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The Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean

Wealth and National Well-Being

World Factbook: "The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity...The British military presence also provides a sizeable economic boost."

Estimated per capita GDP
2002: $35,400

People

Population
2008: 3,140

Geography

Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean east of southern Argentina, slightly smaller than Connecticut. Rains half of the days of the year. Cold. Snow except for January and February.

Government

Overseas territory of the United Kingdom (Britain). Chief of State: Queen Elizabeth II. Legislature: 10 members, 8 of whom are elected by popular vote and serve four-year terms.

Recent History

The French settled the island in 1764. Two years later the colony was turned over to Spain. Britain claimed the island and established a naval garrison there in 1833. Spanish name for the islands: Islas Malvinas.

Argentina invaded the islands in April 1982. A British force landed seven weeks later. The Argentines surrendered in June.

SOURCES:
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/