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{{Redirect|Malvinas}}
{{Redirect|Falklands|similar terms|Falkland}}
<!--Do not edit this article to include or remove any Spanish names without first discussing it on Talk. Any substantial changes without consensus on Talk may result in an immediate block from editing.-->
{{Infobox Country
|native_name =
|conventional_long_name = Falkland Islands
|common_name = Falkland Islands
|demonym = Falkland Islander
|image_flag = Flag of the Falkland Islands.svg
|image_coat = Coa Falkland.svg
|image_map = LocationFalklandIslands.png
|national_motto = "Desire the right"
|national_anthem = "]"
|official_languages = English
|capital = ]
|latd=51 |latm=42 |latNS=S |longd=57 |longm=51 |longEW=W
|largest_city = ]
|ethnic_groups = 61.3% ]{{Ref label|islander-note|a|}}<br/> 29.0% ] <br /> 2.6% ] <br /> 0.6% ] <br /> 6.5% ]an & Other<ref>{{cite web|author=Joshua Project |url=http://www.joshuaproject.net/countries.php?rog3=FK |title=Ethnic People Groups of Falkland Islands |publisher=Joshua Project |date= |accessdate=2010-02-28}}</ref>
|government_type = ]
|leader_title1 = Monarch
|leader_name1 = ]
|leader_title2 = ]
|leader_name2 = ]
|leader_title3 = ]
|leader_name3 = ]<ref>{{cite press release |title=Falkland Islands Government appoints new Chief Executive |publisher=Falkland Islands Government |date=2007-08-30 |url=http://www.falklands.gov.fk/news-2007.php |accessdate=2007-10-29}}</ref>
|area_rank = 162nd
|area_magnitude = 1 E10
|area_km2 = 12,173
|area_sq_mi = 4,700 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
|percent_water = 0
|population_estimate = 3,140<ref name=cia>{{cite web
|url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fk.html
|title = Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
|publisher = The World Factbook
|publisher = CIA
|accessdate = 2010-03-05}}</ref>
|population_estimate_rank = 217th
|population_estimate_year = July 2008
|population_census =
|population_census_year =
|population_density_km2 = 0.26
|population_density_sq_mi = 0.65 <!--Do not remove per ]-->
|population_density_rank = 240th
|GDP_PPP = $75 million
|GDP_PPP_rank = 223rd
|GDP_PPP_year = 2005
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $25,000 (2002 estimate)
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = ''not ranked''
|sovereignty_type = ]
|established_event1 = Liberation Day
|established_date1 = 14 June 1982
|HDI = n/a
|HDI_rank =
|HDI_year =
|HDI_category =
|currency = ]{{Ref label|currency-note|b|}}
|currency_code = FKP
|country_code =
|time_zone =
|utc_offset = -4
|time_zone_DST =
|utc_offset_DST = -3
|cctld = ]
|calling_code = 500
|drives_on = left
|footnotes =


Malvinas Argentinas, british racist hypocrites go home to britain and start by giving back the land to native Canadians rather then steal more land from Argentina using 2000 thieves and pirats, death to all racist people.
a. {{note|islander-note}} The majority are of British origin.<br/>
b. {{note|currency-note}} Fixed to the ].
}}
<!--
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The '''Falkland Islands''' ({{pron-en|ˈfɔːlklənd}}; {{lang-es|Islas Malvinas}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wordreference.com/es/translation.asp?tranword=Falklands&B10=Buscar&dict=enes |title=WordReference, English-Spanish Dictionary. '&#39;Falklands: the Falklands, las (islas) Malvinas'&#39; |publisher=Wordreference.com |date= |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> are an ] in the ], located about {{convert|300|mi|lk=on|nmi km}} from the coast of mainland South America, {{convert|700|mi|nmi km}}<ref>Distance between Beauchêne Island {{Coord|52|54|50|S|59|11|30|W|display=inline}} and Prime Head {{Coord|63|12|48|S|57|18|8|W|display=inline}} is {{convert|715|mi|nmi km}}, measured using </ref> from mainland Antarctica, and {{convert|3800|mi|nmi km}}<ref>Distance between a rock off Cape Pembroke {{Coord|51|40|33|S|57|41|17|W|display=inline}} and the ] {{Coord|34|18|31|S|15|24|6|E|display=inline}} is {{convert|3844|mi|abbr=on}}, measured using </ref> from Africa. The archipelago, consisting of ], ] and 776 lesser islands, is a ]<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.falklands.gov.fk/assembly/
|title = Welcome to the Falkland Islands Government Legislative Assembly Website
|publisher = The Falkland Islands Government
|accessdate = 13 June 2010}}</ref> ] of the ].<ref name="islands">{{cite web
| title = The Islands: Location
| work = Falkland Islands Government web site
| publisher =
| url = http://www.falklands.gov.fk/location.php
| year = 2007
| accessdate =2007-04-08}}</ref> The capital, ], is on East Falkland.

Ever since the ], ] has ].<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.cancilleria.gov.ar/portal/seree/malvinas/home.html
|title = Islas Malvinas, Georgias del Sur y Sandwich del Sur
|publisher = Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores
|accessdate = 2010-03-06}}</ref> In pursuit of this claim, which is rejected by the islanders,<ref>
{{cite web
| title = Country Profile: Falkland Islands, Sovereignty of the Islands
| work = Countries & Regions
| publisher =]
| url =http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/country-profiles/south-america/falkland-islands?profile=history&pg=3
| date = 2007-07-27
| accessdate =2008-04-04}}
</ref> Argentina ] in 1982. This precipitated the two-month-long undeclared ] between Argentina and the United Kingdom and resulted in the defeat and withdrawal of the Argentine forces.

Since the war, there has been strong ] in both ] and ].

