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.

Politics

Executive authority comes from the Queen and is exercised by the Governor on her behalf. The Governor is also responsible for the administration of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, as these islands have no native inhabitants. Defence and Foreign Affairs are the responsibility of the United Kingdom.

Related Topics:
Governor - South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

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Under the constitution, the latest version of which came into force in 1985, there is an Executive Council and a Legislative Council. The Executive Council, which advises the Governor, is also chaired by the Governor. It consists of the Chief Executive, Financial Secretary and three Legislative Councillors, who are elected by the other Legislative Councillors. The Legislative Council consists of the Chief Executive, Financial Secretary and the eight Legislative Councillors, of whom five are elected from Stanley and three from Camp, for four year terms. It is presided over by the Speaker, currently Mr L.G. Blake.

Related Topics:
Constitution - 1985 - Executive Council - Legislative Council - Camp

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The loss of the war against Britain over control of the islands led to the collapse of the Argentine military dictatorship in 1983. Disputes over control of the islands continue. In 2001, British Prime Minister Tony Blair became the first to visit Argentina since the war. On the 22nd anniversary of the war, Argentina's President Néstor Kirchner gave a speech insisting that the islands would once again be part of Argentina. Kirchner, campaigning for president in 2003, regarded the islands a top priority. In June 2003 the issue was brought before a United Nations committee, and attempts have been made to open talks with Britain to resolve the issue of the islands. As far as the Falkland Islands Government and people are concerned there is no issue to resolve. The Falkland Islanders themselves are almost entirely British and maintain their allegiance to the United Kingdom. (See also Sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.)

Related Topics:
Military dictatorship - Tony Blair - Néstor Kirchner - Sovereignty of the Falkland Islands

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Falkland Islanders were granted full British citizenship from 1 January 1983 under the British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983.

Related Topics:
1 January - 1983 - British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983

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