South Atlantic.

GMT - 3. (GMT - 4 from third Sunday in April to first Saturday in September.)

12,173 sq km (4700 sq miles).

2379 (Official estimate 2001).

0.2 per sq km.

Stanley. Population: 2200 (Commonwealth Secretariat, 2004).

The Falkland Islands are located 560km (350 miles) off the east coast of South America and consist of two main islands and hundreds of small outlying islands, amounting to approximately 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares). Generally, the main islands are mountainous, with low-lying and undulating terrain in the south of East Falkland. The highest mountain is Mount Usborne at 712m (2312ft).

The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory. The British monarch is locally represented by an appointed Governor, who is responsible for administration, aided by an Executive Council of six members. The Legislative Council has two ex-officio members and eight members elected by universal suffrage.

British Overseas Territory since 1833. Not recognised by Argentina, which considers the Falkland Islands to be part of Argentina. Existing Constitution adopted in 1985. Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor Howard Pearce since 2002. The Governor presides over the Executive Council, the country’s ruling body. The Executive Council consists of two official members and three elected members. Elections are held every four years. The Legislative Council has two ex-officio members and eight members elected by universal suffrage. There is no party-political activity on the Islands. Recent history: Negotiations were opened between the Argentina and the UK under UN auspices during 1988. The UK adamantly refused to discuss sovereignty and has not moved from this position ever since – the wishes of the islanders, who are determined to stay British, remain paramount. The islanders have also been granted full British citizenship. Some practical progress has been made on economic issues such as fisheries control and other trade matters, but the Falklands' leadership has still refused to move on other issues such as aircraft landing rights. Despite the political inertia, the Falkland Islands has made substantial economic progress in the two decades since the war (see Economy section). The seabeds surrounding the Islands are thought to contain substantial oil reserves which have yet to be located and exploited.

English.

Christian, with Catholic, Anglican and United Reformed Church of Stanley denominations.

The lifestyle in the Falkland Islands resembles that of a small English or Scottish village/town and communities on the Falkland Islands are highly self-contained. The influx of the British Forces has obviously had an effect on the Islands. More people now visit for a variety of reasons. The islanders themselves have benefited from the additional amenities offered by the Forces. The population is very keen to remain under British sovereignty.

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