The Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are a group off island with lie approximately three hundred miles off the coast of Argentina in the Southern Atlantic Ocean. The population of the Falkland Islands is less than three thousand and the capital is Stanley with is located on the eastern island, there are two main islands. The Falklands is a British Overseas territory, which means it is one for fourteen territories under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom, but do not actually comprise part of the UK itself. The islands whilst under the sovereignty of the Queen are actually governed by a Royally appointed representative, known as the Governor of the Falkland Islands, although in the past the French, Spanish and Argentineans have also had control over this territory. The United Kingdom has controlled the islands since 1830, although this has been disputed mostly notably in 1982 when an Argentinean invasion sparked the brief Falklands War.

The economy of the Falklands is largely based on sheep farming, and sheep significantly outnumber people on the islands which almost 600,000 sheep grazing there. Fishing is also a major part of the economy of the Falkland Islands and the mast majority of the fish caught there are exported to Spain. The Falklands also have their own currency known as the Falkland Pound, although the strength of this currency remains parallel to pounds sterling and sterling money is accepted as legal tender on the islands. The Falklands also mint their own coins and stamps, which are extremely popular with collectors due to their unusual appearance and rarity.