Traveling Luck for Falkland Islands. Falkland Islands, South America
Falkland Islands is located in Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina.
Land in Falkland Islands is rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains.
Falkland Island land covers an area of 12173 square kilometers which is slightly smaller than Connecticut
Falkland Island national flag (Flag of Falkland Islands)
As for the Falkland Island climate; cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 24 inches in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but does not accumulate.
Falkland Islander(s) speak English.
Places of note in Falkland Islands
![Falkland Island Map](/maps/fk-map.gif)
Regions of Falkland Islands
Although first sighted by an English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement (French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce fighting forced Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.
The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In 1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falkland Islands' exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year, which goes to support the island's health, education, and welfare system. Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day; to date, no exploitable site has been identified. An agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in 2001. Another large source of income is interest paid on money the government has in the bank. The British military presence also provides a sizeable economic boost.
Falkland Island natural resources include fish, squid, wildlife, calcified seaweed, sphagnum moss
deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season
Falkland Island religion is primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, Evangelist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist.
Natural hazards in Falkland Islands include strong winds persist throughout the year.
Travel Advice for Falkland Islands
Falkland IslandsSUMMARY
- The Falkland Islands is a British Overseas Territory. There is no formal British diplomatic or consular representation in the Falkland Islands and the local authorities deal with all requests for consular assistance. The General section of this travel advice gives you more information about this.
- Most visits to the Falkland Islands are trouble-free.
- There is little crime or disorder.
- The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
- Falkland Islands Government regulations state that all travellers must have medical insurance, including cover for medical evacuation. You should check any exclusions, and that your travel insurance covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Crime
There is little crime or disorder on the Falkland Islands.
Local Travel
For longer distances, the Falkland Islands Government Air Service operate three Britten Norman "Islander" aircraft from Stanley Airport to other destinations throughout the Islands. Due to weather and other restrictions it is always worth checking that your flight is confirmed before travelling to Stanley Airport.
Road Safety
Four wheel drive vehicles are most commonly used. Stanley roads are metalled, as is much of the 35-mile Mount Pleasant Airport to Stanley road. In addition, there are some 200 miles of unsurfaced roads. Coach and taxi services are available to and from Mount Pleasant Airport for the RAF and LAN Chile arrivals and departures. Taxi services are available in Stanley. Local transport should be booked in advance.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
The Falkland Islands still have an estimated 14000 mines leftover from the conflict in 1982. These are well mapped and fenced-off. Entering one of these minefields is a serious offence, which will result in prosecution. Detailed maps of minefield locations are available locally on request.
Mount Pleasant Airport is a military site and photography is not permitted.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- a passport valid for a minimum of six months with a current visa if required
- a return air ticket (or other evidence of pre‑paid onward travel)
- pre‑booked accommodation
- sufficient funds to cover your stay in the Islands
For further information on entry requirements and RAF Tristar ticket services, you are advised to check with the Falkland Islands Government Office, 14 Broadway, Westminster, London, SW1H OBH; (tel: 020 7222 2542); e-mail: representative@falklands.gov.fk Website: http://www.falklands.gov.fk/home.htm.
HEALTH
The general standard of health in the Falkland Islands is good. Treatment is free to UK Citizens but you will have to demonstrate proof of residence in the UK (eg. medical card or driving licence). The only hospital is located in Stanley and offers very modern facilities with a full complement of medical, dental and nursing staff. There is no resident qualified optician.
You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at www.dh.gov.uk.
GENERAL
The Falkland Islands is a British Overseas Territory and as such there is no formal British Consular representation. In an emergency, Government House in Stanley will assist British nationals.
The Falkland Island pound is fixed at a rate of one pound Sterling. Bank of England coins and notes are fully accepted in the Islands at full value.
LANChile Airlines currently operate a once weekly flight service to Mount Pleasant Airport from Punta Arenas in southern Chile. Onward air connections from Punta Arenas are available to Puerto Montt and Santiago de Chile, and onward from Santiago to other international destinations. Once a month this service stops in Rio Gallegos, on the southern coast of Argentina. The service will pick up passengers in Rio Gallegos on one week (usually the second Saturday of the month), and drops off passengers in Rio Gallegos the following week. You should check with LANChile in advance for up to date information on Chile/Falkland Islands air services.
The RAF operate a six or seven times a month fare-paying service from RAF Brize Norton (via Ascension Island) to Mount Pleasant Airport. This service can be subject to delays due to hazardous weather conditions, especially during the Southern Hemisphere winter. The total journey time takes approximately 20 hours. For further information, and how to book this service visit http://www.falklandislands.com/.
Beware of weather changes. The weather can change rapidly and it is often possible to experience several seasons in a single day. Sunlight can be very bright and the wearing of good sunglasses, hats and a high-factor sunscreen is recommended.
There is a £20 departure tax on leaving the Islands.
The Falkland Islands Government maintains an office in London that can provide further information for people wishing to visit the islands. Their contact details are:
Falkland Islands Government Office
14 Broadway
Westminster
LONDON
SW1H OBH
Tel: 020 7222 2542
Fax: 020 7222 2375
E-mail: representative@falklands.gov.uk
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