DESCRIPTION
The Falkland Islands, or Islas
Malvinas, are an archipelago located in the South Atlantic Ocean. They
consist of two main islands - East Falkland and West Falkland. Port
Stanley on East Falkland is the capital. The currency is the Falkland
Island Pound and the official language is English. The population is
approximately 3000. The entire area of the Falkland
Islands is used as pasture for sheep. Surrounded by the cool, South
Atlantic waters, the Falklands Islands have a climate very much influenced
by the ocean; namely cold and wet. The main economy of the Falkland
Islands is sheep farming and fishing. However since the Falklands war
between Argentina and Britain in 1982, the islands now have become a
major tourist destination. Travelers arrive mainly by cruise ship to
explore the tiny village of Stanley during the summer months. Other
attractions include the scenery and wildlife conservation with penguins,
seals and sealions, as well as visits to battlefields and wreck diving.