101-655: The Falkland Islands Defence Force ( FIDF ) is the locally maintained volunteer defence unit in the Falkland Islands , a British Overseas Territory . The FIDF works alongside the military units supplied by the United Kingdom to ensure the security of the islands. In 1847, Lieutenant Richard Clement Moody , Governor of the Falkland Islands , formed the Falklands' militia force, consisting of two infantry platoons, and
202-496: A British overseas territory , the Falklands have internal self-governance , but the United Kingdom takes responsibility for their defence and foreign affairs. The capital and largest settlement is Stanley on East Falkland. The islands are believed to have been uninhabited prior to European discovery in the 17th century . Controversy exists over the Falklands' discovery and subsequent colonisation by Europeans. At various times,
303-803: A Sea Lion in the lower half, and the rear end of an old sail ship in the upper half, surrounded by the slogan "Desire the Right". This badge was formerly the Coat of arms of the Falkland Islands from 1925–1948. The ranks of the FIDF are the same as those used in the British Army/Royal Marines. Rank slides have the badge of Rank and wording on bottom of 'FALKLAND ISLANDS' Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands ( / ˈ f ɔː ( l ) k l ə n d , ˈ f ɒ l k -/ FAW(L)K -lənd, FOLK - ; Spanish: Islas Malvinas [ˈislas malˈβinas] )
404-649: A pallbearer party from the Royal Air Force, was held at All Saints' Church in Hutton Rudby on 23 November 2012, with a burial in the church's graveyard. His gravestone bears an engraved image of a map outline of the Falkland Islands. A memorial service was simultaneously held in Port Stanley . On the announcement of his death by the British Government, Prime Minister David Cameron stated that Hunt "should be
505-445: A self-governing British Overseas Territory . Under the 2009 Constitution , the islands have full internal self-government; the UK is responsible for foreign affairs, retaining the power "to protect UK interests and to ensure the overall good governance of the territory". The Monarch of the United Kingdom is the head of state, and executive authority is exercised on the monarch's behalf by
606-560: A Major Morrough, was one of those rejected. The remainder were enrolled in the Falkland Islands Defence Force, with Ronald Campbell made sergeant as commander and Thomas Dawson Sanderson made corporal . Many were rugby players, including Sanderson, who was president of a rugby club. The men left the Islands on 8 December 1939, once the immediate danger of attack from German raiders was judged to have receded. During this time
707-646: A UK expeditionary force retook the territories in June. After the war the UK expanded its military presence, building RAF Mount Pleasant and increasing the size of its garrison. The war also left some 117 minefields containing nearly 20,000 mines of various types, including anti-vehicle and anti-personnel mines. Due to the large number of deminer casualties, initial attempts to clear the mines ceased in 1983. Demining operations recommenced in 2009 and were completed in October 2020. Based on Lord Shackleton 's recommendations,
808-479: A UK overseas territory. The territory's sovereignty status is part of an ongoing dispute between Argentina and the UK . The population (3,662 inhabitants in 2021) is primarily native-born Falkland Islanders , the majority of British descent. Other ethnicities include French, Gibraltarians , and Scandinavians. Immigration from the United Kingdom, the South Atlantic island of Saint Helena , and Chile has reversed
909-644: A aeroplane to Montevideo , in Uruguay . During the weeks of the war, Hunt stayed in London, while his wife and son were in a house in Kent. He remained in this forced exile during the occupation of the Falkland Islands , until they were militarily liberated on 14 June 1982 by a British seaborne taskforce dispatched by the British Government, after which he returned again in full dress uniform and re-established its self-governance. Victorious British forces paraded past in review while he
1010-702: A combined mounted and artillery unit. A volunteer unit was reformed in 1854, during the Crimean War , to guard against possible aggression by the Russian Empire . In 1892, a steamer owned by one of the belligerents involved in the Chilean Civil War docked at Port Stanley . Ostensibly there to carry out repairs to its engines, the presence onboard of 200 armed soldiers was considered a security threat, and Governor Sir Roger Goldsworthy therefore ordered that an armed volunteer force be formed. The first draft of men of
1111-802: A dispute related to fishing and hunting rights led to a raid by the American warship USS Lexington in 1831, when United States Navy commander Silas Duncan declared the dissolution of the island's government. Buenos Aires attempted to gain influence over the settlement by installing a garrison in October 1832, which mutinied within a month and was followed the next year by the arrival of British forces, who reasserted Britain's rule . The Argentine Confederation (headed by Buenos Aires Governor Juan Manuel de Rosas ) protested against Britain's actions, and Argentine governments have continued since then to register official protests against Britain. The British troops departed after completing their mission, leaving
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#17328374598081212-984: A hero to everyone in Britain for his actions during the Falkland War." He was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1980, and knighted on 11 October 1982, in recognition of services during the Falklands War. He was made a Freeman of the City of London 1981, and a Freeman of Stanley , Falkland Islands, in 1985. In 1987 Hunt was appointed as the Honorary Air Commodore of No. 2729 (City of Lincoln) Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment). [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] 11 October 1982 Companion, 1980 1982 9 October 1962 Hunt
