In the Atlantic Ocean there is an archipelago called Falkland. Who owns the Falkland Islands? Great Britain and Argentina cannot divide them in any way. Inexhaustible oil reserves were discovered here, which, in fact, became the main subject of controversy.
General information
Where are the Falkland Islands? It is an overseas territory of England. They are a transit point between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The islands got the same name due to the strait. When the countries fought among themselves, the command headquarters liked to be located on the archipelago.
Many travelers and sailors call this area a miniature copy of Iceland. Here the winds blow all year round, the inhabitants are no more than 3 thousand, but countless sheep and penguins. This place is famous for monuments to many famous sailors.
Falkland Islands: coordinates, geographic location, climate
The islands we are considering are a huge numberfragmented islets, including two significant ones: Western (51°47'51" S and 60°07'55" W) and East Falkland (51°48'22" S and 58°47 '14″ W.), as well as hundreds of small ones (about 776 pieces). The total length of the islands is 12,173 sq. km. The strait lies between West and East Falkland.
The length of the coastline is 1300 km, literally the entire coast does not have a good berth, because it is all indented with coves. There are a great many springs with crystal clear water on the islands, there are no full-flowing rivers, Mount Asborne (705 m) is considered the highest point. Climatic conditions are quite severe and are considered oceanic, moderately cool. Under the influence of the powerful cold Malvinas current, westerly winds prevail throughout the archipelago all year round. The average monthly temperature is +5.6 °С, in winter - +2 °С, in summer - +9 °С. A fast current brings a large number of icebergs to the shores of the islands. The eastern part of the archipelago receives more precipitation than the western part. Snow is very rare here, but fog is almost always present.
Plants and inhabitants
It can be said that very few representatives of flora and fauna remain from the pristine ecological zone of the islands. For example, the Falkland fox was exterminated immediately after the colonization of this territory. After mass pastures for sheep were organized here, local plants were completely destroyed.
Coastal areas boast several types ofmammals, there are approximately 14 of them. But many migratory birds (more than 60 species) like to roam here. The main attraction of this place is the black-browed albatross, in which 60% of the nests are located on the islands. There is not a single species of reptiles here, but 5 species of penguins live. Fresh waters contain 6 species of fish. There are also many insects and invertebrates.
At the moment, the entire territory of the Falkland Islands, photos of which you have the opportunity to see in the article, is planted with cereals and heather. Total has more than 300 plant species.
The archipelago in history
The history of the Falkland Islands says that the date of their discovery is considered to be 1591-1592. It was made by the navigator John Davies from England. No indigenous people were found on the islands, but the Yaghan tribes from Tierra del Fuego lived here, fishing. After the French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville explored the archipelago in detail, he laid the stone for the first settlement in East Falkland (1763-1765). John Byron in 1766 explored the western part of the territory, not suspecting that the French were already living on the other side.
Two world wars eventually exacerbated the conflict between England and Argentina for the right to own the archipelago. The year 1982 was decisive, and in May-June, real hostilities unfolded, as a result of which Argentina was defeated. However, the latter continues to challenge the British right to own the islands. Currently hereThe British military base of the air fleet "Mount Pleasant" and the navy "Mare Harbor" is located. After huge deposits of oil were found on the islands, the conflict between the states again reached its climax. Great Britain pulled up the armed forces to the shore.
Population
In 2012, the population on the islands was 3,200 people. The largest town, Port Stanley, has a population of 2,120. 94.7% of the population is concentrated in East Falkland. The remaining 5.3% are scattered across the islands. Approximately 78% of the population speaks English, the remaining 12% speaks Spanish. Approximately 66% of the population is Christian.
Economy and transport
As soon as the first settlement appeared on the archipelago, whale hunting and maintenance of ship equipment were the main types of income. Since 1870, sheep breeding has flourished on the islands. The number of animals is approaching 500 thousand. More than 80% of the territories are occupied by pastures (of which 60% are located in the eastern part, and 40% in the western part). The Falkland Islands are the main exporter of wool to the UK. On the shelves of the island part, exploration is being carried out at the location of large oil deposits. There is also information that a NATO military base with nuclear warheads is located in the southern part of the Atlantic (near Falkland).
Transport links are poorly developed. Until 1982, only Port Stanley had capital roads. There are two airports, one for military purposes and the other for private flights. A major seaport is located in the eastern part of Port Stanley, and in the western part - Fox Bay. The larger islands are interconnected by ferries. There is no public transport, there is a taxi service, traffic is on the left side.
The locals are very calm, friendly people and ardent stay-at-homes. They like to celebrate such holidays:
- Queen Elizabeth II's birthday (April 21).
- Liberation of the Falklands in 1982 (June 14).
- Anniversary of the battle that took place in 1914 (December 8).
- Christmas Eve (December 25).
Falkland Islands attractions
Stanley is a small town in eastern Falkland that looks more like a village. The buildings here are mostly built of stone and wood, which fell on the island after major shipwrecks. Historically, this part of the island has had the best harbor. The most beautiful building in the capital is the Government House, which has been the residence of the governor since about the middle of the 19th century. Locals call the place for short - Town.
Christ Church is a towering cathedral built of brick and stone, with a brightly painted iron roof and unique handmade stained glass windows. The building was built in 1892, inside there is a museum and several memorial plaques dedicated to the soldiers who died heroically during the world wars. Weilbone Arch was erected in the courtyard, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of British rule.
In the western partThe town has a small building that houses the local history museum. The city hall housed a library, a city court, a philately office and even a dance hall at the same time. The modest police station has 13 solitary cells.
Cultural life takes place in the Community Center, which houses a school, library and swimming pool. A little further away is the city's medical clinic, the British Arctic Research Centre, huge vegetable greenhouses, a stadium and miniature golf courses.
At 6 km from Stanley there is a bay where a great number of penguins gather. This place is loved by tourists. Sparrow Cove can provide a magnificent underwater world for diving.
Port Louis
The town of Port Louis is located 35 km from Stanley and is the oldest in the archipelago. It was founded by French sailors. The main attraction of the town is an old farm, completely covered with ivy. It is so unusual, as if descended from picture fairy tales. By the way, it is still functioning.
The relief of the nearby area is picturesque and reminiscent of ancient Scotland. Not far from the town there are many beaches where king penguins roam. You can also admire the colonies of fur seals and elephant seals.
Sea Lion
In the southern part of the archipelago is Sea Lion Island, which is home to a great variety of wildlife: cormorants, penguins, giant pigeons, striped caracara, elephant seals, killer whales and dolphins. It is on this island that the original vegetation cover has been preserved.
West Falkland
This part of the Gran Malvina archipelago is home to many livestock farms. Due to the fact that it is mostly pasture, you can only move by SUV.
Other Significant Islands
Sanders Island has caused a quarrel between the two countries - the UK and Argentina (over oil). In the Neck area, pristine nature has been preserved, numerous colonies of birds and elephant seals live here. Here you can admire a variety of albatross species. Carcass Island is a bird paradise. There is a small settlement of people here, but as for rats and cats, they are generally absent. It is this circumstance that makes it possible to keep the laying of birds intact. New Island is considered to be fully farmed. To visit here, you need to get permission from local farmers. The scenery here is very picturesque, especially the cliffs and white slopes in the coastal area.
Pebble Island is famous for its memorial to the victims of military operations and numerous battles between Argentina and England (1982). Beautiful landscapes and viewing platforms will impress any traveler. The coastal zone is home to more than 70 species of birds.
