Falkland Islands – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in the Falkland Islands?
The Falkland Islands is a remote set of almost 800 islands, located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 300 miles (480 km) east of Argentina in South America. As a British Overseas Territory, the British monarch is the head of state. It has a population of around 3,600 people (2021), ⅔ of whom live in the capital city, Stanley. It is one of the least densely populated places in the world.
The two main islands of the Falkland Islands are East Falkland and West Falkland. Almost all of the population lives in East Falkland, with fewer than 200 people living on West Falkland. The terrain is mostly hilly and mountainous, the highest peak being Mount Usborne, on East Falkland, at 2,313 ft (705 m) above sea level.
As remote islands, bot internet access and mobile phone coverage is severely limited. Access may only be available in the capital, Stanley.
A bit about the history of the Falkland Islands
Early History and Indigenous Peoples
The Falkland Islands were uninhabited when first discovered by Europeans. Prior to this, the islands were likely visited by indigenous peoples from the Americas, such as the Mapuche, who are believed to have navigated the southern seas, but there is no substantial evidence of permanent settlement.
European Discovery and Exploration
The Falkland Islands were first sighted by Europeans in 1592 when English explorer Richard Hawkins passed by. They were named ‘Falkland’ after the 1st Viscount Falkland, a British noble, who later sponsored expeditions to the islands. The Spanish and the French also explored the islands during the 17th and 18th centuries, but it was the British who began to make the first attempts at settlement.
Early Colonisation Attempts
In 1764, the French established a settlement on East Falkland, naming it Port Louis. A year later, the British established their own settlement on the islands, at Port Egmont on West Falkland. The French settlement was abandoned in 1767, and Spain assumed control of the French possessions. Tensions between the British and Spanish over the islands led to the British evacuation of Port Egmont in 1774, although they retained a claim to the islands.
Spanish and British Disputes
In the early 19th century, Spain relinquished control of the Falklands, and Argentina, having gained independence from Spain in 1816, took possession of the islands in 1820. The British did not recognize Argentine claims, and tensions escalated in the 1830s when the British reasserted their control over the islands by establishing a permanent military presence.
British Control and the 20th Century
By the mid 19th century, the Falkland Islands had become a British colony, with a growing population and economy based primarily on sheep farming and fishing. The islands remained largely isolated but had a stable British presence. Throughout the 20th century, the sovereignty of the Falklands continued to be a point of contention between Argentina and the United Kingdom, despite the British maintaining control.
The Falklands War
In 1982, the long standing dispute over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands reached a crisis point when Argentina, under military dictatorship, invaded the islands. The British government, led by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, responded by sending a task force to reclaim the islands. After two months of intense conflict, British forces successfully regained control of the islands, and Argentina was forced to withdraw. The war resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine and 255 British personnel.
Post-War Period and Modern Day
After the war, the Falkland Islands were firmly established as a British Overseas Territory. The conflict raised awareness of the islands’ strategic and economic importance, and the British government invested in rebuilding and modernising the islands. Over time, the Falkland Islands’ economy diversified, with fishing, oil exploration and tourism becoming increasingly important.
In the 21st century, the sovereignty dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina remains unresolved, with Argentina continuing to claim the islands. However, the residents of the Falkland Islands, who are primarily of British descent, have consistently expressed a desire to remain a British Overseas Territory. In a 2013 referendum, an overwhelming majority of Falkland Islanders voted to remain under British sovereignty. Today, the Falkland Islands remain a British Overseas Territory, with a high degree of self-government and a thriving economy based on natural resources and tourism.
Map of the Falkland Islands
Weather in the Falkland Islands
When is the best time to visit the Falkland Islands?
The best time to visit the Falkland Islands is from November to February. During these months, the islands have 5½ – 6½ hours of sunshine per day and rainfall of 1.6 – 2.6 inches (40 – 65mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 4 – 16°C (39 – 61°F).
When is the worst time to visit the Falkland Islands?
The worst time to visit the Falkland Islands is from May to August. During these months, the islands have only 2 – 3 hours of sunshine per day, and it rains an average of 1.6 – 2.0 inches (40 – 50mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 0 – 8°C (32 – 46°F).
Travel in and around the Falkland Islands
Ferries to other islands within the Falkland Islands
Workboat Services travels between East and West Falkland Islands.
What’s it like to drive in the Falkland Islands?
They drive on the left hand side of the road in the Falkland Islands. The majority of the roads in the Falkland Islands are in fairly poor condition. Car hire is available in the capital, Stanley.
Do you require an international driving permit in the Falkland Islands?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Can you use your UK driving license when driving through the Falkland Islands?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in the Falkland Islands?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
What is the speed limit in the Falkland Islands
The speed limits for cars in the Falkland Islands are:
- 25 mph (40 km/h) for urban driving
- 40 mph (65 km/h) outside of built up areas
What currency do they use in the Falkland Islands?
In the Falkland Islands they use the Falkland Islands pound, although pound sterling, Euros and US dollars are widely accepted. The Falkland Islands pound is equal in value to pound sterling.
Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in tourist areas. Travellers cheques are widely accepted. There are no ATMs in the country!
Currency exchange and cash back on credit cards are available at the Standard Chartered Bank in the capital, Stanley. However, no South American currencies are accepted or exchanged in the Falkland Islands.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in the Falkland Islands?
They speak English in the Falkland Islands.
What time zone is the Falkland Islands in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit the Falkland Islands?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in the Falkland Islands?
No, wild camping is illegal in the Falkland Islands.
What plug / socket type do they use in the Falkland Islands?
In the Falkland Islands they use plug / socket type G.
Falkland Islands health issues
Is it safe to drink water in the Falkland Islands?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in the Falkland Islands. Bottled water is also readily available in the capital, Stanley.
What vaccinations are required for the Falkland Islands?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in the Falkland Islands.
Phones in the Falkland Islands
What is the country calling code for the Falkland Islands?
The country calling code for the Falkland Islands is +500
What are the emergency phone numbers in the Falkland Islands?
- The emergency number for police in the Falkland Islands is: 112 / 999
- In the Falkland Islands, the emergency number for ambulance is: 112 / 999
- The emergency number for fire in the Falkland Islands is: 112 / 999
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!