(also Islas Malvinas), an archipelago in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The Falkland Islands, which cover an area of 12,000 sq km, consist of two large islands, West Falkland and East Falkland, and approximately 200 small islands and rocks. They belong to Great Britain, although Argentina disputes its right to possession. Population, 1,900 (1973).
The Falkland Islands are composed primarily of metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Elevations reach 706 m. The coasts are sharply indented. The climate is oceanic and cool, with an average monthly temperature that varies from 2.5° to 10°C. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year, averaging between 600 and 700 mm annually; the islands are subject to strong winds and frequent fogs. The islands are covered by oceanic meadows of tussock and pampas grasses, heaths of the red crowberry Empetrum rubrum and Ericaceae, pulvinate plants, and peat bogs. There is abundant seabird life. The economy is devoted to sheep raising and the hunting of marine mammals. The capital is Stanley.
The islands were discovered in 1592 by the English navigator J. Davis. During World War I, the battle of the Falkland Islands, involving German and British naval squadrons, took place near the islands on Dec. 8, 1914.