Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

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 an Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 3,105 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Falkland Islander(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Falkland Island

Official Language(s): English

Major Languages Spoken: English

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): none

Country Name (short form): Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

Country Name (local long form): none

Country Name (local short form): none

Name of Capital: Stanley

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Falkland Islands (Malvinas): Argentina

Land Area: 12173 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than Connecticut

Coastline: 1,288 km

National Holiday: Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)

International Phone Code: 500

Currency Code: Falkland pound (FKP)

Internet Country Code: .fk

US Embassy Location: none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)

US Embassy Mailing Address: none