Falkland Islands Dependencies year 1956 stamps ☀ MNH set Trans-Antarctic Expedition
The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is an archipelago located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 300 miles (480 kilometers) east of the southern tip of South America. The Falkland Islands comprise two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, along with around 776 smaller islands and islets. The total land area is approximately 4,700 square miles (12,000 square kilometers). The islands are characterized by rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and vast open spaces. The Falkland Islands have a complex history of human habitation, with evidence of indigenous peoples dating back thousands of years. The islands were first sighted by European explorers in the 16th century and were later claimed by Britain and France. British sovereignty was established in 1833, although Argentina disputes this claim and calls the islands the Malvinas. The Falkland Islands are home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Several species of penguins, including Gentoo, Rockhopper, and Magellanic, breed on the islands’ shores, making them popular destinations for ecotourism and wildlife enthusiasts.