==Name==
{{See also|List of Falkland Islands placenames}}
The Falkland Islands took their English name from "Falkland Sound", the channel between the two main islands, which was in turn named after ] by Captain ], who landed on the islands in 1690.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.falklands.info/history/histarticle19.html
|title = Port Desire and the Discovery of the Falklands
|author = Peter J. Pepper
|publisher = Falkland Islands Newsletter, No. 78, March 2001
|accessdate = 2010-03-06}}</ref> The Spanish name, ''Islas Malvinas'', is derived from the French name,<ref name="falklandislandsguide.wordpress.com">{{cite web
|url = http://falklandislandsguide.wordpress.com/
|title = Falkland Islands Guide
|publisher = Blog at Worldpress.com
|accessdate = 2010-03-06}}</ref> ''Îles Malouines'', named by ] in 1764 after the first known settlers, mariners and fishermen from the ] port of ] in France.<ref name="falklandislandsguide.wordpress.com"/> The ] designation is ''Falkland Islands (Malvinas)'' and its ISO country code is ''FK''.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.iso.org/iso/english_country_names_and_code_elements#f.
|title = English country names and code elements
|publisher = International Organization for Standardization
|accessdate = 2010-03-06}}</ref>

As a result of the continuing ], the use of many Spanish names is considered offensive in the Falkland Islands, particularly those associated with the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.falklands.info/background/99agree.html|title=AGREEMENT OF 14th JULY 1999|publisher=Falklands.info|accessdate=2007-07-23}}</ref> General Sir ] would not allow the use of ''Islas Malvinas'' in the ], dismissing it as a ] term.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.psywar.org/falklands.php|title=PSYOP of the Falkland Islands War|publisher=psywar.org|accessdate=2007-07-23}}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of the Falkland Islands|Timeline of the history of the Falkland Islands}}

The islands were uninhabited when they were first discovered by ], but there is evidence that ]n Indians may have reached the Falklands in canoes.<ref name="royalnavy.mod.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/visitandlearn/learning-zone/locations/falkland-islands/history/ |title=History : Falkland Islands : Locations : Welcome to the Learning Zone : Visit & Learn |publisher=Royalnavy.mod.uk |date= |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> Artifacts including ]s and the remains of a ] have been found on the islands.<ref name="britishislesgenweb.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.britishislesgenweb.org/index.php/falkland-islands |title=Falkland Islands |publisher=Britishislesgenweb.org |date=2009-01-20 |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> There was also the presence of the ], or ] (now extinct), but warrahs may have reached the islands via a ] when the ] was much lower during the last ]. A group of islands appeared on maps in the Falkland Island region from the early 16th century, so either Ferdinand Magellan or another early expedition may have sighted them. ] may have sighted the islands in 1502, but he did not name them. In 1519 or 1520, Esteban Gómez, a captain in Magellan’s expedition, encountered several islands that members of his crew called "Islas de Sansón y de los Patos" ("Islands of Samson and the Ducks"). These were probably the Jason Islands, northwest of West Falkland, and the names "Islas de Sansón" (or "San Antón," "San Son," and "Ascensión") were used for the Falklands on Spanish maps during this period.<ref name="royalnavy.mod.uk"/> ], a Turkish admiral of the time who drew reasonably accurate maps, showed islands that may well have been the Falkland Islands.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/198001/piri.reis.and.the.hapgood.hypotheses.htm |title=Piri Reis and the Hapgood Hypotheses |authors= Paul F. Hoye and Paul Lunde |year=1980 |work=Saudi Aramco World |publisher=Saudi Aramco World |accessdate=10 April 2010}} Piri Reis' information appears to have been partly based on an original chart drawn or used by Christopher Columbus and captured by the Turks from the Spanish.</ref>

] was the only native mammal found on the islands upon discovery by Europeans]]

=== Early Explorers ===
There is some dispute about which European explorer first set foot on the islands. The islands appear on numerous Spanish and other maps beginning in the 1520s.<ref name="britishislesgenweb.org"/> The English explorer ], commander of the ''Desire'', one of the ships belonging to Thomas Cavendish's second expedition to the New World, is recorded as having visited the islands in 1592.<ref>{{cite web|last=Molle |first=Kris |url=http://www.polarconservation.org/education/explorers/john-davis |title=John Davis — Polar Conservation Organisation |publisher=Polarconservation.org |date=2008-10-07 |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> He was separated from Cavendish off the coast of what is now southern Argentina by a severe storm and discovered the islands. For a time the islands were known as "Davis Land".<ref name="royalnavy.mod.uk"/> In 1594, the English commander Richard Hawkins visited the islands. Combining his own name with that of Queen Elizabeth I, the "Virgin Queen", he gave them the name of "Hawkins' Maidenland." Many give the credit to ], a ]man, who discovered the islands in 1600.<ref name="britishislesgenweb.org"/>

In January 1690, Captain John Strong of the ''Welfare'' was heading for ] (now in Argentina). Driven off course by contrary winds, he reached the Sebald Islands instead and landed at Bold Cove. He sailed between the two principal islands and called the passage "Falkland Channel" (now ]), after ], who as Commissioner of the ] had financed the expedition (Cary later became First Lord of the Admiralty). The island group later took its English name from this body of water.

=== The first settlers (1764 - 1811) ===
The first settlement on the Falkland Islands, named ], was founded by the French navigator and military commander Louis Antoine de Bougainville on Berkeley Sound, in present-day ], ] in 1764.

], by ], 1759.]]

In January 1765, the British captain ], unaware of the French presence, explored and claimed ], at the western end of the group, where he named the harbour of ]. He sailed near other islands, which he also claimed for ]. A British settlement was built at Port Egmont in 1766. Also in 1766, Spain acquired the French colony, and after assuming effective control in 1767, placed the islands under a governor subordinate to the ]. Spain attacked Port Egmont, ending the British presence there in 1770. The expulsion of the British settlement ], but a peace treaty allowed the British to return to Port Egmont in 1771 with neither side relinquishing sovereignty.<ref name="briefhistory2">. Retrieved 2007-09-08.</ref>

In 1774, as a result of economic pressures leading up to the ], the United Kingdom withdrew unilaterally from many of her overseas settlements, including Port Egmont.<ref> A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS: Part 2 - Fort St. Louis and Port Egmont</ref><ref> FALKLAND ISLANDS TIMELINE: A chronology of events in the history of the Falkland Islands</ref> Upon her withdrawal in 1776 the UK left behind a ] asserting her claims. From 1776 until 1811 Spain maintained a settlement administered from ] as part of the ]. On leaving in 1811, Spain also left behind a plaque asserting her claims.

=== Argentine colonial aspirations ===
On 6 November 1820, Colonel ] raised the flag of the ] (Argentina) at Port Louis. Jewett was an American sailor and ] in the employment of Buenos Aires businessman ] to captain his ship, the frigate ] (Lynch had obtained a ] from the Buenos Aires Supreme Director José Rondeau). Jewett had put into the islands the previous month, following a disastrous eight month voyage with most of his crew disabled by scurvy and disease. After resting in the islands and repairing his ship he was relieved of command and returned to South America.

In 1828 ] founded a settlement seeking authorisation from both the British and Argentine authorities. Modern Argentina claims the United States warships destroyed this settlement in 1831 after Vernet seized US seal hunting ships during a dispute over fishing rights (the Captain of the Lexington reports destroying a powder store and spiking the settlement guns). In November 1832, Argentina sent another governor to found a penal settelement who was killed in a mutiny after 4 days.

