Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands are an archipelago in the South Atlantic continental shelf consisting of two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, and a number of smaller islands. The Falkland Islands are located at {{coor dms|51|45|00|S|059|10|00|W|}}. The Falkland Islands are a largely self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom but are claimed by Argentina to be part of its national territory. Stanley, is the capital and largest city, on East Falkland.

Related Topics:
Archipelago - South Atlantic - Continental shelf - East Falkland - West Falkland - Self-governing - Overseas territory - United Kingdom - Argentina - Stanley

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The sovereignty of the Falkland Islands has been disputed since their discovery, with France, Spain, Argentina and the United Kingdom all claiming possession after establishing settlements on the islands. Argentina is the only country to still maintain a claim over the islands, which they call Islas Malvinas, and other territories in the South Atlantic currently under British dominion. The sovereignty dispute was the source of the 1982 Falklands War when the islands were invaded by Argentina, only to see them retaken by the British after a short war. The sovereignty of the islands remains disputed, but the islanders themselves wish to remain British.

Related Topics:
Sovereignty of the Falkland Islands - France - Spain - Argentina - United Kingdom - Falklands War

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