1313-416: A leased floating production, storage and offloading unit". A final investment decision had been targeted for early 2024, though it was somewhat delayed. A public consultation on the project took place in the summer of 2024 and was reported to have garnered widespread support from Falkland Islanders. Since Britain's newly elected Labour Government banned similar oil projects in the United Kingdom, this created
1414-535: A low population density . According to the 2012 census, the average daily population of the Falklands was 2,932, excluding military personnel serving in the archipelago and their dependents. A 2012 report counted 1,300 uniformed personnel and 50 British Ministry of Defence civil servants present in the Falklands. Stanley (with 2,121 residents) is the most-populous location on the archipelago, followed by Mount Pleasant (369 residents, primarily air-base contractors) and Camp (351 residents). The islands' age distribution
1515-629: A military base aiding control of the South Atlantic. In the First World War Battle of the Falkland Islands in December 1914, a Royal Navy fleet defeated an Imperial German squadron. In the Second World War , following the December 1939 Battle of the River Plate , the battle-damaged HMS Exeter steamed to the Falklands for repairs. In 1942, a battalion en route to India was redeployed to
1616-423: A negative reputation due to cargo-shipping losses; only in emergencies would ships rounding Cape Horn stop at the port. Nevertheless, the Falklands' geographic location proved ideal for ship repairs and the "Wrecking Trade", the business of selling and buying shipwrecks and their cargoes. Aside from this trade, commercial interest in the archipelago was minimal due to the low-value hides of the feral cattle roaming
1717-457: A night approach across the southern Atlantic Ocean , the Argentine Navy and Argentine Army carried out a seaborne invasion of the Falkland Islands. Hunt made his official residence, Government House in Port Stanley , the operational headquarters for the small Royal Marines garrison on the islands, sending his family and domestic staff away to safer houses. His housekeeper took with her
1818-485: A population decline. The predominant (and official) language is English. Under the British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983 , Falkland Islanders are British citizens . The islands lie at the boundary of the subantarctic oceanic and tundra climate zones, and both major islands have mountain ranges reaching 2,300 ft (700 m). They are home to large bird populations, although many no longer breed on
1919-722: A portrait photograph of the Queen and a bottle of gin. Government House quickly became the scene of a brief battle between the Royal Marines garrison and Argentine commandos . With the British forces facing overwhelming military and logistical odds, Hunt, after an extended exchange of small arms fire, with a handful of casualties, reluctantly gave the order to the Royal Marines to lay down their arms. He then went to Stanley Town Hall, wearing his full dress uniform , complete with medals, gold braid, neck ribbons, sword, sash and plumed cocked hat to face
2020-774: A small British town with a variety of clubs and organisations covering many aspects of community life". Despite its small size, the Falkland Islands compete in the Commonwealth Games and Island Games . The Falkland Islands national cricket team is a member of the International Cricket Council . Lat. and Long. 51°42′S 57°51′W / 51.700°S 57.850°W / -51.700; -57.850 (Stanley) 51°44′S 59°13′W / 51.73°S 59.22°W / -51.73; -59.22 Rex Masterman Hunt Sir Rex Masterman Hunt , CMG (29 June 1926 – 11 November 2012)
2121-562: A very social place, and stopping for a chat is a way of life". The islands have one weekly newspaper, The Penguin News , and television and radio broadcasts generally feature programming from the United Kingdom. Wagstaff describes the local cuisine as "very British in character with much use made of the home-grown vegetables, local lamb, mutton, beef, and fish". Common between meals are "homemade cakes and biscuits with tea or coffee". Social activities are, according to Wagstaff, "typical of that of
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#17328374598082222-446: Is pegged to the British pound sterling . Economic development was advanced by ship resupplying and sheep farming for high-quality wool. The main sheep breeds in the Falkland Islands are Polwarth and Corriedale . During the 1980s, although ranch under-investment and the use of synthetic fibres damaged the sheep-farming sector, the government secured a major revenue stream by the establishment of an exclusive economic zone and
2323-651: Is an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean on the Patagonian Shelf . The principal islands are about 300 mi (480 km) east of South America's southern Patagonian coast and about 752 mi (1,210 km) from Cape Dubouzet at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula , at a latitude of about 52°S. The archipelago, with an area of 4,700 sq mi (12,000 km ), comprises East Falkland , West Falkland , and 776 smaller islands. As
2424-507: Is debated by historians. In 1766, France surrendered its claim on the Falklands to Spain , which renamed the French colony Puerto Soledad the following year. Problems began when Spain detected and captured Port Egmont in 1770. War was narrowly avoided by its restitution to Britain in 1771. The British and Spanish settlements coexisted in the archipelago until 1774, when Britain's new economic and strategic considerations led it to withdraw
