The Falkland Islands
Updated: Oct 1, 2022
Home> Countries> South America> Falkland Islands
Country Name
The Falkland Islands.
It comprises East Falkland, West Falkland, and 776 smaller islands.
Location
It lies about 480 km northeast of the southern tip of South America and a similar distance east of the Strait of Magellan.
Capital
Stanley.
Reason for Naming the country
The name "Falkland Islands" comes from Falkland* Sound, the strait that separates the two main islands.
The name "Falkland" was applied to the channel by John Strong, captain of an English expedition that landed on the islands in 1690.
*The Falkland Sound is a sea strait in the Falkland Islands. Running southwest-northeast, it separates West and East Falkland.
Flag
The current flag of the Falkland Islands was adopted on 25 January 1999 and consists of a defaced Blue Ensign, with the Union Flag in the canton and the Falkland Islands coat-of-arms on the fly.
The flag of Falkland Island symbolizes its association with Britain,
as it is one of its overseas territories.
The ship symbolizes the Desire, a vessel that is believed to have been used by Captain John Davis when he discovered the Falkland Islands in 1592.
The ram represents sheep farming, which is a major economic industry in
the country, while the tussock grass represents the most notable native vegetation in the country.
The motto, scrolled at the bottom of the arms, represents what the Falkland people stand for.
Language
British English is the official language in the Falkland Islands.
Religion
Religion on the Falkland Islands is predominantly Christianity, of which the primary denominations are the Church of England, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, and Lutheran.
Currency
Falklands pound (FKP).
Time Zone
-03:00 GMT.
Government Regime
As a British overseas territory, the Falklands have internal self-governance, and the United Kingdom takes responsibility for their defense and foreign affairs