The Falkland Islands comprise two large islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, and some 200 smaller islands between latitudes 51 degrees and 53 degrees south and longitudes 57 degrees and 61 degrees west in south Atlantic, approximately 770 kilometres northeast of Cape Horn, South America.

On main islands deeply indented coastlines afford good anchorages.
Generally hilly with highest points Mt. Usborne 705 metres on East Falkland and Mt. Adam 700 metres on West Falkland.

Landscape is mainly stony, treeless grassland with no large inland waters.

Nearest countries to main Falkland islands:

Northwest: Argentina; and, south: Antarctica.

Time:

Greenwich Mean Time less 4 hours.

Climate:

Gales in spring, and generally windy; low rainfall evenly distributed throughout year, with frequent cloud cover; frequent snow which quickly melts; mean annual temperature 5.6 degrees Celsius; and, mean annual rainfall 62.5 centimetres.

Status:

Colony.

Capital:

Stanley, on East Falkland, population 1,643 (1991).

Other main settlement:

Goose Green, also on East Falkland, estimated population 100.

Population:

2,121 (March 1991), compared with 1,916 (1986 census); does not include British forces comprising the garrison installed subsequent to conflict with Argentina in 1982.

Main and official language:

English.

Main religion:

Christianity.

Currency:

1 Falkland Islands Pound (US$1.80) = 100 pence. FI Pound at parity with Pound sterling.

Exports:

wool, hides and skins.

Imports:

Provisions, alcoholic beverages, timber, clothing, hardware. Economy formerly based on agriculture, principally sheep farming, but income from fishing activities is now the largest source of revenue.

Tourism:

Approximately 1,000 tourists visit the islands each year.

More information on the Falkland Islands