Falkland Islands Tourist Board

Falkland Islands Tourist Board Profile

The Falkland Islands are a compact group of more than 740 islands situated 400 miles off the south-eastern tip of South America. The Islands have a total land area of 12,173 sq. km (approx. the size of Connecticut or half the size of Wales). Despite several large mountain ranges the Islands are relatively flat, rising no more than 705m above sea level at their highest point.

The two main islands are East Falkland and West Falkland, linked by air and ferry services. The Islands lay between latitude 51° and 53°S and longitude 57° and 62°W. FLORA & FAUNA More than 220 species of bird have been recorded in the Falklands, including 5 species of penguin and over 60% of the world’s black-browed albatross population. There are also 14 species of regularly occurring marine mammal, such as the southern elephant seal, southern sea lion, Commerson’s dolphin, Peale’s dolphin, and killer whale (orca). Over 350 species of plant have also been identified in the Falklands, of which 13 are endemic and 175 are native.