Subject: GS 02: International Relations
Context: The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) dispute resurfaced after Argentina’s football players displayed a banner asserting Argentina’s claim during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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About Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
- Location: An archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean, located about 500 km east of Argentina’s Patagonian coast and nearly 1,200 km north of Antarctica.
- Political Status: A British Overseas Territory, administered by the United Kingdom but claimed by Argentina, which refers to them as Islas Malvinas.
- Capital: Stanley (located on East Falkland).
- Area: Approximately 12,173 sq. km.
- Composition: Consists of two main islands—East Falkland and West Falkland—and about 770 smaller islands.
- Highest Point: Mount Usborne (705 m) on East Falkland.
- Major Water Bodies: Lies in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of the Patagonian Shelf, and north of the Drake Passage, which connects the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean.
- Climate: Cool temperate oceanic climate, characterised by strong westerly winds, low annual temperature variation, and moderate rainfall.
- Vegetation: Predominantly temperate grasslands, peatlands, and tussac grass, with no native forests.
- Biodiversity: Renowned for penguins (King, Gentoo, Rockhopper, Magellanic), albatrosses, seals, sea lions, elephant seals, and whales.
- Strategic Importance:
- Controls access to important South Atlantic sea lanes.
- Located close to Cape Horn and the Drake Passage.
- Serves as a strategic base for operations in the South Atlantic and Antarctic region.
- Surrounded by one of the world’s richest fishing grounds and potential oil & gas reserves.
Falkland Islands Dispute
- Origin of Dispute: The United Kingdom reasserted control over the islands in 1833, which Argentina considers an illegal occupation.
- Argentina’s Claim: Argentina argues it inherited sovereignty from Spain after its independence (1816) and refers to the islands as Islas Malvinas.
- 1982 Falklands War:
- Fought between Argentina and the United Kingdom for 74 days.
- Resulted in British victory, with the UK retaining control.
- 2013 Referendum: Nearly 99.8% of participating islanders voted to remain a British Overseas Territory.
- United Nations Position: The UN recognises it as a sovereignty dispute and has repeatedly encouraged peaceful bilateral negotiations, while the UK maintains that the wishes of the islanders must be respected.
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18 Jul 2026