2525-598: Is fitted with two Browning .50 caliber heavy machine gun mounts though she routinely deploys unarmed. Major Peter Biggs served with the FIDF for 35 years and was the Commanding Officer from 2002 to 2018. Justin McPhee was selected as the next commanding officer of the FIDF in 2018. In 2019, Major Justin McPhee became the first FIDF Officer to complete the Intermediate Command & Staff Course (Land Reserves) at
2626-511: Is latitude 51°40′ – 53°00′ S and longitude 57°40′ – 62°00′ W . The archipelago's two main islands are separated by the Falkland Sound , and its deep coastal indentations form natural harbours . East Falkland houses Stanley (the capital and largest settlement), the UK military base at RAF Mount Pleasant, and the archipelago's highest point: Mount Usborne , at 2,313 ft (705 m). Outside of these significant settlements
2727-517: Is manned entirely by the local population, based on British Army doctrine, training and operations. New recruits go through a 12-week training program. In an agreement with the British Ministry of Defence , a Royal Marines Warrant Officer Class 2 is seconded to the Force as a Permanent Staff Instructor . The cap badge is the badge of the FIDF cast in metal. It shows the escutcheon party per bend, with
2828-655: Is skewed towards working age (20–60) . Males outnumber females (53 to 47 per cent), and this discrepancy is most prominent in the 20–60 age group. In the 2012 census, most islanders identified themselves as Christian (66 per cent), followed by those with no religious affiliation (32 per cent). The remaining 2 per cent identified as adherents of other religions, including the Baháʼí Faith , Buddhism , and Islam . The main Christian denominations are Anglicanism and other Protestantism , and Roman Catholicism . Education in
2929-597: Is still in use today. The FIDF was mobilised again during the Second World War , manning defensive outposts around the Islands. At this time, a mounted rifles unit was raised. On 27 September 1939, thirty-three men arrived from Argentina in a group called the "Tabaris Highlanders." Gathered from the Anglo-Argentine community, they were supposed to defend the islands from a German attack. Six of these volunteers were rejected on medical and other grounds and returned to Buenos Aires almost immediately. The "commanding officer,"
3030-1029: Is the area colloquially known as "Camp", which is derived from the Spanish term for countryside ( Campo ). The climate of the islands is cold, windy, and humid maritime . Variability of daily weather is typical throughout the archipelago. Rainfall is common over half of the year, averaging 610 mm (24 in) in Stanley, and sporadic light snowfall occurs nearly all year. The temperature has historically stayed between 21.1 and −11.1 °C (70.0 and 12.0 °F) in Stanley, with mean monthly temperatures varying from 9 °C (48 °F) in January and February (summer) to −1 °C (30 °F) in July (winter). Strong westerly winds and cloudy skies are common. Although numerous storms are recorded each month, conditions are normally calm. The Falkland Islands are biogeographically part of
3131-457: The Antarctic zone , with strong connections to the flora and fauna of Patagonia in mainland South America. Land birds make up most of the Falklands' avifauna . The only endemic bird species on the Falkland Islands are the flightless Falkland steamer duck and Cobb's wren . 63 species breed on the islands, including 14 endemic subspecies . There is also abundant arthropod diversity on
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3232-659: The Battle of Mount Longdon . On 28 April 2021, a new motto "Faithful in Defence" was awarded to the FIDF following approval by the Queen. The Falkland Islands Defence Force meet once a week for training, with various extended training weekends throughout the year. Soldiers of the Falkland Islands Defence Force conduct training patrols with soldiers from the British garrison on the islands as well as acting as "enemy" forces against British soldiers in training exercises. FIDF soldiers provide search and rescue and mountain rescue services across
3333-700: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office , is largely based on English law , and the constitution binds the territory to the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights . Residents have the right of appeal to the European Court of Human Rights and the Privy Council . Law enforcement is the responsibility of the Royal Falkland Islands Police (RFIP). Defence of the islands is provided by
3434-519: The North Riding of Yorkshire , son of Henry William Hunt (1893–1982), a commercial clerk, and Ivy (−1959), née Masterman. He received his formal education at Redcar's Coatham School , and at St Peter's College, Oxford , where he read Law . During World War II he joined the Royal Air Force as a cadet in 1941, and was enlisted as an airman in 1944, receiving a commission as a pilot in 1945. He
3535-641: The United Nations General Assembly , the Fourth Committee determined that, in all languages other than Spanish, all UN documentation would designate the territory as Falkland Islands (Malvinas) . In Spanish, the territory was designated as Islas Malvinas (Falkland Islands) . The nomenclature used by the United Nations for statistical processing purposes is Falkland Islands (Malvinas) . Although Fuegians from Patagonia may have visited
3636-550: The governor , who appoints the islands' chief executive on the advice of members of the Legislative Assembly . Both the governor and the chief executive serve as the head of government . Governor Alison Blake was appointed in July 2022 and Chief Executive Andy Keeling was appointed in April 2021. The UK minister responsible for the Falkland Islands since 2024, Stephen Doughty , administers British foreign policy regarding
