Part 239

Ports: none; offshore anchorage only

Airports: total: 1 with unpaved runways 914 to 1 523 m: 1 (1995 est.)

Communications --------------

Communications note: 1 meteorological station

Defense -------

Defense note: defense is the responsibility of France

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@Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) ---------------------------------

(dependent territory of the UK)

Map ---

Location: 51 45 S, 59 00 W -- Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina

Flag ----

Description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms in a white disk centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising is the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT

Geography ---------

Location: Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina

Geographic coordinates: 51 45 S, 59 00 W

Map references: South America

Area: total area: 12,170 sq km land area: 12,170 sq km 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: 200 nm 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 lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m

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 sq km

Environment: current issues: NA natural hazards: strong winds persist throughout the year international agreements: NA