The Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas are a popular addition to many Antarctic voyages – usually in conjunction with a visit to South Georgia – but they’re well worth seeing on their own for their spectacular populations of penguins, seals and albatrosses. Surrounded by the South Atlantic and by centuries of controversy, the islands lie 490km east of Patagonia. 2 main islands, East and West Falkland, and more than 700 smaller ones cover 12, 173 sq km, about the same area as Northern Ireland or Connecticut.

Today more than four-fifths of the 3140 Falklanders (sometimes called ‘Kelpers’) live in Stanley. There are also more than 1200 British military personnel, nearly all at the Mt Pleasant base. The rest of the islanders live in ‘Camp, ’ the name given to all of the Falklands outside Stanley. Few of the numerous smaller offshore islands are inhabited. About 60% of Falklanders are native born, some tracing their ancestry back 6 or more generations. Most of the remainder are immigrants or temporary residents from the UK.

The Falklands retain their rural character: the islands are laced with 400km of roads, but there’s not one traffic light.

The Falkland Islands are home to a plethora of marine life, from 5 different species of penguins to whales and sea birds that hover around Stanley Harbour.

The lifestyle in the Falkland Islands resembles that of a small English or Scottish village/town and communities on the Falkland Islands are highly self-contained. The influx of the British Forces has obviously had an effect on the Islands. More people now visit for a variety of reasons. The islanders themselves have benefited from the additional amenities offered by the Forces. The population is very keen to remain under British sovereignty.