The Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean
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
Population
2008: 3,140
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.
Chief of state: Elizabeth II (queen, House of Windsor) since 6 February 1952. Head of government: Keith Padgett (chief executive) since 1 February 2012.
Overseas territory of the United Kingdom (Britain). Legislature: 10 members, 8 of whom are elected by popular vote and serve four-year terms.
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/
Copyright © 2009-2011 by Frank E. Smitha. All rights reserved.