3737-403: The 221st largest out of 229 in the world by GDP ( PPP ), but ranks 10th worldwide by GDP (PPP) per capita . The unemployment rate was 1% in 2016, and inflation was calculated at 1.4% in 2014. Based on 2010 data, the islands have a high Human Development Index of 0.874 and a moderate Gini coefficient for income inequality of 34.17. The local currency is the Falkland Islands pound , which
3838-602: The Anglo-Saxon term "folkland" (land held by folk-right ). The name "Falklands" was not applied to the islands until 1765, when British captain John Byron of the Royal Navy claimed them for King George III as "Falkland's Islands". The term "Falklands" is a standard abbreviation used to refer to the islands. The common Spanish name for the archipelago, Islas Malvinas , derives from the French Îles Malouines —the name given to
3939-504: The Argentine invasion force's Commandant, Vice admiral Carlos Büsser , addressing him with: "You have landed unlawfully on British territory, and I order you to remove yourself and your troops forthwith". In response he was met with laughter, roughed up, his medals stolen and placed under confinement by the Argentines. Four hours later, under armed escort, he was flown out of the Falklands on
4040-585: The EEZ of Argentina. The UK and Argentina both assert sovereignty over the Falkland Islands. The UK bases its position on its continuous administration of the islands since 1833 and the islanders' "right to self-determination as set out in the UN Charter ". Argentina claims that, when it achieved independence in 1816, it acquired the Falklands from Spain. The incident of 1833 is particularly contentious; Argentina considers it proof of "Britain's usurpation" whereas
4141-554: The Environmental Impact Statement required "further discussion" and that any development and production program would need to be considered separately by the Executive Council. Development projects in education and sports have been funded by the Falklands government, without aid from the United Kingdom. The primary sector of the economy accounts for most of the Falkland Islands' gross domestic product, with
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4242-479: The FIDF's equipment and declared them to be an illegal organisation. For the duration of the war , some members of the FIDF were kept under house arrest at Fox Bay until the Argentine surrender. The FIDF was reformed in 1983. Terry Peck , a former member of the Defence Force, spied on Argentine forces in Stanley, then escaped to become a scout for the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment , with which he fought at
4343-517: The Falkland Islanders as a partner in negotiations. However, in May, 2024, newly elected Argentine president Javier Milei , expressed general acceptance and tolerance for British rule, for the time being, noting it could take decades for Argentina to gain control of the islands. Though asserting “We [will not] relinquish our sovereignty" over the islands, Milei said they would not "seek conflict with
4444-698: The Falkland Islands , which follows England's system , is free and compulsory for residents aged between 5 and 16 years. Primary education is available at Stanley, RAF Mount Pleasant (for children of service personnel) and a number of rural settlements. Secondary education is only available in Stanley, which offers boarding facilities and 12 subjects to General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) level. Students aged 16 or older may study at colleges in England for their GCE Advanced Level or vocational qualifications. The Falkland Islands government pays for older students to attend institutions of higher education, usually in
4545-585: The Falkland Islands Defence Force on 13 December 1920. During the First World War the Volunteers were issued the General Service Corps cap badge. This was used into the 1930s on dress uniforms. In 1931 on the recommendation of Captain C.E.C Ransome Royal Marines visiting the island on HMS Danae the Defence Force adopted Royal Marine Blue Dress Uniforms for ceremonial duties. This style of uniform
4646-779: The Falkland Islands Volunteer Corps were sworn in at a ceremony at the Falkland Government House , in June 1892. During the First World War , members of the Volunteer Corps were mobilised to man military outposts around the Islands, while 36 Falklanders enlisted in the British armed forces, 10 of whom subsequently lost their lives during the war. In 1919 the Falkland Island Volunteer Corps were stood down and were subsequently renamed as
4747-580: The Falkland Islands are independent ; no political parties exist on the islands. Since the 2013 general election , members of the Legislative Assembly have received a salary and are expected to work full-time and give up all previously held jobs or business interests. As a territory of the United Kingdom, the Falklands were part of the overseas countries and territories of the European Union until 2020 . The islands' judicial system, overseen by
4848-495: The Falkland Islands in prehistoric times, the islands were uninhabited when Europeans first explored them. European claims of discovery date back to the 16th century, but no consensus exists on whether early explorers sighted the Falklands or other islands in the South Atlantic. The first undisputed landing on the islands is attributed to English captain John Strong, who, en route to Peru and Chile 's littoral in 1690, explored
4949-451: The Falkland Sound and noted the islands' water and game. The Falklands remained uninhabited until the 1764 establishment of Port Louis on East Falkland by French captain Louis Antoine de Bougainville and the 1765 foundation of Port Egmont on Saunders Island by Captain John Byron ; the latter settlement being expanded by British captain John MacBride a year later. Whether or not the settlements were aware of each other's existence