=== British settlement ===
In January 1833, British forces returned and informed the Argentine commander that they intended to reassert British sovereignty. The existing settlers were allowed to remain, with an Irish member of Vernet's settlement, William Dickson, appointed as the Islands' governor. Vernet's deputy, Matthew Brisbane, returned later that year and was informed that the British had no objections to the continuation of Vernet's business ventures provided there was no interference with British control.<ref>{{cite book|first=Laurio H.|last=Destéfani|title=The Malvinas, the South Georgias and the South Sandwich Islands, the conflict with Britain|location=Buenos Aires|year=1982}}</ref><ref>]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://darwin-online.org.uk/content/frameset?itemID=EHBeagleDiary&viewtype=text&pageseq=304&keywords=falklands |title=Darwin's Beagle Diary (1831–1836)|page=304|publisher=The Complete Works of Charles Darwin Online|accessdate=2007-07-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cpel.uba.ar/filargenta/correo/malv0020.htm|title=Ocupación británica: Port Stanley (Puerto Argentino)|language=Spanish|accessdate=2007-07-23|publisher=}}</ref>

].]]
The ] built a base at ], and the islands became a strategic point for navigation around ]. A ] naval battle, the ], took place in December 1914, with a British victory over the smaller ] Asiatic Fleet. During ], Stanley served as a Royal Navy station and serviced ships which took part in the 1939 ].

Sovereignty over the islands again became an issue in the second half of the 20th century. Argentina saw the creation of the ] as an opportunity to present its claim to the islands to the rest of the world. When signing the ] in 1945, Argentina stated that it reserved its right to sovereignty of the islands, and its right to recover them. The United Kingdom's response was to state that the ] first had to vote for the British withdrawal in a ] and that this was an essential precondition for the fulfilment of ] on de-colonising all territories still under foreign occupation,

Talks between British and Argentine foreign missions took place in the 1960s, but failed to come to any meaningful conclusion. A major sticking point in all the negotiations was that the two thousand inhabitants of mainly British descent preferred that the islands remain British territory.

One result of the these talks, however, was the creation of the islands' first air link. In 1971, the ] (FAA), which operates the state airline ], began ] between ] and Stanley using ] aircraft.<ref>{{Dead link|date=March 2010}}</ref> The following year, Britain agreed to allow Argentina to build a temporary air strip, which was completed that November. Flights between Stanley and Comodoro Rivadavia continued twice a week using ] and later ] aircraft following the construction of the permanent air strip until 1982.<ref name = "LADE"> Argentine National Congress, Chamber of Deputies. ''Líneas Aéreas Del Estado, LADE''.</ref><ref name = "Albatross"> Asociación Tripulantes de Transporte Aéreo. Argentine Air Force, ''Grumman HU-16B Albatross''.</ref><ref name = "FAA"> Asociación Tripulantes de Transporte Aéreo. Argentine Air Force, ''Fokker F-27 Troopship/Friendship''</ref> During the same period, ], the Argentine national oil and gas company, now part of ], supplied the islands' energy needs.

===Falklands War===
{{Main|Falklands War}}
] guard Argentine ]]] On 2 April 1982, Argentina ] and other British territories in the South Atlantic (]). The ] which had ruled Argentina since 1976 sought to maintain power by diverting public attention from the nation's ] and exploiting the long-standing feelings of the Argentines towards the islands.<ref>{{PDFlink||185&nbsp;KB}}</ref> Several British writers hold that the United Kingdom's reduction in military capacity in the South Atlantic also encouraged the invasion.<ref>{{cite news | title = Guide to the conflict | work = Fight for the Falklands — 20 years on | publisher =BBC News | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/uk/2002/falklands/guide2.stm | quote = The Foreign Secretary, ], and two junior ministers had resigned by the end of the week <nowiki></nowiki>. They took the blame for Britain's poor preparations and plans to decommission ], the Navy's only Antarctic patrol vessel. It was a move which may have lead the Junta to believe the UK had little interest in keeping the Falklands. | accessdate =2007-03-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title =Secret Falklands fleet revealed | work =] | quote =], who was foreign secretary in 1977, said that if ]'s Conservative government had taken similar action to that of five years earlier, the war would not have happened. | publisher =] | date =2005-06-01 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4597581.stm | accessdate =2007-03-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last =Casciani | first =Dominic | title =1976 Falklands invasion warning | work =] | quote =The ] Report into the eventual war noted that as tension mounted during 1977, the government covertly sent a small naval force to the islands — but did not repeat the move when relations worsened again in 1981–2. This has led some critics to blame prime minister Margaret Thatcher for the war, saying the decision to plan the withdrawal of the only naval vessel in the area sent the wrong signal to the military junta in Buenos Aires. | publisher =] | date =2006-12-29 | url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6213121.stm | accessdate =}}</ref>

The ] issued ], calling on Argentina to withdraw forces from the Islands and for both parties to seek a diplomatic solution.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historycentral.com/HistoricalDocuments/UNReso502.html |title=HistoryCentral. United Nations Resolution 502, '&#39;Adopted by the Security Council at its 2350th meeting held on 3 April 1982.'&#39; |publisher=Historycentral.com |date= |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> International reaction ranged from support for Argentina in ]n countries (except ] and ]), to opposition in the ] and Europe (apart from Spain), and eventually the United States.

The British sent an ] to retake the islands, leading to the ]. After short but fierce naval and air battles, the British landed at San Carlos Water on 21 May, and a land campaign followed until the Argentine forces surrendered on 14 June 1982.

The War led to the deaths of 655 Argentine, 255 British servicemen and 3 Falkland Islanders.

After the war, the British increased their military presence on the islands, constructing ] and increasing the military garrison. Although the United Kingdom and Argentina resumed diplomatic relations in 1992, no further negotiations on sovereignty have taken place.

==Politics==
{{Main|Politics of the Falkland Islands}}

] of the United Kingdom and his consort ].]]

] is vested in the ] and is exercised by the ] on her behalf. The Governor is also responsible for the administration of ], as these islands have no native inhabitants. Defence and Foreign Affairs are the responsibility of the United Kingdom. The current Governor is ], appointed July 2006.

Under the ], which came into force on 1 January 2009<ref>, ], 6 November 2008</ref> (which replaced the 1985 constitution), there is an ] and a ]. The ], which advises the Governor, is also chaired by the Governor. It consists of the Chief Executive, Financial Secretary and three Legislative Councillors, who are elected by the other Legislative Councillors.

The Legislative Council consists of the Chief Executive, Financial Secretary and the eight Legislative Councillors, of whom five are elected from Stanley and three from ], for four-year terms. It is presided over by the Speaker, currently Keith Biles.

The ] includes Falkland Islands on the ].

