Welcome to Islas Malvinas
Looking at South America, one would perhaps miss the teeny-weeny archipelago located to the south- east of the continent. Being half the size of Wales, Falkland Islands with just 12,173 sq km, comprises 740 islands.
The Falkland Islands receive less rainfall. Summer falls between October and March, whereas winters last from April to September. Interestingly, there is more breeze in summer than winter.
Landform
Among the many islands, the largest are East and West Falkland. A narrow land strip further divides East Falkland into two regions — north and south.
Click on the hotspots to know more about the Islands.
Cuisine
Being an island, seafood is a delicacy. Ranging from mussels, oysters, snow crabs to scallops, the quality of seafood is good. A visit to the islands is incomplete without indulging in grilled sea trout and Atlantic rock and steamed vegetables. Since the British had occupied Falkland Islands at one point, fish and chips is popular. Falkland Islands are famous for organic meat. Freshly grown vegetables are served as accompaniments, alongside lamb dishes.
Culture
Falkland Islands witnessed a British invasion in 1592, when John Davis, an English navigator, set foot on this island. There were European voyagers who visited the islands in the 1600s. The French visited it in 1764 and established the first settlement in East Falkland. The following year, the British settled in West Falkland. It was not long before the Spaniards claimed their hold on these settlements. Even though the British came back in 1771, they left in 1774.
Interestingly, in 1820, Argentina conquered Falkland Islands. This conquest did not last long as the British returned in 1833 and claimed their rights over the islands.
This led to a constant dissent from the Argentinians. The strong British influence is the reason for English being the official language of Falkland Islands. Other languages spoken are Spanish and French.
While in the Falkland Islands, a trip to the annual craft fair is a must. Local artisans display their work at this handicraft fair. Woodwork, leatherwork, paintings, and so on find a place here.
Wooden framed buildings with iron rooftops in Falkland Islands sing with colour. In the past, the buildings were painted to protect the wood from the salty Atlantic air. Over time, the paint rendered a sense of beauty.
As far as sports is concerned, this island has its own national football and cricket team.
Photos: Flickr (Moonshiner69, Randal Schwartz, Matthew Goulding, Byron Howes, yellow magpie, Joan Junyent, peteropaliu, Brittany, Ronald Woan)