Module 1: Key Facts

The best time to visit is between October and April when seasonal
temperatures and wildlife viewing are at their peak.

People
The 2006 census shows that the population is 2,478  - a growth of around 6% since the previous census of 2001. The majority of people living in the Falklands are of British descent, but the Islands have a broad ancestral mix. Links with sealers, whalers, explorers and South American indigenous people have helped to shape the culture, as well as the natural environment of today's Fallkand Islands. In more recent years people from Chile and St Helena have arrived to take up work while the fishing industry has added to the cultural mix in the way of fishermen and scientists from around the world.

There is a strong sense of community in the Falklands, stemming from the old way of life where large numbers of people lived and worked alongside each other in the various settlements across the Islands. More about the the culture and people of the Falklands can be found at http://falklandislands.com/sections/about-falklands.

Language
English is the official language of the Falkland Islands.

Capital
Stanley is the capital city of the Falklands, located on East Falkland around picturesque Stanley Harbour.

Status
The Falkland Islands are an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom.

History
The Falkland Islands have a rich history embracing maritime trade, missionary links, Darwinian discoveries and participation in the two World Wars. Memorials and reminders of the 1982 conflict feature significantly, but there is much more to discover about the heritage of the Islands. From fossils to geological features, historic buildings to shipwrecks, reminders of the past can be found everywhere in the Islands.

A few notable dates in the history of the Falklands:

• 1592 – First confirmed sighting of the Falkland Islands by English navigator, John Davis aboard Desire.
  
• 1690 – First recorded landing on the Islands by British Captain John Strong aboard Welfare.
  
• 1833 – British administration of the Islands re-asserted. 
  
• 1833 – Charles Darwin visits the Islands aboard Beagle.
  
• 1842 – Seat of government relocated to Port Jackson, renamed Port Stanley in 1845.
  
• 1866 – First farm established on West Falkland at Port Howard.
  
• 1968 – First cruise ship, Linblad Explorer visits the Islands.
  
• 1982 – British administration of the Islands is broken briefly by the Argentine invasion on 2 April, 1982. The British task force regain control of the Falklands and British sovereignty restored on June 14, 1982.
  
• 1985 – Mount Pleasant Airfield opened by HRH Prince Andrew.
  
• 1987 – Fisheries licensing begins, 150 are sold and the fisheries industry is born.
  

Time Zone
The Falkland Islands tone zone, standard time is GMT –4 hours
Daylight savings time runs from September – April at GMT –3 hours.

Climate
The Falklands have an oceanic climate with a narrow temperature range of -5°C to 24°C. (average maximum of 15ºC in summer to 5ºC in winter). The Islands experience more sunshine hours than the south of Britain, but prevailing westerly winds (particulary in summer) help keep average temperatures relatively low.

Currency
The local currency is the Falkland Islands pound (FKP) which has the same value as the pound Sterling (GBP), also accepted as legal tender throughout the Islands. Many shops, hotels and restaurants will also accept US dollars and Euros in cash, though change usually includes Falkland coins. The Falkland Islands pound cannot be exchanged outside the Islands.

Electricity
The electrical current in the Falklands is 220/240V, 50 Hz. Standard British appliance plugs work in the Islands but if your clients are visiting from elsewhere, an adaptor is required. Most settlements have power available 24 hours a day.