Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
The
Colony of the Falkland Islands, also called
Malvinas Islands (
Spanish Las Islas Malvinas), is an
overseas territory of the
United Kingdom, claimed by
Argentina. The capital is
Port Stanley (
Puerto Argentino).
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Colony of the Falkland Islands
\nIslas Malvinas\n|-\n| style="background:#efefef;" align="center" colspan="2" |\n{| border=0 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0\n|-\n| align="center" width="140px" |
|| align="center" width="140px" |
\n|-\n| align="center" width="140px" | (
In Detail) || align="center" width="140px" | (In Detail)\n|}\n|-\n| align="center" colspan=2 style="border-bottom:3px solid gray;" |
Motto: Desire the right\n|-\n| align="center" colspan=2 |
\n|-\n|
Official language || English\n|-\n|
Capital ||
Port Stanley (Puerto Argentino)\n|-\n| Governor || Howard Pearce\n|-\n| Chief Executive || Chris Simpkins\n|-\n|
Area - Total
- % water ||
not ranked 12,173 km² -\n|-\n|
Population - Total (
2003 E)
-
Density ||
not ranked 2,967
0.24/km²\n|-\n|
Currency || Falkland
pound (FKP; fixed to
GBP)\n|-\n|
Time zone ||
UTC -4 (
DST -3)\n|-\n|
National anthem ||
God Save the Queen\n|-\n|
Internet TLD || .FK\n|-\n|
Calling Code || 500\n|}
History
\nMain article: History of the Falkland Islands
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.
Politics
\nMain article: Politics of the Falkland Islands
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, Argentina’s 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 Nation’s 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.
Geography
\nMain article: Geography 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.
Economy
\nMain article: Economy of the Falkland Islands
The largest industries are fishing and agriculture. The islands have oil reserves that are believed to be quite substantial, but yet to be exploited
Demographics
\nMain article: Demographics of the Falkland Islands
The population is 2,967 (July 2003 estimated).
Culture
\nMain article: Culture of the Falkland Islands
Miscellaneous topics
\n* Communications in the Falkland Islands\n* Transportation in the Falkland Islands\n* Military of the Falkland Islands\n* Stamps and postal history of the Falkland Islands
See also
\n* Battle of the Falkland Islands - naval engagement of the First World War\n* Falklands War - conflict between Argentina and United Kingdom\n* Major Samuel Stransham
External links
\n*Falkland Islands Government\n*Penguin News (weekly newspaper)\n*Falkland Islands News Network\n*Falkland Islands Portal\n*Falkland Islands Tourism\n*Jason Islands Banknotes\n*Falkland Islands detailed map\n*Falkland Islands Information Portal
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Category:Falkland Islands
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