===Relations with Argentina===
{{Main|Sovereignty of the Falkland Islands}}
The dispute over control of the islands has continued since the war. Diplomatic relations between Argentina and the UK were resumed in 1992, and embassies were reopened in London and Buenos Aires. In 1994, Argentina added its claim to the islands to the ], stating that this claim must be pursued in a manner "respectful of the way of life of their inhabitants and according to the principles of international law"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Argentina/argen94_e.html |title="Argentina Constitution, Georgetown University" |publisher=Pdba.georgetown.edu |date= |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> (see: ]).

In 1998, in retaliation for the arrest in London of the former Chilean president ], the ]an government banned flights between ] and ], thus isolating the islands from the rest of the world. ] and ] refused to authorise direct flights between their territories and Port Stanley. This forced the Islands' government to enter negotiations with the Argentine government and led to Argentina authorising direct flights between its territory and Stanley, on condition that Argentine citizens be allowed on the islands.<ref> AGREEMENT OF 14th JULY 1999</ref> One flight a month, operated by ], travels between ] on East Falkland and ] in ], Argentina.

Since the war, successive Argentine governments have stated their intention to pursue their claim to the islands by peaceful means. On the 22nd anniversary of the war, Argentina's President ] gave a speech insisting that the islands would become part of Argentina. Kirchner, ] in 2003, regarded the islands as a top priority. In June 2003 the issue was brought before a United Nations committee, and attempts have been made to open talks with the United Kingdom to resolve the issue of the islands.

]

In 2007 (exactly 25 years after the Argentine invasion), Argentina renewed its claim over the Falkland Islands, asking for the UK to resume talks on sovereignty.<ref>{{cite news | first=VOA News | last= | coauthors= |authorlink= | title=Argentina Reasserts Claim to Falkland Islands | date=3 January 2007 | publisher=Voice of America | url =http://voanews.com/english/archive/2007-01/2007-01-03-voa29.cfm | work =VOA News | pages = | accessdate = 3 January 2009 | language = }}</ref> In March 2009, British Prime Minister ] stated in a meeting with Argentine President ] that there would be no talks over the future sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.<ref name="Vinadelmar">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7969463.stm BBC News</ref> As far as the governments of the UK and of the Falkland Islands are concerned, there is no issue to resolve. The Falkland Islanders themselves are almost entirely British and maintain their allegiance to the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/mar/28/falkland-islands-sovereignty-argentina
|title = Falkland Islands sovereignty talks out of the question, says Gordon Brown
|publisher = The Guardian
|date = 28 March 2009
|accessdate = 2009-04-29.
| location=London
| first=Nicholas
| last=Watt}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.falklands.gov.fk/overview.php |title=Falkland Islands Government Overview |publisher=Falklands.gov.fk |date= |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref>

On 22 September 2007, '']'' reported the UK government was preparing to stake new claims on the sea floor around the Falklands and other UK remote island possessions, in order to exploit natural resources that may be present.<ref name="Guardian">
{{cite news |first=Owen |last=Bowcott |title=The new British empire? UK plans to annex south Atlantic |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/argentina/story/0,,2174616,00.html |publisher=The Guardian |date=2007-09-22 |accessdate=2007-09-23 | location=London}}</ref> In October 2007, a British spokeswoman confirmed that Britain intended to submit a claim<ref name="Reuters_Antartica">
{{cite news |first=Kate|last=Kelland|title=Britain to claim a million square km of Antarctica |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUKL1721422020071017 |publisher=Reuters |date=2007-10-18 |accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref> to the UN to extend seabed territory around the Falklands and South Georgia, in advance of the expiry of the deadline<ref name="Prof_Dodds">{{cite news |first=Prof Klaus|last=Dodds|title=Icy imperialism or reinforcement of the Antarctic treaty? |url=http://politics.guardian.co.uk/foreignaffairs/story/0,,2194803,00.html |publisher=The Guardian|date=2007-10-19 |accessdate=2007-10-20 | location=London}}</ref> for territorial claims following Britain's ratification of the ].<ref name="Law_of_The_Sea">{{cite web|url=http://www.globelaw.com/LawSea/lsconts.htm |title=Table of Contents to the UN Law of the Sea Convention |publisher=Globelaw.com |date=1982-12-10 |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> If the claim is disputed, the UN will suspend the claim until the dispute is settled.<ref name="Reuters_Antartica"/> The claim is largely theoretical and does not affect the ] or confer new rights upon Britain. Neither does it permit the exploitation of oil or gas reserves, since these are banned by a protocol to the treaty. It would enable Britain to police fishing within the zone to prevent over-exploitation of natural resources by commercial fishing in line with Britain's obligations under the treaty.<ref name="Prof_Boyle">{{cite news |first=Prof Alan|last=Boyle|title=Icy imperialism or reinforcement of the Antarctic treaty? |url=http://politics.guardian.co.uk/foreignaffairs/story/0,,2194803,00.html |publisher=The Guardian|date=2007-10-19 |accessdate=2007-10-20 | location=London}}</ref> Professor Klaus Dodds
of the University of London, commenting in The Guardian, has suggested that the move goes against the ''spirit'' of the Antarctic Treaty.<ref name="Prof_Dodds"/> Argentina has indicated it will challenge any British claim to Antarctic territory and the area around the Falkland Islands and ].<ref name="Argentine_protests">{{cite news |first=Owen |last=Boycott |title=Argentina ready to challenge Britain's Antarctic claims |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/oct/19/climatechange.fossilfuels |publisher=The Guardian |date=2007-10-19 |accessdate=2007-10-20 | location=London}}</ref> Argentina made a similar claim in 2009,<ref>{{cite news|last=Piette |first=Candace |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8011539.stm |title=Americas &#124; Argentina claims vast ocean area |publisher=BBC News |date=2009-04-22 |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> and the United Kingdom quickly protested against these claims.<ref> - ], 23 April 2009</ref>

In February 2010, the Argentine government announced that ships traversing Argentine territorial waters en route to the Falklands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands would require a permit, as part of a dispute over British oil exploration near the Falklands. The British and Falkland governments stated that Falklands-controlled waters were unaffected.<ref> - ], 16 February 2010</ref>

==Geography and ecology==
{{See also|Geology of the Falkland Islands|Rivers of the Falkland Islands}}
]
], one of many inlets on ]. The islands are heavily indented by sounds and fjords]]