5050-470: The Falklands Government by Seagull Maritime Limited for fifteen years. Civilian-crewed, the vessel is a Damen Stan 5009 patrol ship with a maximum speed of up to 29.5 knots (54.6 km/h; 33.9 mph) and a crew of up to 28 persons. She has an endurance of 30 days, though sixty days of provisions can be carried. If patrolling at 10 knots she can reportedly operate for 42 days with a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles (19,000 km; 12,000 mi). She
5151-445: The Falklands as a garrison amid fears of a Japanese seizure of the archipelago. After the war ended, the Falklands economy was affected by declining wool prices and the political uncertainty resulting from the revived sovereignty dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina. Simmering tensions between the UK and Argentina increased during the second half of the century, when Argentine President Juan Perón asserted sovereignty over
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#17328374598085252-437: The Falklands basin. Landmine clearance work restarted in 2009, in accordance with the UK's obligations under the Ottawa Treaty , and Sapper Hill Corral was cleared of mines in 2012, allowing access to an important historical landmark for the first time in 30 years. Argentina and the UK re-established diplomatic relations in 1990, but neither has agreed on the terms of future sovereignty discussions. The Falkland Islands are
5353-440: The Falklands became a Crown colony and Scottish settlers subsequently established an official pastoral community. Four years later, nearly everyone relocated to Port Jackson, considered a better location for the government, and merchant Samuel Lafone began a venture to encourage British colonisation. Stanley , as Port Jackson was soon renamed, officially became the seat of government in 1845. Early in its history, Stanley had
5454-409: The Falklands diversified from a sheep-based monoculture into an economy of tourism and, with the establishment of the Falklands exclusive economic zone , fisheries. The road network was also made more extensive, and the construction of RAF Mount Pleasant allowed access to long haul flights. Oil exploration also began in the 2010s, with indications of possible commercially exploitable deposits in
5555-428: The Highlanders dug out gun pits, embankments, and other protection from a possible German naval attack. Twenty-two of them applied from Stanley to join the British Forces. During the war, around 150 islanders joined the British armed forces, of which 26 were killed in action. In June 1946 a section of the FIDF took part in the Victory Parade in London. After the end of the war, the presence of Royal Marines as part of
5656-403: The Islands being moved into an Argentinian governmental sphere of influence, given its geographical proximity compared to that of the United Kingdom, was perhaps in their best long-term interest. Hunt soon discovered that the Falkland Islanders were adamantly opposed to any ceding of their sovereignty in this direction, and he relayed this information back to London; arguing that on consideration of
5757-413: The Islands' defence led to the FIDF adopting drill styles. On 28 September 1966, 19 members of an Argentine extremist group staged a symbolic invasion of the Islands by landing a DC-4 on Stanley Racecourse, in one of the first significant hijacking incidents; the extremist group called this action Operation Condor . There, they took four islanders hostage. The FIDF, alongside the Royal Marines, contained
5858-528: The Royal Air Force reserves in September 1950, relinquishing his commission in December 1953. Hunt married Mavis Amanda, daughter of George Albert Buckland, of Chingford , Essex . They had two children: Antony and Diana. In 1952, he joined the Colonial and Diplomatic Service of the British Government's Foreign Office . and received his first foreign posting as District Commissioner in Uganda in 1962. He then served as First Secretary in Kuching , Sarawak , 1964–65, and Jesselton , Sabah 1965–67, both in
5959-419: The UK Defence Academy alongside UK regular and reserve soldiers and international students. Equipment includes: The Falkland Islands Defence Force today is funded entirely by the Falkland Islands government and has an annual budget of £400,000. The FIDF is organised as a light infantry company with additional roles, though, as of 2022, it was reported to be closer to platoon-strength with 40 personnel. It
6060-399: The UK and mainland South America. Port Stanley Airport provides internal flights. Despite COVID-19 pandemic restrictions causing suspensions of flights from Santiago and São Paulo and prohibited cruise ship tourism, the economy of the islands remains stable and healthy. The Falkland Islands population is homogeneous, mostly descended from Scottish and Welsh immigrants who settled in
6161-457: The UK discounts it as a mere reassertion of its claim. In 2009, the British prime minister, Gordon Brown , had a meeting with the Argentine president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner , and said that there would be no further talks over the sovereignty of the Falklands. In March 2013, the Falkland Islands held a referendum on its political status: 99.8% of votes cast favoured remaining a British overseas territory. Argentina does not recognise
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#17328374598086262-404: The United Kingdom" over them, preferring to resolve the dispute "within the framework of peace." The Falkland Islands have a land area of 4,700 sq mi (12,000 km ) and a coastline estimated at 800 mi (1,300 km). The archipelago consists of two main islands, West Falkland and East Falkland, and 776 smaller islands. The islands are predominantly mountainous and hilly, with
