Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Geography Profile 2000

Location

Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina

Geographic coordinates

51 45 S, 59 00 W

Map references

South America

Area

total:12,173 sq km
land:12,173 sq km
water:0 sq km
note:includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands

Area - comparative

slightly smaller than Connecticut

Land boundaries

0 km

Coastline

1,288 km

Maritime claims

continental shelf:200 nm
exclusive fishing zone:200 nm
territorial sea:12 nm

Climate

cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but does not accumulate

Terrain

rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains

Elevation extremes

lowest point:Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point:Mount Usborne 705 m

Natural resources

fish, wildlife

Land use

arable land:0%
permanent crops:0%
permanent pastures:99%
forests and woodland:0%
other:1% (1993 est.)

Irrigated land

NA sq km

Natural hazards

strong winds persist throughout the year

Environment - current issues

NA

Geography - note

deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season