The Falkland Islands comprise two main islands, ] and ] (in Spanish Isla Gran Malvina and Isla Soledad respectively), and about 776 small islands.<ref name="islands"/> The islands are located {{convert|212|mi|nmi km}}<ref>Distance between Bird Island {{Coord|51|10|11|S|60|56|22|W|display=inline}} and Isla de los Estados {{Coord|54|43|10|S|63|48|31|W|display=inline}} measured using </ref> from the ] in Argentina (and {{convert|287|mi|nmi km}}<ref>Distance between Jason Island {{Coord|51|00|03|S|61|18|45|W|display=inline}} and Punta Buque {{Coord|48|06|35|S|65|54|51|W|display=inline}} measured using </ref> from the Argentine mainland); {{convert|304|mi|nmi km}}<ref>Distance between Beaver Island {{Coord|51|50|07|S|61|20|52|W|display=inline}} and Punta Dungeness {{Coord|52|23|51|S|68|26|02|W|display=inline}} measured using </ref> from ]; {{convert|669|mi|nmi km}}<ref>Distance between a rock off Cape Pembroke {{Coord|51|40|33|S|57|41|17|W|display=inline}} and Shag Rocks {{Coord|53|33|00|S|42|02|00|W|display=inline}} measured using </ref> west of the ] (]) and {{convert|576|mi|nmi km}}<ref>Distance between Beauchêne Island {{Coord|52|54|50|S|59|11|30|W|display=inline}} and ] {{Coord|60|59|10.5|S|55|23|00.7|W|display=inline}} measured using </ref> north of the ] (which overlaps with the ] and ] claims to Antarctica in that region).

<!-- The metric measurements come from the source footnoted. The Imperial measurements are derived from them. -->The total land area is 4,700 square miles (12,173&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), slightly smaller than ] or ], with a ] estimated at 800 miles (1288&nbsp;km).<ref name="autogenerated1"></ref>

The two main islands on either side of ] make up most of the land. These are ], which contains the capital, ], and most of the population; and ]. Both islands have ]s, the highest point being ], 2312 feet (705&nbsp;m)<ref name="autogenerated1"/> on East Falkland. There are also some ]gy ]s, most notably in ], on the southern half of East Falkland. Virtually the entire area of the islands is used as ] for ].

Smaller islands surround the main two. They include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. The ] lie to the north west of the main archipelago, and ] some distance to its south. Speedwell Island and George Island are split from East Falkland by ].

Numerous flora and fauna are found on the Falkland Islands. Notable fauna include colonies of the ].<ref>C. Michael Hogan. 2008. </ref>

The islands claim a territorial sea of {{convert|12|nmi|km mi|1|lk=in}} and an ] of {{convert|200|nmi|km mi|1}}, which has been a source of disagreement with Argentina.
], the Falkland Islands are classified as part of the ] realm, together with South America. It is also classified as part of the ].

{{Clear}}

==Climate==
Surrounded by cool ] waters, the Falkland Islands have a ] (Koppen ''Cfc'') which is very much influenced by the ocean by having a narrow annual temperature range. January average maximum temperature is about {{convert|55|°F|1}}, while July maximum average temperature is about {{convert|39|°F|1}}. The average annual rainfall is {{convert|22.58|in|mm|abbr=on}} but East Falkland is generally wetter than West Falkland.<ref>http://www.visitorfalklands.com/assets/documents/falklands-factsheet.pdf</ref> ] and winds, however, are constantly high. Snow is rare, but can occur at almost any time of year. Gales are very frequent, particularly in winter.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/country_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT004760 |title=Weather Centre - World Weather - Country Guides - Falkland Islands |publisher=BBC |date= |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> The climate is similar to the ] in the ], but with less rainfall and longer and slightly more severe winters.<ref name="autogenerated2"/>

{{Infobox weather
|single_line= yes
|metric_first=
|location = Stanley, Falkland Islands
|Jan_Hi_°C = 13 |Jan_REC_Hi_°C = 24 <!--REC temps are optional; use sparely-->
|Feb_Hi_°C = 13 |Feb_REC_Hi_°C = 23
|Mar_Hi_°C = 12 |Mar_REC_Hi_°C = 21
|Apr_Hi_°C = 9 |Apr_REC_Hi_°C = 17
|May_Hi_°C = 7 |May_REC_Hi_°C = 14
|Jun_Hi_°C = 5 |Jun_REC_Hi_°C = 11
|Jul_Hi_°C = 4 |Jul_REC_Hi_°C = 10
|Aug_Hi_°C = 5 |Aug_REC_Hi_°C = 11
|Sep_Hi_°C = 7 |Sep_REC_Hi_°C = 15
|Oct_Hi_°C = 9 |Oct_REC_Hi_°C = 18
|Nov_Hi_°C = 11 |Nov_REC_Hi_°C = 22
|Dec_Hi_°C = 12 |Dec_REC_Hi_°C = 22
|Jan_Lo_°C = 6 |Jan_REC_Lo_°C = -1
|Feb_Lo_°C = 5 |Feb_REC_Lo_°C = -1
|Mar_Lo_°C = 4 |Mar_REC_Lo_°C = -3
|Apr_Lo_°C = 3 |Apr_REC_Lo_°C = -6
|May_Lo_°C = 1 |May_REC_Lo_°C = -7
|Jun_Lo_°C = -1 |Jun_REC_Lo_°C = -11
|Jul_Lo_°C = -1 |Jul_REC_Lo_°C = -9
|Aug_Lo_°C = -1 |Aug_REC_Lo_°C = -11
|Sep_Lo_°C = 1 |Sep_REC_Lo_°C = -11
|Oct_Lo_°C = 2 |Oct_REC_Lo_°C = -6
|Nov_Lo_°C = 3 |Nov_REC_Lo_°C = -3
|Dec_Lo_°C = 4 |Dec_REC_Lo_°C = -2
<!--Optional:This is total Precipitation. Rain & Snow fields can be used instead if Precip is not filled in-->
|Jan_Precip_mm = 71
|Feb_Precip_mm = 58
|Mar_Precip_mm = 64
|Apr_Precip_mm = 66
|May_Precip_mm = 66
|Jun_Precip_mm = 53
|Jul_Precip_mm = 51
|Aug_Precip_mm = 51
|Sep_Precip_mm = 38
|Oct_Precip_mm = 41
|Nov_Precip_mm = 51
|Dec_Precip_mm = 71
<!-- Optional: Average daily % Humidity -->
|Jan_Hum= 78
|Feb_Hum= 79
|Mar_Hum= 82
|Apr_Hum= 86
|May_Hum= 88
|Jun_Hum= 89
|Jul_Hum= 89
|Aug_Hum= 87
|Sep_Hum= 84
|Oct_Hum= 80
|Nov_Hum= 75
|Dec_Hum= 77
|Year_Hum=
|source = BBC Weather<ref name="BBC Weather">{{cite web | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT004760 | title = BBC Weather: Stanley, Falkland Islands | accessdate = 13 January 2010 | publisher = BBC }}</ref>
|accessdate =
}}

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of the Falkland Islands}}
The largest company in the islands used to be the ] (FIC), a publicly quoted company on the ]. The company was responsible for the majority of the economic activity on the islands, though its farms were sold in 1991 to the Falkland Islands Government. The company now operates several retail outlets in Stanley and is involved in port services and shipping operations.

