Whether you’re soaking in the scenery, enjoying the fresh Falklands air, or stretching your legs with your pup, Mount William is a delightful way to experience the natural beauty of the area. For a relaxed adventure with breathtaking views, the Mount William walk just outside Stanley. This easy hill walk leads you to a sheltered summit area, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape and the town below.
- There are few visitors in the winter months between April and August.
- This scenic route leads to the world’s southernmost suspension bridge, built in 1925, once connecting sheep farms and now a historic gem.
- The islands are self-governing, although foreign affairs and defence matters are handled by the British government.
- Island shipping has a regular service to Punta Arenas in southern Chile.
- Beyond the age of 16, young people have access to both higher and further education abroad, which is funded by the Falkland Islands Government.
- Then, make your way to the iconic Christ Church Cathedral, a true symbol of Stanley’s charm with a stunning whalebone arch alongside.
A new constitution to enhance the identifying addiction triggers powers of the Executive Council came into force on 1 January 2009.
Under the British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983, Falkland Islanders are British citizens. Navigate rocky trails, explore remote beaches, and uncover hidden gems teeming with wildlife—all far from the usual paths. Guided off-road tours offer a thrilling way to immerse yourself in the islands’ unspoiled beauty, rich history, and unique wildlife. An archipelago of more than 740 islands just 480km east of Patagonia, the Falkland Islands are a natural paradise in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Falkland Islands
Although you can’t walk across The Falkland Islands’ only suspension bridge, it remains a fascinating historical landmark, offering a glimpse into the region’s engineering past. During World War One, two British battlecruisers are sent to Port Stanley to hunt down Admiral Graf von Spee’s German naval squadron which has been raiding shipping across the Pacific. Graf Spee attacks Port Stanley but then withdraws; most of his ships are then hunted down and sunk by the faster British battlecruisers.
Standard Chartered Bank, headquartered in London, is the only bank. There is little unemployment in the Falklands, but a shortage of housing has discouraged immigration. The islands’ social welfare system is adequate, and primary education is free. There are a primary and a secondary school at Stanley and several smaller schools in rural areas. Welcome to The Falkland Islands, a breathtaking South Atlantic Ocean archipelago filled with natural wonders and incredible wildlife.
Attractions on The Falkland Islands
Both the chief executive and the director of finance are appointed by the governor. There are no political parties, and all members of the legislature are elected as independents. Stanley Harbour is the islands’ main port; it has a commercial wharf and receives cruise ships. The main settlements are linked by roads and a government-operated air service, which also provides interisland passenger service. A coastal freighter travels around the two main islands to deliver supplies and collect the wool clip for transshipment to the United Kingdom.
Picture rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and a world alive with penguins, albatrosses, seals, and dolphins. Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor adventurer, The Falkland Islands have something special for everyone. There are no major health issues, but you need to drive slowly on gravel roads, observe minefield warning signs and keep at least 6m from potentially dangerous male elephant seals. Always stay on the outside of bird and seal colonies to avoid disturbance.
A Journey Through The Falkland Islands’ Past
You’ll easily breeze through Stanley’s vibrant streets, ticking off the main sights. Start by exploring the fascinating Historic Dockyard Museum, where you can dive into the rich history of this unique destination. Then, make your way to the iconic Christ Church Cathedral, a true symbol of Stanley’s charm with a stunning whalebone arch alongside.
- Major economic activities include fishing, tourism, and sheep farming, with an emphasis on high-quality wool exports.
- In the early 1990s, seismic studies suggested the presence of offshore oil reserves, and licenses were granted to foreign companies for exploration.
- This diversity influences the culture of the Islands which values fairness and tolerance.
- Independent Argentina proclaims sovereignty over the Falklands.
Economy
Attempts were also undertaken at that time to diversify the islands’ economy. The government began selling fishing licenses to foreigners in 1987, and the revenue generated from such sales became a major contributor to the economy. In 2002 a slaughter facility was built, and the following year sheep and lamb meat began being exported to the United Kingdom.
The islands lie at the boundary of the subantarctic oceanic and tundra climate zones, and both major islands have mountain ranges reaching 2,300 ft (700 m). They are home to large bird populations, although many no longer breed on the main islands owing to predation by introduced species. Major economic activities include fishing, tourism, and sheep farming, with an emphasis on high-quality wool exports. Oil exploration, licensed by the Falkland Islands Government, remains controversial as a result of maritime disputes with Argentina. Falkland Islands, internally self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom in the South Atlantic Ocean.
The top wildlife hotspots in The Falkland Islands
Half the size of Wales, the islands boast white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and an abundance of native and migratory wildlife with over 227 species of bird and 14 species of marine mammal. The islands are self-governing, although foreign affairs and defence matters are handled by the British government. There are many youth groups, including Rainbows, Brownies, Scouts and Girl Guides, as well as sports and conservation clubs for younger people.
Land
In the early 1990s, seismic studies suggested the presence of offshore oil reserves, and licenses were granted to foreign companies for exploration. Tourism, especially ecotourism, grew rapidly beginning in the early 21st century to become another leading sector of the economy. Such efforts have enabled the islands’ economy to enjoy sustained growth since the late 20th century. Executive authority is vested in the British crown, and the islands’ government is headed by a governor appointed by the crown. The governor presides over the Executive Council and must consult with it in the discharge of most of his or her duties but may, in certain circumstances, act against the advice of the council. The Legislative Assembly has 10 members, eight of whom are elected to four-year terms from two constituencies, while the other two, the same nonvoting members as on the Executive Council, are ex officio.
Squid are abundant in the waters surrounding the islands, but overfishing became an issue in the 1990s, and measures were taken to correct the problem. Stanley is a colourful seaside capital, home to 85% of the population, but if it’s a walk on the wild side you’re after, head to the outlying islands and settlements. Each spring, beaches are crowded with breeding elephant seals and sea lions and up to five breeding species of penguin. Almost the whole area of the two main islands, outside of Stanley, is devoted to sheep farming. The islands’ sheep stations (ranches) vary in size and may be owned by individual families or by companies based in Britain. Several hundred thousand sheep are kept on the islands, producing several thousand tons of wool annually as well as some mutton.
The terrain is gentle and navigation straightforward, making it a perfect outing for walkers of all abilities. Mutton is cheap and plentiful and likely to appear in various forms on every menu you read. Seafood is not particularly popular on the Falkland Islands, but local squid, mullet and sea trout are usually excellent when you can get hold of them. Look out for the wonderfully named diddle-dee berries – used in jams – and the sweeter teaberries baked in cakes and pies. English staples like fish and chips, pasties and sausage rolls can be washed down with a glass or three of Chilean red wine. Oct-March is the summer season with plenty of sunshine and average temperatures reaching 15?
The wool is sold in Great Britain and is the Falklands’ leading land-based export. Ranges of hills run east-west across the northern parts of the two main islands, reaching 2,312 feet (705 metres) at Mount Usborne in East Falkland. The coastal topography features many drowned river valleys that form protected harbours. The islands’ cool and windy climate offers few temperature extremes and only minor seasonal variability.