To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here. Skip To Main Content Avian Influenza Press statement Press statement Plan Your Trip Getting Here Tour Operators Cruises to the Falklands Independent Travel Getting Around Travel by Air Travel by Sea Travel by Road Local Tours Reaching the Outer Islands Itineraries Top 5 Things to Do in Stanley Top 5 Things to do in the Falklands Top 5 Beaches in the Falklands Island Hopping Wildlife and Penguins Nature Visitor Information Biosecurity Essential Information Safe Travel Tourist Information Centre FAQs Useful Downloads E-newsletter Contact Us Blog Getting Here Tour Operators Cruises to the Falklands Independent Travel Cruises to the Falklands Independent Travel Getting Around Travel by Air Travel by Sea Travel by Road Local Tours Reaching the Outer Islands Reaching the Outer Islands Itineraries Top 5 Things to Do in Stanley Top 5 Things to do in the Falklands Top 5 Beaches in the Falklands Island Hopping Wildlife and Penguins Nature Top 5 Things to Do in Stanley Top 5 Things to do in the Falklands Top 5 Beaches in the Falklands Wildlife and Penguins Visitor Information Biosecurity Essential Information Safe Travel Tourist Information Centre FAQs Useful Downloads E-newsletter Contact Us Essential Information Tourist Information Centre Useful Downloads About History & Heritage Falklands Life Falklands Flora Sustainable Travel Competitions Digital Image Library History & Heritage Falklands Flora Sustainable Travel Digital Image Library Our Islands Stanley Things to Do Food and Drink Stay East Falkland North Camp Lafonia West Falkland Northern Section Southern Section Bleaker Island Carcass Island George & Barren Islands Jason Islands Kidney Island New Island Pebble Island Saunders Island Sea Lion Island Weddell Island West Point Island Reaching the Outer Islands Stanley Things to Do Food and Drink Stay East Falkland North Camp Lafonia West Falkland Northern Section Southern Section Northern Section Southern Section George & Barren Islands Saunders Island Sea Lion Island West Point Island

Reaching the Outer Islands Things to Do Penguins Birdwatching Seals, Whales and Dolphins 1982 Battlefields Walking & Hiking Museums Fishing Sailing Adventure All Year Round Local Tours Eat & Drink Shopping in the Falklands Seals, Whales and Dolphins 1982 Battlefields Walking & Hiking Shopping in the Falklands Stay Hotels, Lodges and Guest Houses Self-Catering Hotels, Lodges and Guest Houses You are here > Home > About The Falkland Islands are a remarkable destination rich in history, natural beauty, wildlife, and culture. Situated at 52˚ south, just 584 miles (940 km) from Antarctica (Elephant Island), the Falklands are an archipelago consisting of two main islands (East and West Falkland) and over 740 smaller islands ranging from surf-dashed rocks to 40,000-acre farms. Minimal development and infrastructure means that visitors can experience the abundant wildlife that draws specialists from all over the globe. With around 1 million penguins across five breeding species, the Falklands are the ultimate place to view penguins. The Islands are also home to vast colonies of sea birds, including the world’s largest population of black-browed albatross. While the Falklands are well known as an unspoilt wildlife destination, visitors may be surprised by the advancements and successes the country displays in other areas. The Falkland Islands have developed into a successful, progressive and largely self-sufficient country capable of competing on the world stage in fishing and agricultural practices, tourism, alternative energy generation and wildlife conservation and research. Television and Film You may already have seen the Falklands featured on television or film. Falklands’ residents, both the wildlife and the people, are frequently captured by visiting television crews with a diversity of interests. The natural environment is the most popular theme but recently programmes have included fishing opportunities, with some whacky ideas, studies of Islands' life and various topics linked to the 1982 war. Famous People The Falklands lay claim to many famous visitors. From members of the UK Royal family to ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and television personalities, there are many well-known people who have enjoyed Falkland hospitality and attractions, from the 1982 battlefields to the wonderful wildlife. Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence have made many visits to the Islands and made a recent tour as part of the 40th anniversary commemorations. The Princess Royal laid a wreath at the Liberation Memorial as well as meeting and greeting the people of the Islands and touring various points of interest. Step back further in time and discover eminent individuals who spent time here including the naturalist Charles Darwin and explorer Ernest Shackleton who passed through whilst organising the rescue of his men from Elephant Island. Subsequently, Lord Edward Shackleton, who had a special interest in the Falklands from his father’s earlier involvement, was commissioned by the British Government to write a development report in 1976. His recommendations were eventually taken forward and by the early 1990s were either fully implemented on well on the way. He was instrumental in enhancing initiative in the Islands, setting stable and secure foundations for the prosperity enjoyed today. Meet the Falklanders You can also meet some great local characters. Over half of the Falklands’ population is made up of people born and brought up in the archipelago. Many others arrived in the Islands for what they expected to be just a short-term contract, but enjoyed the way of life so much that they settled permanently and are pleased to call the Falkland Islands their home. In the census of 