The Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands..

The first recorded landing on the islands is attributed to the English in 1690.

• • The first people to inhabit the islands were the French in 1764 followed by the British in 1766.
  • France surrendered its claim to the Falklands in 1766.
  • Spain officially claimed the French part of the Falklands in 1767.
  • 1774: the British laid a plaque claiming the Falklands for King George III.
  • 1816: Argentina laid claim to the Falklands, being consider one of Spain’s territories in the region.
  • 1833: British rule was reasserted.
  • 1970: In the 1970’s the UK considered transferring sovereignty to Argentina, due to economic reasons, but the population was against it.
  • 1982: Argentina invaded the Falklands and other British territories in the South Atlantic. This caused the Falklands war between 2 April – 14 June 1982.
  • 1982: Britain regained the Falklands and other British territories.
  • 2013: The Falkland Islands held a referendum with 99.8% voting to remain British.

Falkland Islands Referendums

2013 Falkland Islands Referendum:

10th-11th March 2013: The Falkland Islands held an official  referendum with 99.8% voting yes to the question: “Do you wish the Falkland Islands to retain their current political status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom?” 1,513 were in favour, 3 were against.

The Argentine President, at the time of the 2013 referendum, said the inhabitants’ wishes are not relevant.

1986 Falkland Islands Referendum:

2 April 1986: An unofficial referendum was held to choose the Status of the Falkland Islands. 88% of registered voters took part, and 96.5% chose British Sovereignty. 1.7% chose Independence, and 0.3% chose Argentinian sovereignty.

Population of the Falkland Islands

The population of the Falkland Islanders in 2016 was about 3,400 with British citizenship being the citizenship of the islands.