6363-477: The United Kingdom. Falklands culture is based on the cultural traditions of its British settlers but has also been influenced by Hispanic South America . Falklanders still use some terms and place names from the former Gaucho inhabitants. The Falklands' predominant and official language is English, with the foremost dialect being British English ; nonetheless, some inhabitants also speak Spanish. According to naturalist Will Wagstaff , "the Falkland Islands are
6464-422: The United Kingdom. A British military garrison is stationed on the islands, and the Falkland Islands government funds an additional platoon to company -sized light infantry Falkland Islands Defence Force . The Falklands claim an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) extending 200 nmi (370 km) from its coastal baselines, based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ; this zone overlaps with
6565-496: The archipelago was visited only by fishing ships; its political status was undisputed until 1820, when Colonel David Jewett , an American privateer working for the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata , informed anchored ships about Buenos Aires ' 1816 claim to Spain's territories in the South Atlantic. Since the islands had no permanent inhabitants, in 1823 Buenos Aires granted German-born merchant Luis Vernet permission to conduct fishing activities and exploit feral cattle in
6666-438: The archipelago. The sovereignty dispute intensified during the 1960s, shortly after the United Nations passed a resolution on decolonisation which Argentina interpreted as favourable to its position. In 1965, the UN General Assembly passed Resolution 2065 , calling for both states to conduct bilateral negotiations to reach a peaceful settlement of the dispute. From 1966 until 1968, the UK confidentially discussed with Argentina
6767-400: The archipelago. Vernet settled at the ruins of Puerto Soledad in 1826, and accumulated resources on the islands until the venture was secure enough to bring settlers and form a permanent colony. Buenos Aires named Vernet military and civil commander of the islands in 1829, and he attempted to regulate sealing to stop the activities of foreign whalers and sealers. Vernet's venture lasted until
6868-421: The area without formal government. Vernet's deputy, the Scotsman Matthew Brisbane , returned to the islands that year to restore the business, but his efforts ended after, amid unrest at Port Louis, gaucho Antonio Rivero led a group of dissatisfied individuals to murder Brisbane and the settlement's senior leaders; survivors hid in a cave on a nearby island until the British returned and restored order. In 1840,
6969-407: The creation of direct air links with the United Kingdom and South America. Tourists, mostly cruise ship passengers, are attracted by the archipelago's wildlife and environment, as well as activities such as fishing and wreck diving ; the majority find accommodation in Stanley. The main international airport, located at RAF Mount Pleasant on East Falkland, provides flights to RAF Brize Norton in
7070-450: The expense of maintaining the Falkland Islands in an era of budget cuts, the UK again considered transferring sovereignty to Argentina in the early Thatcher government . Substantive sovereignty talks again ended by 1981, and the dispute escalated with passing time. In April 1982 the Falklands War began when Argentine military forces invaded the Falklands and other British territories in the South Atlantic , briefly occupying them until
7171-406: The fishing industry alone contributing between 50% and 60% of annual GDP; agriculture also contributes significantly to GDP and employs about a tenth of the population. A little over a quarter of the workforce serves the Falkland Islands government, making it the archipelago's largest employer. Tourism, part of the service economy, has been spurred by increased interest in Antarctic exploration and
7272-751: The garrison from the islands, leaving a plaque claiming the Falklands for King George III. Spain's Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata became the only formal presence in the territory. West Falkland was left abandoned, and Puerto Soledad became a penal colony. Amid the British invasions of the Río de la Plata during the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, the islands' governor evacuated the archipelago in 1806; Spain's remaining colonial garrison followed suit in 1811, except for gauchos and fishermen who remained voluntarily. Thereafter,
7373-403: The government has tried to contain, remove or exterminate foxes, rabbits and rats. Endemic land animals have been the most affected by introduced species, and several bird species have been extirpated from the larger islands. The extent of human impact on the Falklands is unclear, since there is little long-term data on habitat change. As of 2023 , the economy of the Falkland Islands is ranked
7474-565: The islands and can deploy aboard the Falklands Government patrol vessel for sovereignty protection duties if the vessel requires an armed presence. As of 2023, the Falklands Government sovereignty and fisheries patrol vessel is the FPV Lilibet , which arrived in the islands in April and is tasked with policing the exclusive economic zone around the islands. The ship is named in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II , and has been leased to
7575-469: The islands by French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville in 1764. Bougainville, who founded the islands' first settlement, named the area after the port of Saint-Malo (the point of departure for his ships and colonists). The port, located in the Brittany region of western France, was named after St. Malo (or Maclou), the Christian evangelist who founded the city. In 1965, at the 20th session of
