A new constitution to enhance the powers of the Executive Council came into force on 1 January 2009.
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.
- Pick up the weekly Penguin News, out on Fridays, to get a handle on island life.
- The territory’s sovereignty status is part of an ongoing dispute between Argentina and the UK.
- 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.
- Britain rests its case on its long-term administration of the Falklands and on the principle of self-determination for the islanders, who are almost all of British descent.
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.
A Journey Through The Falkland Islands’ Past
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.
Education
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.
Our people
British administration was restored two months later at the end of the Falklands War. In a 2013 sovereignty referendum, almost all of the votes cast were in favour of remaining a UK overseas territory. The territory’s sovereignty status is part of an ongoing dispute between Argentina and the UK. The Falkland Islands Government Air Service operates light aircraft flights between Stanley and most settlements and islands. Flights are scheduled according to demand, with departure times and passenger lists announced by radio on the evening prior to your flight.
- Enjoy lovely views from the sheltered summit area of Mount William.
- Consistently high west winds average 19 miles (31 km) per hour, while the mean annual average temperature is about 42 °F (5 °C), with an average maximum of 49 °F (9 °C) and an average minimum of 37 °F (3 °C).
- Welcome to The Falkland Islands, a breathtaking South Atlantic Ocean archipelago filled with natural wonders and incredible wildlife.
- Stanley Harbour provides a base for sailing, windsurfing, jet-skiing and kayaking, and there are a number of wreck dives available for underwater enthusiasts.
- 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.
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.
Land
The Falkland Islands Company has 4WDs for hire, including Land Rover Defenders. Taxis and airport transfers are available, and there is also a ferry service between East and West Falkland. Cycling is hard work thanks to strong winds, stony gravel roads and a lack of drinking water along routes. It is home to the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust, a museum devoted to the islands’ history. The town also features the Falkland Islands Philatelic Bureau; the Falklands have been issuing stamps that reflect the area’s history and wildlife since the late 1800s. The islands’ British heritage is apparent in Stanley, where pubs, bright red mailboxes, and well-kept gardens are numerous.
White grass (Cortaderia pilosa) and diddle-dee (Empetrum rubrum) dominate the grasslands. Where livestock grazing has been controlled, coastal tussock grass (Parodiochloa flabellata) still covers offshore islands. The chilly, damp climate inhibits the complete decomposition of plant matter and permits the accumulation of deep peat deposits.
US warship destroys Argentine settlement in reprisal for the arrest of three US vessels hunting seals. Coverage of local affairs is provided by a radio station and by the territory’s sole newspaper, Penguin News. Britain rests its case on its long-term administration of the Falklands and on the principle of self-determination for the islanders, who are almost all identifying addiction triggers of British descent.
The Falkland Islands
Argentine forces, who had landed on the Falklands to stake a territorial claim, were ejected by a British military task force. A great hill walk for amazing views and to a summit memorial cross for the 1982 war. Enjoy lovely views from the sheltered summit area of Mount William. If you’re visiting Stanley for the day, perhaps as part of a cruise, the Stanley – Historic Heart walking trail is the perfect way to soak up the best of the city!
It lies about 300 miles (480 km) northeast of the southern tip of South America and a similar distance east of the Strait of Magellan. In South America the islands are generally known as Islas Malvinas, because early French settlers had named them Malouines, or Malovines, in 1764, after their home port of Saint-Malo, France. (2012, excluding British military personnel stationed on the islands) 2,563. In the late 20th century the government instituted policies to encourage an increase in the number of smaller, locally operated farms rather than corporate-owned farms.
FALKLAND ISLAND: FACTS
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.
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.
Off-Road Adventures: Explore the Wild Side of the Falkland Islands
Our Community Directory is our one-stop-shop for information on all local services and amenities that support and enhance the quality of life for people in the Falkland Islands. At the time of the 2016 census, 87% of people were under 65, with the average age being 38. There is almost zero unemployment in the Falkland Islands, with many people undertaking more than one job, and 49% of all adults have some post-secondary or vocational qualifications. More than 3,200 people live in the Falkland Islands from more than 60 countries, including 10% from Saint Helena and 6% from Chile. Many Falkland Islanders can trace their heritage back through nine generation, stretching back over 200 years.