Country Profile: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

The Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean, are known for their rich history, diverse natural resources, and unique political status. With a small population of just over 3,100 residents, most of whom live in the capital, Stanley, the islands' economy is primarily driven by fishing and tourism. The governance model is a parliamentary democracy under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom, despite ongoing territorial claims by Argentina.

Geography

The Falkland Islands are situated approximately 500 km east of southern Argentina, in the cold marine climate of the South Atlantic. Characterized by rocky terrain and a deeply indented coastline, the islands cover an area of 12,173 sq km, with a total coastline of 1,288 km.

Highest point: Mount Usborne at 705 m.
Coastline length: 1,288 km.
Natural resources: Includes fish, squid, and wildlife.

People and Society

The population of the Falkland Islands was recorded at 3,142 in 2021, predominantly consisting of Falkland Islanders and British nationals. The majority communicate in English, with a small percentage speaking Spanish. Urbanization is high, with nearly 80% of the inhabitants residing in Stanley.

Life expectancy: 77.9 years (2017 est.).
Urban population: 79.7% (2023).
Dependency ratio: 38.4 (2021).

Economy

The Falkland Islands have a British South American territorial economy largely reliant on fishing, wool processing, and tourism. However, the discovery of offshore hydrocarbons poses challenges to the ecotourism sector. The real GDP per capita was estimated at $70,800 in 2015.

GDP (2015): $206.4 million.
Main export partners: Spain (68%).
Major imports: Refined petroleum from the UK (68%).

Government

Governed as a parliamentary democracy, the Falkland Islands hold legislative powers in a Legislative Assembly while being self-governing under UK sovereignty. The territory asserts a distinct legal identity, with citizenship tied to the United Kingdom.

Legislative Assembly: 10 members (8 elected, 2 appointed).
Suffrage: Universal for those aged 18 and over.
Chief Executive: Andy Keeling since April 2021.

Military and Security

The Falkland Islands have no regular military forces, as defense responsibilities lie with the United Kingdom. The UK maintains a military presence on the islands to safeguard their interests.

Energy

The electricity sector in the Falkland Islands primarily relies on fossil fuels, with 73.9% of the installed capacity in 2023. The energy consumption reached 18.257 million kWh in the same year.

Installed capacity: 10,000 kW (2023).
Refined petroleum consumption: 200 bbl/day (2023).
Total CO2 emissions: 36,000 metric tonnes (2023).

Environment

The Falkland Islands face environmental challenges including overfishing and soil erosion due to grazing practices. The cold marine climate supports a unique ecosystem amidst ongoing agricultural activity, where 93.5% of land is used for pasture.

Transportation

The Falkland Islands feature a small transportation network, with 34 airports planned by 2025 and a single key port located in Stanley. Limited merchant marine services are supported primarily by general cargo vessels.

Airports: 34 planned (2025).
Total merchant marine: 2 vessels (2023).
Ports: 1 operational port.

Communications

Communications in the Falkland Islands are facilitated by a strong mobile and internet infrastructure, with 99% of the population being internet users as of 2021.

Mobile subscriptions: 6,000 (2021).
Fixed-line subscriptions: 2,000 (2021).
Broadband subscriptions: 1,000 (2020).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,142 (2021)
Area	12,173 sq km
GDP	$206.4 million (2015)
Energy Consumption	18.257 million kWh (2023)
Birth Rate	10.9 births/1,000 (2012)
Unemployment Rate	N/A	No data available
Life Expectancy	77.9 years (2017)
Urban Population	79.7% (2023)
Total CO2 Emissions	36,000 metric tonnes (2023)
Number of Airports	34 planned (2025)