Except for defence, the islands are self sufficient; exports account for more than $125&nbsp;million a year (2004 estimate).<ref name=cia>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
| work = The World Factbook
| publisher = ]
| date = 27 April 2010
| url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html
| doi =
| accessdate = 2010-05-08}}</ref>

===Currency===
]
The Falkland Islands Government issues a local currency, the ]. It has notes and coins that are equivalent to the United Kingdom ] coinage but with local designs on the reverse. The ] is fixed at parity with the ] and both circulate interchangeably on the islands. For more information about currency in the region see ].

The Falkland Islands also ], which are a source of revenue from overseas collectors.

===Farming===
Farmland accounts for {{convert|1123985|ha|sqmi|disp=output only|abbr=on}} (1,123,985 hectares), more than 90% of the Falklands land area.<ref name=Farms>{{cite web
|url=http://www.agriculture.gov.fk/publications/farming_statistics/2008-2009.pdf/ |title=Biennial Report 2008/9
|publisher=Falklands Island Government Department of Argiculture
|date=31 May 2009
|accessdate=2010-04-18}}</ref> Since 1984, efforts to diversify the economy have made ] the largest part of the economy and brought increasing income from ].<ref>, Frank Kane, ], 4 April 2004</ref> ] farming was formerly the main source of income for the islands and still plays an important part with high quality wool exports going to the UK: according to the Falklands Government Statistics there are over 500,000 sheep on the islands with roughly 60% on East Falkland and 40% on West Falkland.<ref name=Farms/>

===Fishing===
The government has operated a fishing zone policy since 1986 with the sale of fishing licences to foreign countries has bringing in more than ]40 million a year in revenues. Local fishing boats are also in operation. More than 75% of the annual catch of {{convert|200000|LT|lk=on|t ST}} of ],<ref>{{cite web
|url =http://www.falklands.gov.fk//Fisheries.html
|title=Fisheries
|publisher = The Falkland Islands Government
|accessdate = 2010-04-06}}</ref> and most exports are to Spain.

===Tourism===
Tourism has grown rapidly. The islands have become a regular port of call for the growing market of ]s with more than 36,000 visitors in 2004.<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.falklands.info/background/lifearticle31.html
|title = Four Seasons and more than 3,000 Tourists in One Day
|author = Sharon Jaffray
|newspaper = ]
|date = 22 April 2005}}</ref> Attractions include the scenery and wildlife conservation with ]s, seabirds, ] and ]s, as well as visits to battlefields, ], fishing and ].

===Oil===
An agreement with Argentina had set the terms for exploitation of offshore resources including large ]<ref>{{cite news
|first=Calvin |last=Sims
|title=Britain and Argentina Reach an Accord on Falkland Oil Rights
|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1995/09/20/world/britain-and-argentina-reach-an-accord-on-falkland-oil-rights.html?pagewanted=1
|publisher=The New York Times
|date=20 September 1995
|accessdate=10 May 2010
|location=New York}}</ref> as it was thought that there might be up to 60 billion barrels (9.5 billion cubic metres) of oil under the sea bed surrounding the islands.<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/feb/07/falkland-islands-oil-britain-argentina |title = Falklands oil prospects stir Anglo-Argentinian tensions
|newspaper = The Guardian
|date = 7 Feb 2010}}</ref> However, in 2007 Argentina unilaterally withdrew from the agreement.<ref name=""Kirchner_oil">{{cite news |first=Sophie |last=Arie |title=Argentina snubs UK over oil deal as anniversary nears |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/03/29/warg29.xml |publisher=The Daily Telegraph |date=2007-04-03 |accessdate=2007-10-20 | location=London}}</ref> In response, Falklands Oil and Gas Limited has signed an agreement with ] to investigate the potential exploitation of oil reserves.<ref name="Times_Oil_Deal">
{{cite news |first=Carl |last=Mortished |title=BHP Billiton strikes $100m Falklands drilling deal |url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/natural_resources/article2577806.ece |publisher=The Times |date=2007-10-03 |accessdate=2007-10-20 | location=London}}</ref> Climatic conditions of the southern seas mean that exploitation will be a difficult task, though economically viable, and the continuing sovereignty dispute with Argentina is hampering progress.<ref name="Argentine_response">{{cite news |first=Jude |last=Webber |title=Argentina protests at Falklands oil stake |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/aa2294fe-71d7-11dc-8960-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1 |publisher=The Financial Times |date=2007-10-03 |accessdate=2007-10-20}}</ref> In February 2010, exploratory drilling for oil was begun by Desire Petroleum,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8527307.stm |title=Drilling for oil begins off the Falkland Islands |publisher=BBC News |date=2010-02-22 |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> but the results from the first test well were disappointing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/explorers-fail-to-strike-oil-in-test-sites-off-falklands-1930807.html |title=Explorers fail to strike oil in test sites off Falklands |publisher=Independent.co.uk |date=2010-03-30 |accessdate=2010-06-09}}</ref> Two months later, on 6 May 2010, Rockhopper Exploration announced that "''it may have struck oil''".<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/10100769.stm
|title = Falklands oil firm Rockhopper claims discovery
|publisher = BBC News
|date = 6 May 2010
|accessdate = 2010-05-06}}</ref> As of 8 May 2010, the commercial viability of the {{convert|174|ft|adj=on}} <!-- reference in metres --> oil bearing strata had yet to be established.<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article7119075.ece
|title = Discovery in disputed waters puts Argentina back on the defensive
|newspaper = The Times
|date = 8 May 2010
|author = Decian McGarvey
|author2 = Robin Pagnamenta}}</ref>

===Defence===
The UK provides defence and British military expenditures make a significant contribution to the economy.
==Demographics==
{{See also|Falkland Islanders|Origins of Falkland Islanders}}
] with the Whale bone arch, ]]]
Census figures show that the population rose from an estimate of 287 in 1851 to 2272 in 1911. It was 2094 in 1921 and 2392 in 1931 but then the population declined and in 1980 it was 1813. The population then rose and was 2955 in 2006. The 2006 census recorded 2115 people in Stanley and 477 in Mount Pleasant. However, there were only 194 people in the rest of East Falkland, 127 people in West Falkland and 42 people in all the other islands. These figures exclude all military personnel and their families, but includes 477 people who were present in the Falkland Islands in connection with the military garrison. <ref>{{cite web |url=documents/Census%20Report%202006.pdf |title=Falkland Islands Census Statistics, 2006 |publisher=Falkland Islands Government |accessdate=4 June 2010}}</ref> The American CIA stated that In July 2008, the population was estimated to be 3,140. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fk.html |title=South America Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (Overseas Territory of the UK; Also Claimed by Argentina)
|date=27 May 2010 |work=The World Factbook |publisher=US Central Intelligence Agency |accessdate=5 June 2010}}</ref>

About 70 per cent are of British descent, primarily as a result of ] and ] immigration to the islands.<ref>{{cite book|first=Patrick|last=Vincent|title=The Geographical Journal, Vol. 149, No. 1, pp 16–17|month=March | year=1983}}</ref> The native-born inhabitants call themselves "Islanders"; the term "]", from the ] which grows profusely around the islands, is no longer used in the Islands. People from the United Kingdom who have obtained Falkland Island status are known locally as 'belongers'.

