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South America and South Atlantic Islands

Falkland Islands (British Overseas Territory)

 Flag of Falkland Islands


Last reviewed: 26 June 2009

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GEOGRAPHY

The Falkland Islands are an archipelago of around 700 islands in the South Atlantic, the largest being East Falkland and West Falkland. They are situated about 770km (480 miles) north-east of Cape Horn and 480km (300 miles) from the nearest point on the South American mainland. The Islands have a total land area of 12,173 sq km (4,700 sq miles) – about the size of Northern Ireland – and a permanent population of 2,995 (2006 census). The capital is Stanley, which is the only town on the Islands, though it qualifies as a city by virtue of its cathedral. Elsewhere in Camp (the local term for the countryside), there are a number of smaller settlements.

The climate is characterised by a narrow temperature range (–5° C to 24°C), strong winds, fairly low rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year, and a higher number of sunshine hours than most parts of Britain. The Islands are generally hilly – the highest points are Mount Usborne (705m) on East Falkland and Mount Adam (700m) on West Falkland, but the surrounding countryside remains, for the most part, unspoiled. There are few trees, the natural vegetation being grassland, but there are over 250 species of plant in the Falkland Islands, of which 164 are recorded as native - including the Islands' national flower, the Pale Maiden. The Islands are also noted for their abundant range of wildlife, particulary the Rockhopper, Magellanic, Gentoo, King and Macaroni Penguins. In addition to the varied bird species, elephant, lion and fur seals also breed on the Islands.  There is also a wide range of marine animals around the coast, including dolphins and Orcas, Sei and Sperm whales.

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Contacts

Falkland Islands, Stanley, Government House

Address:

Government House
Stanley, FIQQ 1ZZ

Telephone:

(500) 28200
(500) 27110 Secretariat for Chief Executive

Fax:

(500) 28201

Email: gov.house@horizon.co.fk

Office hours:

GMT (early Sept to Mid April): Mon-Fri: 1100-1500 / 1615-1930

GMT (Mid April to early Sept): Mon-Fri: 1200-1600 / 1715-2030

Local Time: Mon-Fri: 0800-1200 / 1315-1630