7676-459: The islands have had French, British, Spanish, and Argentine settlements. Britain reasserted its rule in 1833 , but Argentina maintains its claim to the islands. In April 1982, Argentine military forces invaded the islands . British administration was restored two months later at the end of the Falklands War . In a 2013 sovereignty referendum , almost all Falklanders voted in favour of remaining
7777-417: The islands' economic focus, with an increase in population as workers migrate from Camp. Fear of dependence on fishing licences and threats from overfishing , illegal fishing and fish market price fluctuations led to increased interest in oil drilling as an alternative source of revenue. As of 2001 exploration efforts had yet to find "exploitable reserves". By 2023, oil exploration was still proceeding off
7878-409: The islands' population decline has reduced, thanks to immigrants from the United Kingdom, Saint Helena , and Chile. In the 2012 census, a majority of residents listed their nationality as Falkland Islander (59 per cent), followed by British (29 per cent), Saint Helenian (9.8 per cent), and Chilean (5.4 per cent). A small number of Argentines also live on the islands. The Falkland Islands have
7979-524: The islands. The governor acts on the advice of the islands' Executive Council , composed of the chief executive, the Director of Finance and three elected members of the Legislative Assembly (with the governor as chairman). The Legislative Assembly, a unicameral legislature , consists of the chief executive, the director of finance and eight members (five from Stanley and three from Camp ) elected to four-year terms by universal suffrage . All politicians in
8080-504: The islands. The Falklands' flora consists of 163 native vascular species . More than 400 species of lichens and lichen-dwelling fungi have been recorded. The islands' only native terrestrial mammal, the warrah , was hunted to extinction by European settlers. The islands are frequented by marine mammals , such as the southern elephant seal and the South American fur seal , and various types of cetaceans ; offshore islands house
8181-468: The main islands due to predation by introduced species . Major economic activities include fishing, tourism and sheep farming , with an emphasis on high-quality wool exports. Oil exploration, licensed by the Falkland Islands Government , remains controversial as a result of maritime disputes with Argentina. The name "Falkland Islands" comes from Falkland Sound , the strait that separates
8282-487: The major exception being the depressed plains of Lafonia (a peninsula forming the southern part of East Falkland). The Falklands consists of continental crust fragments resulting from the break-up of Gondwana and the opening of the South Atlantic that began 130 million years ago. The islands are located in the South Atlantic Ocean , on the Patagonian Shelf , about 300 mi (480 km) east of Patagonia in southern Argentina. The Falklands' approximate location
8383-500: The matter he personally agreed with their views. Hunt's seniors in London did not receive the news well, and concluded that Hunt had "gone native". When government minister Nicholas Ridley attempted in 1980–1981 to negotiate a diplomatic solution to the contested sovereignty of the Falkland Islands , local islands politician Adrian Monk made a broadcast on 2 January 1981 outlining the local population's opposition that Hunt described as "Churchillian". On 2 April 1982, under cover of
8484-724: The newly independent Malaysia , and then in Brunei 1967. In 1968 he was transferred to Ankara in Turkey , and subsequently served as Head of Chancery in Jakarta , Indonesia , 1970–72. After a brief spell back in England, he was appointed Consul-General at the British Embassy in Saigon in January 1974, and was there at the time of the fall of South Vietnam in 1975 at the end of the Vietnam War . He
8585-473: The pastures. Economic growth began only after the Falkland Islands Company , which bought out Lafone's failing enterprise in 1851, successfully introduced Cheviot sheep for wool farming, spurring other farms to follow suit. The high cost of importing materials, combined with the shortage of labour and consequent high wages, meant the ship repair trade became uncompetitive. After 1870 it declined as
8686-529: The prospect for a potential conflict between the Falkland Island's government and the British government. Nevertheless, the authority to approve oil development around the islands was said to rest solely with the Falkland Island's government. In November 2024, the Falkland's government Executive Council indicated that, while the public consultation process had been successfully concluded, "some matters" related to
8787-576: The rare striated caracara . There are also five different penguin species and a few of the largest albatross colonies on the planet. Endemic fish around the islands are primarily from the genus Galaxias . The Falklands are treeless and have a wind-resistant vegetation predominantly composed of a variety of dwarf shrubs . Virtually the entire land area of the islands is used as pasture for sheep. Introduced species include reindeer , hares, rabbits, Patagonian foxes , brown rats , and cats. Several of these species have harmed native flora and fauna, so
8888-618: The replacement of sail ships by steamships was accelerated by the low cost of coal in South America; by 1914, with the opening of the Panama Canal , the trade effectively ended. In 1881, the Falkland Islands became financially independent of Britain. For more than a century, the Falkland Islands Company dominated the trade and employment of the archipelago; in addition, it owned most housing in Stanley, which greatly benefited from
