The Falkland Islands are a self-governing Territory.

Under the 2009 Constitution, the Falkland Islands have full internal self-government.

Some timeline points for the Falkland Islands.

The islands were uninhabited when first discovered by Europeans.

In 1690, the uninhabited islands had their first recorded landing, by Europeans, when Captain John Strong landed there during his journey to Peru and Chile. He gave the name "Falkland Channel" to the channel of water that separates the two main islands, in honour of the Treasurer of the Navy, the 5th Viscount of Falkland.

In 1764, the French explorer, Louis-Antoine de Bougainville, named the islands "Îles Malouines", when he landed there and founded the islands' first settlement, Port Louis on the Eastern Island (East Falkland).

In 1765, the Islands were called the "Falkland Islands", when Captain John Byron of the British Royal Navy, claimed the islands in the name of King George III.

In 1766, a settlement named Port Egmont was founded in Saunders Island on the Western Islands (West Falkland), by British captain John MacBride.

In 1767, France surrendered its claim on the Falklands to Spain.

In 1770, The Spanish discovered Port Egmont in June 1770, and sent 1,400 Spanish soldiers to take the settlement from the British. This caused the first "Falkland Crisis", between Britain and the Spanish backed by France. However, French backing dissipated and Spain returned Port Egmont back to the British, allowing both settlements to co-exist. Both Spain and Britain still claimed sovereignty of the Islands, but chose not to fight over it.

In 1771, Spain restored the West Falkland settlement back to Britain. (22 January 1771)

In 1774, the British Forces leave the Islands, due to pressure from the American War of Independence, but leave a plaque claiming the islands.

In 1780, the Spanish return to Port Egmont, evicting the occupants and destroy the settlement.

In 1806, the Spanish Governor leave the Islands, but leaves a plaque claiming the islands for Spain.

In 1811, the remaining Spanish leave the islands.

In 1816, the United Provinces of the Río de la Plate, declared independence from Spain on 9th July.

In 1819, the South Shetland Islands are discovered by Captain William Smith who claims possession for King George III.

In 1820, the South Shetland Islands are discovered by a Colonel in the Navy of the United Provinces of the River Plate, who claims the islands for the United Provinces of the River Plate, later to become known as Argentina.

In 1821, the South Orkney Islands are discovered by Captain George Powell who claims possession for King George IV.

In 1826, the name 'Argentine Republic' was used for the first time in legal documents.

In 1850, Britain and Argentina sign the “Convention between Great Britain and the Argentine Confederation, for the Settlement of existing Differences and the re-establishment of Friendship”. (www.academia.edu/10573663/Falklands_-_Convention_of_Peace_Treaty)

In 1860, a presidential decree named the country 'the Argentine Republic'.

In 1967: Britain opens negotiations with Argentina and indicates willingness to transfer sovereignty.

In 1968: Falkland Islands Emergency Committee is formed and the Islanders reiterate their determination to remain British and reject suggestions of sovereignty transfer.

In 1982, Argentina invades the Falklands, assuming the British, who seemed happy to hand the Falklands over to Argentina, would not interfere. After 10 weeks the Argentinian force is defeated by the British forces, sent to protect the inhabitants of the Falkland Islands, from the invading force.

In 1990, Britain and Argentina resume diplomatic relations.

In 1994: Argentina changes its constitution to include its claim to the Falkland Islands.