous topics
See also
External links
| Countries in South America | ||
| Argentina | Bolivia | Brazil | Chile | Colombia | Ecuador | Guyana | Paraguay | Peru | Suriname | Uruguay | Venezuela | ||
| Dependencies: Falkland Islands | French Guiana | ||