Country Profile: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

The Falkland Islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, are a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom. With a small population of approximately 3,142 people, most residents live in and around the capital, Stanley. The economy relies on fishing, tourism, and emerging industries like hydrocarbon production. The islands are governed as a parliamentary democracy, maintaining a unique cultural identity amid ongoing territorial disputes.

Geography

The Falkland Islands are situated about 500 km east of southern Argentina and consist of two main islands—East and West Falkland—along with about 200 smaller islands. The total area is 12,173 square kilometers, characterized by rocky, hilly terrain and a cold marine climate with strong westerly winds. The islands have a rich maritime environment, crucial for local fishing and wildlife.

12,173 sq km: Total area of the islands.
1,288 km: Length of the coastline.
705 m: Elevation of Mount Usborne, the highest point.
93.2%: Percentage of land designated as permanent pasture (2023).
60 cm: Average annual rainfall in Stanley.

People and Society

With a population of 3,142 as of 2021, the Falkland Islands have a diverse society consisting of ethnic groups like Falkland Islanders, British, and St. Helenians. The official language is English, and the predominant religion is Christianity. The majority of the population lives in urban areas, primarily in Stanley, which is the cultural and administrative center of the islands.

79.7%: Urban population as of 2023.
10.9 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2012).
77.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2017).
44.8%: Proportion of currently married women aged 15-49 (2023 estimate).

Economy

The Falkland Islands have a British South American economy with key sectors including fishing and tourism, although recent offshore hydrocarbon discoveries pose risks to ecotourism. The territories operate without a central bank, requiring British approval for currency adjustments. The GDP was estimated at $206.4 million in 2015.

$206.4 million: Estimated GDP (2015).
$70,800: Real GDP per capita (2015).
68%: Percentage of exports sent to Spain (2023).
68%: Percentage of imports from the UK (2023).

Government

The islands are governed as a parliamentary democracy, functioning as a self-governing overseas territory of the UK. The legal system is based on English common law, and the island's capital is Stanley. Citizens have universal suffrage at the age of 18. The territory's administration maintains a distinct political identity while being subject to territorial claims by Argentina.

10: Number of seats in the Legislative Assembly.
25%: Percentage of women in the Legislative Assembly (2021).
UTC-3: Time zone compared to Washington, DC.
Liberation Day: National holiday celebrated on 14 June.

Military and Security

The Falkland Islands do not have regular military forces; however, defense is the responsibility of the United Kingdom, which maintains a military presence on the islands. The islands' geopolitical situation remains sensitive due to historical conflicts and ongoing claims by Argentina.

Energy

Electricity generation in the Falkland Islands primarily relies on fossil fuels and wind energy, with total installed capacity estimated at 10,000 kW. Despite limited resources, the islands are making strides in energy management.

10,000 kW: Installed generating capacity (2023).
18.257 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
73.9%: Percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels (2023).

Environment

The Falkland Islands face environmental issues such as overfishing, habitat destruction due to grazing, and soil erosion from fires. The islands' cold marine climate contributes to their unique ecosystems, which are important for wildlife and natural resources.

36,000 metric tonnes: Total carbon dioxide emissions (2023).
93.2%: Agricultural land dedicated to permanent pasture (2023).

Transportation

Transportation within the Falkland Islands includes an airport and small merchant marine participation primarily for cargo. The key port is Stanley, which serves as a hub for maritime activities.

34: Number of airports projected by 2025.
1: Only medium-sized port located in Stanley (2024).
2: Total number of merchant marine vessels (2023).

Communications

The Falkland Islands have a well-developed communication infrastructure, with a high percentage of internet users and mobile subscriptions. The islands utilize British telecommunications systems for broader connectivity.

99%: Internet user rate (2021).
6,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2021).
2,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2021).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,142 (2021)	Total population
Area	12,173 sq km	Total area
GDP	$206.4 million (2015)	Estimated GDP
Real GDP per capita	$70,800 (2015)	Real GDP per capita
Energy consumption	18.257 million kWh (2023)	Total electricity consumption
Birth rate	10.9 births/1,000 population (2012)	Birth rate
Life expectancy	77.9 years (2017)	Life expectancy at birth
Urban population	79.7% (2023)	Percentage of the population living in urban areas
Number of Legislative Assembly seats	10	Total number of seats
Carbon dioxide emissions	36,000 metric tonnes (2023)	Total CO2 emissions