Falkland Islands

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Quick Facts

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Capital

Stanley

Population

2,900

Government

Overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina

Religions

Christianity

Languages

English

Calling Code

+500

Nationality

Falkland Islander

Local name

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Introduction

King Penguins Falkland Islands

© All Rights Reserved acudoc

In terms of size, the Falkland Islands' land area measures up to be about the same as that of Northern Ireland. Population-wise, though, the place has less than 3000 people (there's a 2000 strong military population as well), granting it an isolated feel. The fact that the nation identifies politically and culturally with the United Kingdom, an ocean's length away, emphasises the isolation.

It goes without saying that visitors don't come to the Falklands for a party atmosphere. The islands' wildlife is their main attraction: penguins, a huge variety of birds, sea lions, seals, dolphins and killer whales swarm in, above, or next to the Falkland waters. A handful of small towns are on the two main islands of East and West Falkland. These offer some interest of their own, but mostly it is the uninhabited coastal and countryside areas that have the greatest appeal.

Brief History

Geography

Regions/Islands

The Falkland Islands consist of two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, and approximately 776 smaller outlying islands.

• East Falkland (Isla Gran Malvina) is where the capital of Stanley and the majority of the population are.
• West Falkland (Isla Soledad) is populated by fewer than 200 people.

Smaller islands include Barren Island, Beaver Island, Bleaker Island, Carcass Island, George Island, Keppel Island, Lively Island, New Island, Pebble Island, Saunders Island, Sealion Island, Speedwell Island, Staats Island, Weddell Island, and West Point Island.

Cities/Towns

• Stanley
• Goose Green
• Port Howard

Sights and Activities

Sea Lion Island

Passed Out

© All Rights Reserved lindseytj

An island with such a name makes it very obvious what this island is famous for. But apart from the sea lions there is much more wildlife to explore on the most southern island of the "Islas Malvinas". The best of getting here is on a flight by the government air service. Getting around can be done on foot or by a good 4wd and most people go here on some sort of package. Wildlife includes sea lions, elephant seals, gentoo, rockhopper and magellanic penguins, cormorants and numerous other birds. Others that you might see are orcas offshore and sometimes king penguins. Even a small play of golf is possible!

Pebble Island

On the other side of the Falklands, located in the north there is Pebble Island which can be reached by government air service as well. Much of the island includes numerous ponds and therefore this island is one of the best for birding. Many species of penguins and cormorants all breed here, and species of swan and duck can be find here as well. On top of the wildlife, the island was the site of major combat during the Falklands war, with several memorials and some plane wrecks as reminders of this conflict. The largest beach of the Falklands can be found here as well, although needless to say that swimming is less popular than let's say on Tahiti.

Carcass Island

Another island, located in the extreme northwest, is Carcass Island. Also good for birding, this island is special because it is one of only a few islands which hasn't got rats or cats. Therefore, several species of birds which are hard to find (or even absent) on other islands, can be found here, like large flocks of songbirds. Seals, sea lions and penguins join the club as well on one of the many beaches.

Other sights and activities

Well, other sights and activities are more or less the same, as there are so many islands to choose from and many islands have chartered government air services. Just pick your favorites, the above three are just examples. For some city life, go to Stanley, but after a few hours you want to go back to where you came from.

Events and Festivals

Weather

The Falkland Islands have mild climate but warm days are rare and temperatures of 20 °C are not very common. That said, temperatures are not that cold in winter either, but the constant wind doesn't feel that nice for that matter and strong westerly winds are almost constant. It is more likely to rain in the southeastern part of the islands, with the far western islands being very dry actually. The best time to visit the islands is between November and March, when temperatures are highest.

Getting there

Plane

Port Stanley Airport (PSY) near the capital is where all international flights arrive and depart. LanChile has flights from Punta Arenas in southern Chile. There are also flights to and from the British Antarctic Territory.

By Boat

There are no regular passenger services other than expensive cruiseliners and expeditions vessels that travel to and from the Falkland Island. Often, such a trip combines the island with Antarctica and the South Orkney and South Georgia Islands. Sometimes, ships even continue to Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena and Ascension Island.

Getting around

Plane

Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) operates non-scheduled flights between the different Falkland islands.
Destinations from Mount Pleasant International Airport near Stanley include Sea Lion Island, Saunders Island (also from Sea Lion Island) and Pebble Island (also from Saunders Island), but there are loads more. Planes usually seat 8 to 12 people.

By Train

There are no trains on the Falkland Islands.

By Car

There is only one tarred road linking Stanley, Mount Pleasant International Airport and Goose Green. An all-weather track also links Mount Pleasant with Goose Green and Stanley with Port Louis, Estancia, Salvador and various settlements in the north of East Falkland as far as Port San Carlos. A similar track on West Falkland links Port Howard, Chartres, Fox Bay, Hill Cove and Roy Cove. A 4wd vehicle is really needed on these roads, as some roads can be slippery after rain. You can rent one in Stanley and several other places, either with or without a driver. Traffic drives on the left and your national driver's licence will be sufficient.

By Bus

Mostly availabe between the airport and Stanley, but on demand also between other places where roads exist!

By Boat

There are many ways of chartering boats, either from Stanley or one of the smaller islands. Usually, it is much more convenient to arrange things with a tour operator or guides, available in Stanley.

Red Tape

Visas are required for all citizens except nationals of EU and Commonwealth countries, Chile, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey and Uruguay.

Money

See also Money Matters

The Falkland Pound (FKP) is the national currency, set 1:1 against the British Pound (GBP).

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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