The Falkland Islands Trivia Quiz

Answer: 1592

The islands were discovered by the English ship of John Davis. They were also first explored by the British, in 1690. The first settlement was French, and a British settlement was established, but the islands were then taken by the Spanish in 1774. The Spanish were expelled by the British and Americans by 1811. One early report mentions the discovery of a native boat, raising interest in looking for evidence of an aboriginal population, but it seems the islands were uninhabited when European settlement began.

Answer: 400 miles east of Tierra del Fuego

They lie near the southern tip of South America, south of the 50th parallel. This means they are further south than South Africa, Australia or New Zealand. Christ Church Cathedral, on the islands, is the southernmost in the world.

Answer: 2,400

There can be up to another 2,000 military personnel on the islands, staying temporarily. Also on the islands are about 700,000 sheep!

Answer: East Falkland

East and West Falkland are the largest of over 200 islands, comprising more than 4,700 square miles of mainly hilly land. Smaller islands, such as Sea Lion and Carcass Islands afford some of the best opportunities to see the diversity of wildlife in the Falklands.

Answer: Port Stanley

Around 2,000 people live in Port Stanley, the remotest capital in the world. The areas outside Stanley are known locally as 'Camp', from the Spanish 'campo', for 'country'. Indeed, many place names arise from the former Spanish and French settlements on the islands.

Answer: Meat

Given the huge numbers of sheep on the island, wool, and hides, have always been major exports. Tourism has grown in recent years, and fishing, mainly by international vessels, and mostly for squid, is now the main source of income for the islands. An EU-standard abattoir has recently been built, but meat is not likely to be a significant industry in the near future.

Answer: Five

The Falklands boast many of the world's Rockhopper and Gentoo penguins, and smaller populations of king, Magellanic (or 'jackass') and macaroni penguins. Seals, sea lions and many species of birds can also been seen on the islands, which were explored by Charles Darwin as part of his research into evolution.

Answer: Islas Malvinas

The occupation of the 'Malvinas', as Argentines refer to the islands, was short-lived, as the UK organised a bloody counter-invasion. The Argentine claim to the islands is based on the disputed sovereignty claimed by Spain in the nineteenth century and an interpretation of the islands as an oppressed British colony.

Answer: Scheduled bus service

There is a cinema at the main military base on the islands. Schooling is available in Port Stanley (children from other parts of the islands have to board), plus a small college. Mobile phone reception has only been available since December 2005. Commonly purchased goods can be found in the islands' shops, but clothing and many other things have to be ordered from catalogues.

There is a radio station, and no shortage of pubs, though!

Answer: Santiago, Chile

Relationships with Argentina are somewhat strained, so links have been made with Chile. Most fruit, vegetables and beer on the islands come from Chile. Most of the tourists arrive on cruise ships. Why not join them?