The Falkland Islands are located 560km (350 miles) off the east coast of South America and consist of two main islands and hundreds of small outlying islands, amounting to about two and a half million acres. Stanley, the capital, has pubs, snack bars and restaurants. The houses on the seafront overlook Stanley Harbour where many different sea birds (including five species of penguin) can be seen. In good weather, 19th-century sailing ships and wrecks abandoned over the years can be explored in and around Stanley and Darwin. The inland areas provide opportunities to observe the varied wildlife in the midst of the Islands' natural beauty as well as good fishing. In addition, many visitors come to the Islands to see places made famous by the events of the Falkland Islands conflict such as the battlefields at Goose Green and Pebble Island. Food, generally British in character, includes large 'camp breakfasts' and smoko (tea and coffee with homemade cakes) with lunch and dinner. There is a variety of clubs (including a golf club) and societies that welcome visitors.

12,173 sq km (4700 sq miles).

2564 (1996).

0.21 per sq km.

Stanley. Population: 1636 (1996).

The Falkland Islands are located 560km (350 miles) off the east coast of South America and consist of two main islands and hundreds of small outlying islands, amounting to approximately three million acres. Generally the main islands are mountainous, with low-lying and undulating terrain in the south of East Falkland. The highest mountain is Mount Usborne at 712m (2312ft).

British Dependent Territory since 1833. Not recognised by Argentina, which considers the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to be part of Argentina. Existing Constitution adopted in 1985. Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor Donald Lamont since 1999. The Governor presides over the Executive Council, the country's ruling body. The Executive Council consists of two official members and three elected members. Elections are held every four years.

English.

Christian.

GMT - 3 (GMT - 4 from third Sunday in April to first Saturday in September).

240 volts AC, 50Hz.

IDD available. Country code: 500. Outgoing international code: 00. External communication links and Internet services are provided by Cable & Wireless plc. Telephone links to the Islands, which are by satellite, provide clear and rapid links to the outside world. The Cable & Wireless office is open daily 0800-2000 for acceptance of traffic and sale of phone cards for use in the international telephone service booths situated in the office.

There is currently no network coverage on the Falkland Islands.

A system spans the Islands providing international direct-dialling facilities, together with high-speed data services.

Remote areas still keep in contact by radio.

There is a cybercafé in Stanley. The main ISPs are U-Net and Cable & Wireless plc.

Airmail to Europe takes four to seven days.

There are no daily papers on the Falkland Islands, but Penguin News (weekly) and Teaberry Express (weekly) are published in Stanley and all British national newspapers are also available. The Falkland Islands Gazette is a government publication. The Falkland Islands News Network relays news daily via fax.

Satellite television channels are widely available.

From time to time these change.

MHz

17.79

15.19

9.915

5.975

MHz

13.79

9.455

6.130

5.995