Falkland Islands (UK): Geography

The World Factbook 1993: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Geography

Location: in the South Atlantic Ocean, off the southern coast of Argentina

Area: total area: 12,170 km2 land area: 12,170 km2 comparative area: slightly smaller than Connecticut

note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands

Land boundaries: 0 km

Coastline: 1,288 km

Maritime claims: continental shelf: 100 m depth exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm territorial sea: 12 nm

International disputes: administered by the UK, claimed by Argentina

Climate: cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but does not accumulate

Terrain: rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains

Natural resources: fish, wildlife

Land use: arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 99% forest and woodland: 0% other: 1%

Irrigated land: NA km2

Environment: poor soil fertility and a short growing season

Note: deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors