Falkland Islands (called Islas Malvinas by Argentina) were a largely forgotten part of the British Empire, until it received world attention in 1982, when Argentinian forces invaded it. Argentina surrendered 10 weeks after the invasion, but the issue of sovereignty over the island was never adequately resolved, and will remain a thorn in the relation between Argentina and Britain for now and into the foreseeable future. The inhabitants of the island are British nationals and have rejected Argentinian sovereignty claim. One positive aspect of the war is the attention the islands received. Since then, it has experience strong growth in its tourism sector. Nature lovers descend on this cluster of windswept isles to view its many different species of wildlife, including sea birds, penguins and whales.
Fast Facts about Falkland Islands
Official Name: Falkland Islands
Capital: Stanley (1,989)
Population of Falkland Islands: 2,967
Languages: English
Currency: Falkland pound (FKP)
Religions: Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, others
Size: 12,173 sq km (4,700 sq miles)
Region: South America
When to visit Falkland Islands
People go to the Falkland Islands to view the wildlife. If you are doing the same, then you should go when the migratory animals are around. That would be between October and March, especially at the height of summer (of the southern hemisphere), between December and January. Coincidentally, these two months are also the wettest.
What to wear in the Falkland Islands
You need medium to heavy weight clothing in the Falkland Islands. This is the place to come with your windbreaker and walking boots. You are likely to bring along the binoculars and cameras with telephoto lens as well.
Getting into Falkland Islands
Most flights to the Falkland Islands land at Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN), 56 km from the capital, Stanley. The airport serves both commercial and military purposes. The flights from UK are operated by the UK Royal Air Force, carrying commercial passengers from the RAF Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire, stopping over at Ascension Island enroute, for a 18-hour journey to the Falklands. Other than that, the only other operator is LAN Chile, which operates a weekly flight from Santiago in Chile. There is a departure tax of £20.
Falkland Islands Entry Requirements
Nationals of US, Australia and Canada do not need a visa to enter the Falkland Islands. As it is part of the United Kingdom, nationals of Britain and EU countries only need to show their passport or national identity card to enter.
Getting around in Falkland Islands
The best option is by landrover. Contact Falkland Islands Company for details.
Things to see and do in Falkland Islands
Go to Pebble Island to view penguins and sea lions.
Go to Sea Lion Island, the most southerly island in the Falklands, to view elephant seals, sea lions, king penguins, and offshore, killer whales
Money matters in Falkland Islands
The currency used here is the Falkland pound (FKP), which is pegged to the British pound sterling at 1:1. Banknotes are in denominations of £5, £10, £20 and £50 while coins are in denominations of 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.
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