The Falkland Islands are an archipelago located on the Patagonian Shelf in the South Atlantic Ocean. The main islands are located around 300 miles (480 kilometers) east of South America's southern Patagonian coast and approximately 752 miles (1,210 kilometers) north of the northern point of the Antarctic Peninsula, at a latitude of approximately 52°S. East Falkland, West Falkland, and 776 smaller islands make up the archipelago, which covers 4,700 square miles (12,000 square kilometers). The Falkland Islands enjoy internal self-government as a British overseas territory, while the United Kingdom is responsible for its defense and international affairs. Stanley in East Falkland is the capital and major town.
The discovery and subsequent colonization of the Falkland Islands by Europeans have sparked debate. The islands have had French, British, Spanish, and Argentine settlements at different periods. Britain reclaimed control of the islands in 1833, although Argentina retains its claim. Argentina's armed troops attacked the islands in April 1982. After the Falkland Islands War ended two months later, British rule was restored. Almost all Falkland Islanders chose to keep the archipelago as a British foreign colony. The sovereignty of the area is a point of contention between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
The population (3,398 people in 2016) is mostly made up of native-born Falkland Islanders, the bulk of whom are of British heritage. French, Gibraltarian, and Scandinavian are among the other nationalities. Immigration from the United Kingdom, Saint Helena in the South Atlantic, and Chile have reversed a demographic drop. English is the major (and official) language. Falkland Islanders are British citizens under the British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983.
The islands are located on the border of the subantarctic oceanic and tundra temperature zones, with mountain ranges reaching 2,300 feet on both main islands (700 m). They support significant bird populations, albeit many no longer nest on the major islands owing to invasive species predation. Fishing, tourism, and sheep farming are major economic activities, with a concentration on high-quality wool exports. Oil exploration, which the Falkland Islands Government has approved, is contentious due to maritime conflicts with Argentina.
