| Facts about Falkland Islands |
| Capital | Stanley |
|---|---|
| Largest City | Stanley |
| Population | 3140 |
| Area | 4,700 sq mi |
| Currency | Falkland Islands pound (FKP) |
| Official Language | English |
| Governor | Nigel Haywood |
Falkland-islands are an archipelago located in the south Atlantic Ocean. The islands constitute East Falkland, West Falkland, and more than 700 lesser islands. The total area covered by the islands is 4,700 square miles and the estimated population is 3,140.
English is the main language spoken by the local inhabitants of Falkland islands. Christianity is the dominant religion with the Church of England, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, and Lutheran being the major denominations.
The mariners and fishermen from the Breton port of Saint-Malo are believed to be the first known settlers of the islands. The first person to explore the region was the Dutch explorer Sebald de Weert. He came to the region in 1600 and named the archipelago the Sebald Islands.
Century later in 1764, French navigator and military commander Louis Antoine de Bougainville established the first settlement on Berkeley Sound, in present-day Port Louis, East Falkland. The French rule did not last long as Spain attacked Port Egmont in 1770 and expelled the British out. The British re-conquered the island on January 5, 1833.
The political turmoil in the nation came to a halt for some hundred years. However, in 1982, the Argentine forces invaded the island leading to the Falklands War. The nation was torn apart but this time recovered soon as Argentina liberated the nation early in June 1982.
The legal system of Falkland islands follows the rules and regulations of English Common Law.
Fishing and agriculture are the two main economic activities of Falkland islands.
The scenic beauty of the island attracts numerous visitors to the island nation. Some of the major tourist destinations include Carcass Island, New Island, Pebble Island, Sea Lion Island, West Point Island, Goose Green, and Stanley.
Last Updated on : 02/10/2012
