Malvinas

Malvinas is the Spanish name for the Falkland Islands, a remote archipelago in the South Atlantic. The islands lie about 480 kilometers (300 miles) east of the Argentine coast and consist of two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, along with numerous smaller islands. The capital and largest settlement is Stanley. The population is small, English is the predominant language, and the Falkland Islands pound is the local currency, pegged to the pound sterling.

The Falkland Islands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory. The British Crown is represented by a Governor, while internal affairs are handled by a locally elected Legislative Assembly. The United Kingdom retains responsibility for defence and foreign policy. The current constitutional framework, established in the 2009 constitution, supports local governance and the rule of law. The economy is anchored by fishing, sheep farming, and tourism, with offshore fishing and related industries playing a significant role; offshore oil exploration has occurred but has varied with market conditions.

Sovereignty over the islands has been disputed for many years. Britain has administered the islands since 1833, though Argentina has long asserted a claim to the territory, referring to it as Islas Malvinas. In 1982 Argentina briefly invaded the islands, leading to a war with the United Kingdom, after which British control was reaffirmed. The sovereignty dispute remains a matter of diplomatic contention. Argentina emphasizes its claim, while the islanders’ right to self-determination is cited in international discussions. The issue has been addressed in United Nations forums with calls for negotiated settlements between the two sides.