Population: 2,967 (July 2005
est.)
Capital: Stanley
Languages: English
Religions: primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, Evangelist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran,
Seventh-Day Adventist
Government: NA
Climate: cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on
more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 24 inches in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January
and February, but does not accumulate
Terrain: rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains
Geography: deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season
Ethnic groups: British
Economy: The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but
today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In 1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign
trawlers operating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year, which
goes to support the island's health, education, and welfare system. Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming
supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the
sale of postage stamps and coins. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British Geological Survey
announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves
capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day; to date no exploitable site has been identified. An agreement between Argentina
and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting
potential oil reserves. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in 2001. Another
large source of income is interest paid on money the government has in the bank. The British military presence also provides a
sizeable economic boost.
GDP per capita: purchasing power parity - $25,000 (2002 est.)
GDP real growth: NA%
Unemployment rate: full employment; labor shortage (2001)
Internet country code: .fk
Dial code: +500
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
Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.