A few Islanders are of ], ] (such as the Pitaluga family), ] and Scandinavian descent. Some are the descendants of ] who reached the Islands during the last two centuries. There is also a small minority of South American, mainly ]an origin, and in more recent times many people from ] have also come to work and live in the Islands.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6683677.stm |title=UK &#124; Falklands questions answered |publisher=BBC News |date=2007-06-04 |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref>

The main religion is ]. The main denominations are ], ], ], and ]. Smaller numbers are ], ] and ]; with the latter being due to Greek fishermen passing through. There is also a ] congregation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.horizon.co.fk/bahai_falklands/ |title=Falkland Islands Bahá'í Community Newsletter |publisher=Horizon.co.fk |date= |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> The Islands are the home of the ].

Since the ] the islanders have been full ]. For the Argentine position on Falklanders’ citizenship, see ].

==Medical care==
The Falkland Islands Government Health and Social Services Department provides medical and dental care for the islands. The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) is Stanley's only hospital. It was partially military operated in the past but is now under complete civilian control.<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.falklands.gov.fk/Health_Services.html
|title = Health Services
|publisher = Falkland Islands Government
|accessdate = 2010-05-24}}</ref> Specialist medical care is provided by visiting ophthalmologists, gynaecologists, ENT surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, psychiatrist, and oral surgeons from the United Kingdom provide specialist care. Patients needing emergency treatement are air-lifted to the United Kingdom or to ] (]).<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/south-america/falkland-islands
|title = Travel & living abroad - South America and South Atlantic Islands - Falkland Islands (British Overseas Territory)
|publisher = Foreign & Commonwealth Office
|date = 18 March 2010
|accessdate = 2010-05-24}}</ref>

==Broadcasting and telecommunications==
]
===Broadcasting===
] services are operated by the ], formerly the Falkland Islands Broadcasting Service, and the ] (BFBS). FM stereo broadcasting using the UK allocation is standard. ] broadcasting using 10&nbsp;kHz steps (standard in ] Region II).

The only terrestrial channel available is ]. ] television, using the UK UHF allocation standard. There is also a ] service in ] operated by ]

===Telephone===
The Falkland Islands has a modern telecommunications network providing fixed line telephone, ] and ] internet services in Stanley. Telephones to outlying settlements use ]. A ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gsmworld.com/ROAMING/GSMINFO/net_fkcw.shtml |title=GSM coverage in the Falkland Islands |publisher=Gsmworld.com |date= |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> mobile network was installed in 2005<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cwfi.co.fk/ |title=Cable and Wireless Falkland Islands |publisher=Cwfi.co.fk |date= |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> providing coverage to Stanley, Mount Pleasant and surrounding areas. It is operated under the '''Touch Mobile''' brand.

] is the sole telecommunications provider in the Falkland Islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.falklands.info/factfile/comms.html |title=Telecommunications |publisher=falklands.info |date= |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref>

==Sport==
{{Main|Sport in the Falkland Islands}}
There are more than 30 different sports clubs on the Falklands, including badminton, clay-pigeon shooting, cricket, football, golf, hockey, netball, rugby union, sailing, swimming, table tennis and volleyball.<ref name=clubs>. Retrieved 9 July 2008.</ref> The Falklands compete in the biennial ].<ref name=IG>. Retrieved 9 July 2008.</ref>

==Transport==
{{Main|Transport in the Falkland Islands}}
] of the ] at ]]] The Falkland Islands have two airports with paved runways. The main international airport is ], 26.89 miles (43.28&nbsp;km) west of Stanley.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapcrow.info/Distance_between_London_UK_and_Port_Stanley_FK.html |title=43.28 km in Map Crow Travel Distance Calculator |publisher=Mapcrow.info |date=2007-10-23 |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> There are weekly flights, operated by ], to ], via ]. Once a month, this flight also stops in ], Argentina.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xtold.visitorfalklands.com/content/view/186/175/ |title=Official Tourism Website of the Falkland Islands |publisher=Xtold.visitorfalklands.com |date=2009-08-18 |accessdate=2010-06-09}}</ref>

The ] operates flights from ] to ] in ], England, with a refuelling stop at ]. RAF flights are on ] although charter aircraft are often used if the TriStars are required for operational flights. At present ] operates the RAF air link, using ]s. ] also operate two ] helicopters, based at RAF Mount Pleasant, under contract to the United Kingdom Ministry Of Defence, primarily for moving military personnel, equipment and supplies around the islands.

The ] operates a transcontinental air link between the Falkland Islands and the ] on the ] and servicing also other British bases in the ] using a ].

The smaller ], outside the city, is used for internal flights. The ] (FIGAS) operates ] aircraft that can use the grass airstrips that most settlements have. Flight schedules are decided a day in advance according to passenger needs. The night before, the arrival and departure times are announced on the radio.

