falkland islands map and map of he falkland islands and information page

FALKLAND ISLANDS

A Brief Description Fast Facts Flag Landforms Lat/Long Links Maps Time Traveler Info Weather

PRINT THIS MAP

A Brief Description

Captain John Davis, an English man-of-the-sea, sighted the Falklands in 1592, however, the first recorded landing by a British navigator occurred almost a century later when Captain John Strong came ashore in 1690.

The first settlement was established in 1764 by the French, and two years later was ceded to Spain; since then, these islands have been the subject of territorial disputes; first between Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina.

In the early 1800s numerous governments had a small presence, but none lasted. A few battles were fought to control the islands, and through it all the British prevailed, and they finally asserted their long-standing claim.

The Falkland Islands would later play a small part in England's battle for supremacy of the high seas in both World Wars. In WW 1, the British sunk a series of German military and transport ships coming through the area, and in WW II, the proud Falkland Islands donated £50,000 to the war effort.

As the British presence in the Falklands was reduced in the late 1970s, the Argentina military saw an opportunity, and subsequently invaded the islands on April 2, 1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce fighting forced Argentina to surrender on June 14, 1982.

Argentina, which has historically claimed the islands, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek them by military force, and even today, the UK firmly rejects Argentina's continuing requests for sovereignty talks.

The economy here was once based on the raising of sheep for wool, but as that market declined worldwide, offshore fishing and oil exploration are now the major factors in its economy, and both have helped improve the overall standard of living.

The current population is mostly of British decent, and for the most part they live in and around Stanley. There are a few hardy (some say fortunate) souls living on picturesque family farms that dot the outer islands. Tourists do journey here and love it, but they are few and far between when you consider the isolated location of this beautiful place.

A scenic farm view in the Falkland Islands Travel the World through Poster Art!
Facts and Figures

Name Falkland Islands

(long form) Note that the islands are a self-governing territory of the United Kingdom (UK), and referred to as the Falkland Islands throughout the UK. Spanish speaking countries of South America refer to them as (Islas Malvinas)

Population 2,967 - Note that the number shown excludes British military personnel

Population & Density (all countries) here

Capital City Stanley (1,989)

Currency Falkland pound (FKP)

Currency Converter here

Languages English

Flag here

National Day June 14

Religions Anglican, Catholic, United Free Church, Evangelist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude/Longitude (Capital City)

51º 40' S, 59º 51' W

Relative Location The Falkland Islands are positioned in both the southern and western hemisphere. They're located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 300 miles (483 km) east of the Argentina coastline.

Land Statistics

Coastline 800 miles (1,288 km)

Land Areas

(land) 4,700 sq miles (12,173 sq km)

(water) unmeasured to date

(TOTAL) 4,700 sq miles (12,173 sq km)

Land Area (all countries) here

Landforms The Falkland Islands, an archipelago comprised of two large islands and several hundred smaller ones, are ringed by a rugged coastline, and for the most part are hilly, rocky and covered with low shrubs and coarse grass.

Hills and low mountains cover the central areas of both large islands, including the Wickham Heights and Hornsby ranges. Shallow streams, ponds and tiny lakes cover a very small percentage of the land.

Highest Pt. Mt. Usbrone - 2,312 ft. (705 m)

Lowest Pt. Atlantic Ocean - 0 ft. (0 m)

Land Divisions None

Contact Us | Privacy Statement

Copyrighted by Graphic Maps
All rights reserved!

All maps, graphics, flags and original descriptions created by Graphic Maps, a d/b/a of the Woolwine-Moen Group, unless otherwise noted and/or directly linked to the source, and use of same for any application whatsoever (with the exception of outline maps) requires written permission.

We make no copyright claim on any statistical data on this page, nor on any non-original graphics, and/or pictures not produced by us. Certain statistical data is gathered from the CIA World Factbook, as well as numerous public domain reference materials.

Every effort is made to be as accurate as possible when disseminating information on any worldwide destination. We are not responsible for unintentional data entry errors or omissions. If you would like to submit an addition, change or correction, or suggest a new link, please forward it to our map department and we will give it our immediate attention.

Maps

Falkland Islands (large color) Map here

Falkland Islands Outline Map here

Falkland Islands CIA version here

Falkland Islands Maps at UT here

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

South America (Bodies of Water) here!

South America (Capital Cities) here!

South America (Landforms) here!

South America (Outline) here!

South America (Country Test) here!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

World Outline Maps (printable) here

World Time Zone Map here

Recommended Links

Falkland Islands (Complete) info on the (GDP) economy, imports and exports, natural resources, government, population, military, transportation, and more here

Falkland Islands Government web site

Falkland Islands web site

Falkland Islands Photos here

Falkland Islands Tourism here

Sea Lion Island here

The rugged coastline of the Falkland Islands Travel the World through Poster Art!

Time and Weather

Climate The Falklands are generally cool, cloudy, humid, and quite windy throughout the year. The yearly high temperature average is in the low 40s.

Note that seasons in the Falklands are just the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere; the summer months are (December - February) and daily highs in Stanley average in the low 70s (22° C), while winter lows average near 40° F (4° C)

Daily rainfall is common, though amounts are relatively low, with about 24 inches (626 mm) falling per year. Snowfall is common in winter, but quickly melts.

Traveler Info

Attractions: The Falkland Islands are certainly not considered a prime tourism destination; but for those that do venture to these remote islands, they report it to be an outdoor paradise for nature lovers.

The deeply indented coastline offers numerous opportunities for exotic bird-watching, nature photography and Antarctica wildlife viewing; elephant seals and sea lions gather along the beaches of several small islands; many species of penguins have nearby colonies, and dolphins and Orca whales swim very close to shore.

Stanley is charming, colorful and peaceful, and offers numerous points-of-interest, including a remarkable cathedral, monuments to its history, as well as maritime and military museums. Tours of 1982 battlefield sites are easily arranged.

Throughout the islands, bike riding and hiking are popular activities, and the two larger islands offer a variety of golf courses from which to choose.

Tourist accommodations (hotels) in the Falkland Islands are limited. Outside of Stanley, there are some small lodges and self-catering cottages. Travelers are advised to make travel arrangements directly with a hotel, or through a travel agent in the Falkland Islands.

Dialing Code 500

Electricity The Falkland Islands use 240 volts AC (50 Hz) Electrical adapters, products and tips here

Travel Warnings here

Visa Information here

PLEASE NOTE: Before making travel plans for any worldwide destination, we strongly recommend you authenticate important details regarding visas, local health care, customs, etc. We always find it helpful to contact the nearest consulate of any country before beginning a journey into a foreign land.

South America
Countries