Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean, situated on the Patagonian Shelf.

The territory includes East Falkland, West Falkland, and 776 smaller islands. As a British Overseas Territory, the Falkland Islands have internal self-government, while the United Kingdom is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. The capital and largest settlement is Stanley, located on East Falkland.

The Falkland Islands have a small population, consisting primarily of people born on the islands, most of British descent, though there are also residents of French, Gibraltarian, and Scandinavian origin. The official and dominant language is English.

Immigration from the United Kingdom, the South Atlantic island of Saint Helena, and Chile has reversed a trend of population decline in recent years.

The key economic sectors are fishing, tourism, and sheep farming, with a particular focus on the export of high-quality wool.

Population: Approx. 3,800
Currency: Falkland Islands Pound (FKP)
Area: 12,000 km²
IIGA Member since: 1991