Falkland Islands (Islas
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Government Information
Chief
of State: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February
1952) Head of Government: Governor
Howard PEARCE (since 3 December 2002) Government Type: NA
Population Demographics
Population:
2,967 (July 2006 est.) Languages: English Religion: primarily Anglican,
Roman Catholic, United Free Church, Evangelist Church,
Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist Life Expectancy: NA
Economic Information
Currency:
Falkland pound (FKP) GDP(per capita): $25,000 (2002
est.) Overview: The economy was formerly
based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today
fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In
1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to
foreign trawlers operating within the Falkland Islands'
exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more
than $40 million per year, which goes to support the
island's health, education, and welfare system. Squid
accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming supports
domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Exports
feature shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the
sale of postage stamps and coins. The islands are now
self-financing except for defense. The British Geological
Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around
the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest
substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels
per day; to date, no exploitable site has been identified.
An agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks
to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would
dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil
reserves. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is increasing
rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in 2001. Another
large source of income is interest paid on money the
government has in the bank. The British military presence
also provides a sizeable economic boost.
Exports: wool, hides, meat
Import: fuel, food and drink,
building materials, clothing
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Geography
Information
Location:
Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic
Ocean, east of southern Argentina Area: total: 12,173 sq km
land: 12,173 sq km
water: 0 sq km
note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland
and about 200 small islands
Background:
Although first sighted by an English navigator in 1592,
the first landing (English) did not occur until almost
a century later in 1690, and the first settlement (French)
was not established until 1764. The colony was turned
over to Spain two years later and the islands have since
been the subject of a territorial dispute, first between
Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina.
The UK asserted its claim to the islands by establishing
a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina invaded the
islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with
an expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later
and after fierce fighting forced Argentine surrender
on 14 June 1982.
Independence Day: none (overseas
territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
Capital City: Stanley Administrative divisions: none
(overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