8989-503: The sale of fishing licences to "anybody wishing to fish within this zone". Since the end of the Falklands War in 1982, the islands' economic activity increasingly focused on oil field exploration and tourism. All large settlements are now connected by road and, since 2008, a ferry links West and East Falkland. The islands' major exports include wool, hides, venison, fish and squid; its main imports include fuel, building materials and clothing. The port settlement of Stanley has regained
9090-461: The shelf of the islands with a deepwater project led by Rockhopper Exploration . In 2023, Rockhopper (working with Tel Aviv-listed Navitas Petroleum) indicated that it had been presented with a new development plan for its Sea Lion project that aimed to cut costs and proceed in phases. It was stated that: "If realized, the new plan – with a total price tag of $ 2.2 billion – could lead to 80,000 barrels per day of production (up to 100,000 b/d at peak) via
9191-530: The situation and the group surrendered without casualties. Following this, the FIDF was on heightened alert until February 1967. On 1 April 1982, alongside the Royal Marines party, the FIDF was mobilised to defend the Islands from the Argentine invasion . Many of its members lived in remote settlements so given the limited notice of its approximately 120 men some 32 turned out. The following day, Sir Rex Hunt ordered them to surrender. The Argentines confiscated all of
9292-409: The territory after 1833. The Falkland-born population are also descended from English and French people , Gibraltarians , Scandinavians, and South Americans. The 2016 census indicated that 43% of residents were born on the archipelago, with foreign-born residents assimilated into local culture. The legal term for the right of residence is "belonging to the islands". In 1983, full British citizenship
9393-519: The transfer of the Falklands, assuming its judgement would be accepted by the islanders. An agreement on trade ties between the archipelago and the mainland was reached in 1971 and, consequently, Argentina built a temporary airfield at Stanley in 1972. Nonetheless, Falklander dissent, as expressed by their strong lobby in the UK Parliament , and tensions between the UK and Argentina effectively limited sovereignty negotiations until 1977. Concerned at
9494-586: The two main islands. The name "Falkland" was applied to the channel by John Strong , captain of an English expedition that landed on the islands in 1690. Strong named the strait in honour of Anthony Cary, 5th Viscount Falkland , the Treasurer of the Navy who sponsored his journey. The Viscount's title originates from the town of Falkland , Scotland—the town's name probably comes from a Gaelic term referring to an "enclosure" ( lann ), but it could less plausibly be from
9595-479: The wool trade with the UK. In the first half of the 20th century, the Falklands served an important role in Britain's territorial claims to subantarctic islands and a section of Antarctica. The Falklands governed these territories as the Falkland Islands Dependencies starting in 1908 and retained them until their dissolution in 1985. The Falklands also played a minor role in the two world wars as
9696-525: Was a British Government diplomat and colonial administrator. He was Governor , Commander-in-Chief, and Vice Admiral of the Falkland Islands (and concurrently High Commissioner of the British Antarctic Territory ) between 1980 and September 1985. During the Argentine invasion of the islands in 1982, he was taken prisoner and temporarily removed from his position. Rex Hunt was born in Redcar in
9797-463: Was being asserted with more intent than ever before. Unbeknown to the British Government plans were underway to seize the Islands by force of arms, without a prior declaration of hostilities. In the meantime, Hunt had been dispatched to the Islands as their new Governor, with instructions from the Foreign Office to try, during his tenure administering them, to persuade the recalcitrant islanders that
9898-504: Was clad in full dress uniform. He continued to serve in the post of its Governor until 1985. In retirement he wrote his memoir My Falkland Days , which was published in 1992. He was chairman of the Falkland Islands Association for several years. He retired as chairman in 2004 and moved to Elton, County Durham , near to his childhood home of Redcar. Hunt died at Stockton-on-Tees on 11 November 2012. His funeral, with
9999-418: Was given to Falkland Islanders under the British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983 . A significant population decline affected the archipelago in the 20th century, with many young islanders moving overseas in search of education, a modern lifestyle, and better job opportunities, particularly to the British city of Southampton , which came to be known in the islands as "Stanley North". In recent years,
10100-559: Was promoted to flying officer ( war substantive ) in June 1946, with the permanent promotion to that rank in December the same year. In August 1946, he was transferred to No 5 Squadron in British India , where he flew Spitfires , before transferring to West Germany with No 26 Squadron in August 1947. He left active service in September 1948, and held the rank of flight lieutenant in
10201-598: Was transferred to Kuala Lumpur in 1976, and served as Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia 1977–79. On 14 January 1980, as a final career posting, he was appointed as the Governor of the Falkland Islands and High Commissioner of the British Antarctic Territory . The UK's sovereignty of the Falkland Islands was contested by the Government of Argentina , and with a military dictatorship in place in Buenos Aires , this claim
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