In the Atlantic Ocean there is an archipelago called Falkland. Who owns the Falkland Islands? Great Britain and Argentina cannot divide them among themselves in any way. Inexhaustible oil reserves were discovered here, which, in fact, became the main subject of controversy.
general information
Where are the Falkland Islands? This is the overseas territory of England. They are a transit point between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The islands of the same name received thanks to the strait. When countries fought among themselves, the command headquarters liked to be located on the archipelago.
Many travelers and sailors call this area a miniature copy of Iceland. Here, winds blow all year round, no more than 3 thousand inhabitants, but countless sheep and penguins. This place is famous for its monuments to many famous sailors.
Falkland Islands: coordinates, geographical location, climate
The islands we are considering are a huge number of fragmented islets, two of which are significant: Western (51 ° 47'51 ″ S and 60 ° 07'55 ″ W) and East Falkland (51 ° 48'22 ″ S W. and 58 ° 47'14 ″ W), as well as hundreds of small ones (approximately 776 pieces). The total length of the islands is 12, 173 square meters. km The strait is located between West and East Falkland.
The coastline is 1300 km long, literally the entire coast does not have a good pier, because it is all indented with coves. On the islands there are a great many springs with crystal clear water, there are no full-flowing rivers, the highest point is Mount Asborn (705 m). Climatic conditions are quite severe and are considered oceanic, moderately cool. Under the influence of the powerful cold Malvinas current, westerly winds prevail throughout the archipelago year-round. The average monthly temperature is +5.6 ° С, in winter - +2 ° С, in summer - +9 ° С. The rapid current nails a large number of icebergs to the shores of the islands. There is more rainfall in the eastern part of the archipelago than in the western. Snow can be seen here very rarely, but fogs are almost always there.
Plants and inhabitants
It can be said that very few representatives of flora and fauna remain from the pristine ecological zone of the islands. For example, the Falkland fox was exterminated immediately after the colonization of this territory. After mass pastures for sheep were organized here, local plants were completely destroyed.
The coastal zones boast several species of mammals, there are approximately 14 of them. But here they love to roam a lot of migratory birds (more than 60 species). The main attraction of this place is considered a black-browed albatross, in which 60% of the nests are on the islands. There are no species of reptiles here, but 5 species of penguins live. Freshwater totals 6 species of fish. There are also many insects and invertebrates.
At the moment, the entire territory of the Falkland Islands, photos of which you have the opportunity to see in the article, is planted with cereal crops and heather. In total, there are more than 300 species of plants.
Archipelago in history
The history of the Falkland Islands says that 1591-1592 is considered the date of their discovery. It was made by sailor John Davis from England. No native inhabitants were discovered on the islands, but the Yagan tribes from Tierra del Fuego lived here, fishing. After the French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville examined the archipelago in detail, he laid the stone for the first settlement in East Falkland (1763-1765). John Byron in 1766 explored the western part of the territory, not suspecting that on the other hand the French were already living.
Two world wars over time exacerbated the conflict between England and Argentina over the ownership of the archipelago. 1982 was a decisive year, and in May - June, real hostilities unfolded, as a result of which Argentina was defeated. However, the latter continues to challenge the UK ownership of the islands. At the moment, there is the British military base of Mount Pleasant air force base and the Mayor Harbor navy. After huge oil deposits were discovered on the islands, the conflict between the states reached its peak again. Great Britain pulled the armed forces to shore.
Population
In 2012, the population on the islands was 3 thousand 200 people. In the largest town of Port Stanley, 2120 people live. 94.7% of the population is concentrated in East Falkland. The remaining 5.3% are scattered across the islands. Approximately 78% of the population speaks English, the remaining 12% speak Spanish. Approximately 66% of the population profess Christianity.
Economics and transport
As soon as the first settlement appeared on the archipelago, the main types of earnings were whale hunting and maintenance of ship equipment. Since 1870, sheep farming has flourished on the islands. The number of animals is approaching 500 thousand. More than 80% of the territories are occupied by pastures (60% of them are located in the eastern part, and 40% in the western). The Falkland Islands is the main exporter of wool to the UK. On the shelves of the island part, exploration is underway for the location of large oil deposits. There is also evidence that in the southern Atlantic (near Falkland) is a NATO military base with nuclear warheads.
Transport links are poorly developed. Until 1982, capital roads were only in Port Stanley. There are two airports, one of them is of military importance and the other is for private flights. A major seaport is located in the eastern part of Port Stanley, and in the western - Fox Bay. Large islands are interconnected by ferry services. There is no public transport, taxi service is operating, left-hand traffic.
Locals are very calm, friendly people and ardent couch potatoes. They like to celebrate such holidays:
- Name day of Queen Elizabeth II (April 21).
- The liberation of the Falkland Islands in 1982 (June 14).
- The anniversary of the battle, which took place in 1914 (December 8).
- Christmas evening (December 25).
Falkland Islands Attractions
Stanley is a small town in the eastern part of Falkland that looks more like a village. The buildings here are mostly built of stone and wood, which fell on the island after a major shipwreck. Historically, it was in this part of the island that there was a better harbor. The most beautiful building of the capital is the Government House, which has been the residence of the governor since about the middle of the 19th century. Locals call the place shortly - Town.
Christ Church is a tall cathedral built of brick and stone, the iron roof is painted in bright colors, and the windows are unique handmade stained-glass windows. The building was built in 1892, inside there is a museum and several memorial plaques dedicated to soldiers who died heroically during the world wars. In the courtyard, the Wellbone Arch, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the reign of Great Britain, was erected.
In the western part of the town there is a small building, which houses the museum of local lore. At the same time, a library, a city court, a philately bureau, and even a dance hall were located in the city hall. The humble police station has 13 solitary confinement cells.
Cultural life takes place in the Community Center, which houses a school, library and pool. A bit away there is a city medical clinic, the British Center for Arctic Research, large greenhouses with vegetables, a stadium and miniature golf courses.
6 km from Stanley there is a bay where a great number of penguins gather. This place is loved by tourists. Sparou Cove can provide a magnificent underwater world for diving.
Port louis
Port Louis is 35 km from Stanley and is the oldest in the archipelago. It was founded by French sailors. The main attraction of the town is an old farm, completely entwined with ivy. She is so unusual, as if descended from picture tales. By the way, it is still functioning.
The relief of the surrounding area is picturesque and resembles ancient Scotland. Near the place there are many beaches where king penguins roam. Also here you can admire the colonies of fur seals and elephants.
Sea lion
In the southern part of the archipelago is the island of Sea Lion, which is home to a great many wildlife: cormorants, penguins, giant pigeons, striped caracara, elephants, killer whales and dolphins. It was on this island that the original vegetation cover was preserved.
West Falkland
In this part of the archipelago called Gran Malvina there are many livestock farms. Due to the fact that there are mainly pastures, you can only move on an SUV.
