15 Fascinating Facts about the Falkland Islands
1. The area is technically an archipelago.
The Falkland Islands is an archipelago consisting of nearly 800 islands and happens to be a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic Ocean.
2. Many people know of the islands due to the conflict in the 1980s.
After many years of controversy over the ownership of Falkland Islands, Britain and Argentina entered into a 74 day long war in 1982 which saw Argentina surrender after defeat.
3. The Falklands have a few neighbors.
Its nearest neighbors are Uruguay to the north, St Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands to the east, Antartica to the south and Argentina to the west.
Flag of the Falkland Islands
4. It’s easy enough to find the Falklands with a compass!
Fancy spotting a few penguins, whales and dolphins or endemic birds and insects? Head for the coordinates of the Falkland Islands, which are 51.6833° S, 59.1667°.
5. It’s a mountaineer’s paradise.
The terrain here is mostly rocky and mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains. Grab your hiking boots and explore the wonderful scenery and wildlife this brilliant country has to offer!
6. There’s likely more land here than you think – but not by much!
The total land area of Falkland Islands is 4,700 square miles (12,173 square kilometers).
7. The citizenship here is sparse.
The Falkland Islands’ population was 3,471 in 2020. That’s around a twentieth of all the people employed at Heathrow airport!
8. The local jail is a regional jail!
Despite its tiny stature, Falkland Islands actually has its own 13 cell prison, so make sure you’re on your best behavior!
9. What’s the capital of the Falkland Islands?
The capital is Port Stanley; it had a population of 2,121 in 2012 and also happens to be the only town in the Falkland Islands!
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
10. There’s a healthy life expectancy here.
The average life span here is 80 years.
11. It’s extremely cold here.
Falkland Islanders experience a polar tundra climate. It rains on around 250 days per year and with occasional snow falling almost all year round. Better pack your jacket!
12. The islands are awash with livestock!
Did you know, there are around 165 times more sheep than people on the islands?
13. What do they speak on the Falkland Islands?
Despite its proximity to Argentina, the official language of Falkland Islands is actually English.
14. The islands have their own money.
Although the Falkland Islands is a British overseas territory it has its own currency, the Falkland Islands Pound, which is linked to GBP at a rate of 1:1.
15. They grow and export all kinds of things!
The Falklands grows vegetables, rears sheep and cattle, catches fish and produces dairy products. Its industry consists of tourism, fish processing and wool processing.
Falkland Islands also exports wool, hides, meat and fish.
FAQs about The Falkland Islands
What is Smoko?
Smoko is a popular snack break in the Falkland Islands - it’s commonly a break for cake and coffee - and generally, it’s something only Australians and New Zealanders ‘observe’ as a tradition otherwise!
Why were the trees planted on the Falkland Islands in 1982 unique?
The trees planted on the Islands in 1982 marked the end of the conflict - however, they were also rooted because there are no native trees in the Falklands, oddly enough! It’s to do with the soil quality.
How many types of penguin live on the Falkland Islands?
There are five different penguin species that live on the Falkland Islands - the Macaroni, the King, the Gentoo, the Magellanic and the Rockhopper.
Do you know any fun facts about The Falkland Islands? Share them in the comments below!
Are you fascinated with discovering more about British Overseas Territories? Check out these interesting facts about Gibraltar.
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This page was last modified on July 30, 2023. Suggest an edit
