Falkland Islands

Background: 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.
Location: Location: Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina. Area: Total: 12,173 sq km note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands. Area - comparative: Slightly smaller than Connecticut . Coastline: 1,288 km.
Climate and Terrain: 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. Natural resources: Fish, squid, wildlife, calcified seaweed, sphagnum moss. Geography - note: Deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season.
People: Population: 2,967. Ethnic groups: British. Religions: Primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, Evangelist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist. Languages: English.
Government: Dependency status: Overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina. Capital: Stanley.
Economy overview: 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.
Statistics: Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM 7. Radios: 1,000. Television broadcast stations: 2 (operated by the British Forces Broadcasting Service) note: cable television is available in Stanley. Televisions: 1,000. Internet users: NA; however one-half of all households are reported to have internet access. Highways: Total: 440 km, paved: 50 km, unpaved: 390 km. Airports - with paved runways: 2, with unpaved runways: 3.