Falklands

The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, consisting of two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, along with numerous smaller islands. The capital is Stanley. The islands lie about 300 miles east of the southern coast of Argentina and have a cool, windy maritime climate.

History and sovereignty have shaped the Islands. They were repeatedly visited by explorers and fishermen in the 16th and 17th centuries, and Britain established a presence there in the 1830s, later facing competing Argentine claims. In 1982, Argentina invaded the islands, leading to a short war with the United Kingdom. After the conflict, the islands remained under British administration, and sovereignty disputes have persisted to the present while the UK maintains responsibility for defense and foreign affairs.

Governance and politics follow a devolved model. The Governor, appointed by the British Crown, represents the UK, while local affairs are managed by a legislatively elected body (the Legislative Assembly) and a locally chosen Chief Executive. A constitution adopted in the 21st century affirmed self-government in most internal matters, with defense, external relations, and overall constitutional responsibilities retained by the UK.

Economy and society are dominated by fishing, sheep farming, and growing tourism, with modest services and government spending from the UK. The Falkland Islands use the Falkland Islands pound, pegged to the pound sterling, and English is the official language. The population is small and largely of British descent, with a strong regional identity linked to maritime and agricultural traditions. Wildlife and conservation play notable roles in tourism and land use.