The road network has been improved in recent years. However, not many paved roads exist outside Stanley and RAF Mount Pleasant. Speed limits are 25&nbsp;mph (40&nbsp;km/h) in built-up areas and 40&nbsp;mph (64&nbsp;km/h) elsewhere.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.falklandislands.com/assets/documents/falklands-factsheet.pdf
|title=The Falkland Islands
|publisher=Falkland Islands Tourist Board
|accessdate = 2010-05-19}}</ref>

==Landmines and ordnance==
Depending on the source, between 18,000 and 25,000 ]s remain from the 1982 war. One source says that Argentina placed 18,000 landmines.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://maic.jmu.edu/JOURNAL/5.2/focus/falklands.htm
|title=Landmines in the Sand: The Falkland Islands, by Juan Carlos Ruan and Jill E. Macheme (5.2)|publisher=maic.jmu.edu
|accessdate=2009-06-20}}</ref> The British Government stated that all but one of their anti-personnel mine were accounted for.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1998/apr/28/landmines-falkland-islands|title=Landmines (Falkland Islands) (Hansard, 28 April 1998)|publisher=hansard.millbanksystems.com|accessdate=2009-06-20}}</ref> The land mines are located in either 101 or 117 mine fields, that are dispersed over an area of 8 sq mi (20&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) in the areas of Port Stanley, Port Howard, Fox Bay and Goose Green (these areas are now well marked).<ref name="Landmine Monitor">{{cite web|url=http://lm.icbl.org/index.php/publications/display?url=lm/2002/falk_malv.html|title=Landmine Monitor (LM): Landmine Monitor|publisher=lm.icbl.org|accessdate=2009-06-20}}</ref> Information is available from the EOD (]) Operation Centre in Stanley.<ref name="Landmine Monitor"/>

Some beaches were mined, and there have been concerns the tides could have moved some mines. Mines near rivers may also have been washed out of the marked area by flooding. As well, there is ] from the war. Between 1997 and 2002, 248 antipersonnel mines were destroyed in the Falklands, 16 were destroyed in 2003, one in 2005 and six antipersonnel mines were destroyed in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lm.icbl.org/index.php/publications/display?url=lm/2007/falk_malv.html |title=Landmine Monitor (LM): Landmine Monitor |publisher=Lm.icbl.org |date= |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref>

In February 2005, the charity Landmine Action proposed a ]-style credit scheme, which would see a commitment by the British government to clear an equivalent area of mined land to that currently existing in the Falklands in more seriously mine-affected countries by March 2009. This proposal was supported by Falkland Islanders, for whom landmines do not pose a serious threat in everyday life.<ref>http://www.theworkcontinues.org/page.asp?id=127</ref> The British government has yet to declare its support or opposition to the idea.

In November 2008, Landmine Action opposed Britain's request for a ten year extension on the deadline for clearing the landmines. It accused the British Government of not demonstrating "any evidence of serious plans to complete, or even begin, this work" and stated "Allowing a well-resourced, technically capable State such as the United Kingdom to effectively ignore its responsibilities would set a dangerous and ethically unacceptable precedent." <ref>http://www.landmineaction.org/resources/uk_and_the_falkland_islands__art_5.pdf</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Crawford |first=Angus |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7742661.stm |title=UK &#124; UK Politics &#124; UK misses Falklands mine deadline |publisher=BBC News |date=2008-11-24 |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> However, in 2008, the UK Government argued that in stark contrast to minefields elsewhere, "There have never been any civilian injuries in almost 26 years" in the Falklands.<ref>http://www.apminebanconvention.org/fileadmin/pdf/mbc/IWP/SC_june08/Speeches-MC/SCMC-StocktakingArt5-4June08-UnitedKingdom-en.pdf</ref>

On 30 November 2009 the Falkland Islands Government announced that mine clearance was due to begin at Surf Bay on 2 December 2009, and further clearances were to take place at Sapper Hill, Goose Green and Fox Bay. The British company BATEC International was chosen to carry out the project,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.falklands.gov.fk/news/2009/11/mine-clearance-begins-at-surf-bay/ |title=Mine Clearance Begins at Surf Bay « Falkland Islands Government News |publisher=Falklands.gov.fk |date=2009-11-30 |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> "The work began on 4 December 2009 and is expected to be completed in the middle of 2010." (Hansard 5 January 2010).<ref>{{cite web|author=Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Commons, Westminster |url=http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm100105/text/100105w0049.htm |title=Hansard |publisher=Parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> The workers are using Argentinian and UK records to help determine the location of mines.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8564061.stm|title=The long road to clearing Falklands landmines |author=Rajesh Mirchandani |date=14 March 2010 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=11 April 2010}}</ref>

==Military==
{{Main|Military of the Falkland Islands}}
]]]
There is a British military garrison stationed on the Falkland Islands, but the islands also have their own ]. This ] sized force is completely funded by the ]. It uses vehicles such as: ]s, ]s and ]s to traverse the islands' terrain. The Falkland Islands Defence Force uses the ] as its main ].

A 2009 front-page report in RAF News <ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.mercopress.com/2009/02/02/prince-william-as-sar-pilot-could-spend-time-in-falklands |title=Prince William as SAR pilot could spend time in Falklands — MercoPress |publisher=En.mercopress.com |date=2009-02-02 |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref> that ] would serve a 3-month tour of duty in the Falkland Islands, following completion of his 18-month training with the ] drew a critical response from the Argentine government in January 2009.<ref>{{cite news|author=Published: 11:54PM GMT 02 Feb 2009 |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/4440789/Prince-Williams-deployment-to-Falkland-Islands-upsets-Argentina.html |title=Prince William's deployment to Falkland Islands upsets Argentina |publisher=Telegraph |date=2009-02-02 |accessdate=2010-03-15 | location=London}}</ref> However, the Ministry of Defence denied that any decision on the Prince's deployment had been raised.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g3Ql194Jgzr2W8mZMHX338cnshqQ |title=AFP: No decision taken on Prince William's Falklands mission |publisher=Google.com |date=2009-02-02 |accessdate=2010-03-15}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal box|United Kingdom|Geography}}
{{Main|Outline of the Falkland Islands}}
* ]
* ]
* ]

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Refbegin}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
* L.L. Ivanov et al. ] Sofia: Manfred Wörner Foundation, 2003. Printed in Bulgaria by Double T Publishers. 96 pp.&nbsp;ISBN 954-91503-1-3
* Carlos Escudé and Andrés Cisneros, eds. Work developed and published under the auspices of the Argentine Council for International Relations (CARI). Buenos Aires: GEL/Nuevohacer, 2000. (in Spanish) ISBN 950-694-546-2
* Graham Pascoe and Peter Pepper May 2008.
*

==External links==
{{Sisterlinks}}
*{{Wikiatlas|Falkland Islands}}
*{{Wikitravel|Falkland Islands}}
*{{CIA World Factbook link|fk|Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)}}
* {{dmoz|Regional/South_America/Falkland_Islands/}}
* official site
*
*
<!-- * TEMP link in case the official site link below stops working - Paine Ellsworth -->
* official site
<!-- NOTE: The above link for FIDC's "official site", as of 1 March 2010, sometimes works and sometimes does not. It is not really a "dead link", so please don't remove it. The commented link above it can be used if the "official site" link stops working altogether. - Paine Ellsworth -->
* official site
*
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Revision as of 18:06, 28 June 2010

Malvinas Argentinas, british racist hypocrites go home to britain and start by giving back the land to native Canadians rather then steal more land from Argentina using 2000 thieves and pirats, death to all racist people.