2021, over sixty different nationalities registered as living here. Minimal development and infrastructure means that visitors can experience the abundant wildlife that draws specialists from all over the globe. With around 1 million penguins across five breeding species, the Falklands are the ultimate place to view penguins. The Islands are also home to vast colonies of sea birds, including the world’s largest population of black-browed albatross. While the Falklands are well known as an unspoilt wildlife destination, visitors may be surprised by the advancements and successes the country displays in other areas. The Falkland Islands have developed into a successful, progressive and largely self-sufficient country capable of competing on the world stage in fishing and agricultural practices, tourism, alternative energy generation and wildlife conservation and research. Television and Film You may already have seen the Falklands featured on television or film. Falklands’ residents, both the wildlife and the people, are frequently captured by visiting television crews with a diversity of interests. The natural environment is the most popular theme but recently programmes have included fishing opportunities, with some whacky ideas, studies of Islands' life and various topics linked to the 1982 war. Famous People The Falklands lay claim to many famous visitors. From members of the UK Royal family to ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and television personalities, there are many well-known people who have enjoyed Falkland hospitality and attractions, from the 1982 battlefields to the wonderful wildlife. Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence have made many visits to the Islands and made a recent tour as part of the 40th anniversary commemorations. The Princess Royal laid a wreath at the Liberation Memorial as well as meeting and greeting the people of the Islands and touring various points of interest. Step back further in time and discover eminent individuals who spent time here including the naturalist Charles Darwin and explorer Ernest Shackleton who passed through whilst organising the rescue of his men from Elephant Island. Subsequently, Lord Edward Shackleton, who had a special interest in the Falklands from his father’s earlier involvement, was commissioned by the British Government to write a development report in 1976. His recommendations were eventually taken forward and by the early 1990s were either fully implemented on well on the way. He was instrumental in enhancing initiative in the Islands, setting stable and secure foundations for the prosperity enjoyed today. Meet the Falklanders You can also meet some great local characters. Over half of the Falklands’ population is made up of people born and brought up in the archipelago. Many others arrived in the Islands for what they expected to be just a short-term contract, but enjoyed the way of life so much that they settled permanently and are pleased to call the Falkland Islands their home. In the census of 2021, over sixty different nationalities registered as living here. The Falkland Islands have developed into a successful, progressive and largely self-sufficient country capable of competing on the world stage in fishing and agricultural practices, tourism, alternative energy generation and wildlife conservation and research. Television and Film You may already have seen the Falklands featured on television or film. Falklands’ residents, both the wildlife and the people, are frequently captured by visiting television crews with a diversity of interests. The natural environment is the most popular theme but recently programmes have included fishing opportunities, with some whacky ideas, studies of Islands' life and various topics linked to the 1982 war. The Falklands lay claim to many famous visitors. From members of the UK Royal family to ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and television personalities, there are many well-known people who have enjoyed Falkland hospitality and attractions, from the 1982 battlefields to the wonderful wildlife. Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne and Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence have made many visits to the Islands and made a recent tour as part of the 40th anniversary commemorations. The Princess Royal laid a wreath at the Liberation Memorial as well as meeting and greeting the people of the Islands and touring various points of interest. Step back further in time and discover eminent individuals who spent time here including the naturalist Charles Darwin and explorer Ernest Shackleton who passed through whilst organising the rescue of his men from Elephant Island. Subsequently, Lord Edward Shackleton, who had a special interest in the Falklands from his father’s earlier involvement, was commissioned by the British Government to write a development report in 1976. His recommendations were eventually taken forward and by the early 1990s were either fully implemented on well on the way. He was instrumental in enhancing initiative in the Islands, setting stable and secure foundations for the prosperity enjoyed today. Meet the Falklanders You can also meet some great local characters. Over half of the Falklands’ population is made up of people born and brought up in the archipelago. Many others arrived in the Islands for what they expected to be just a short-term contract, but enjoyed the way of life so much that they settled permanently and are pleased to call the Falkland Islands their home. In the census of 2021, over sixty different nationalities registered as living here. A unique way of life Island Inspiration Falklands Life Living in such a remote location gives the Falklanders a culture and lifestyle that is uniquely theirs. Sheep farming is a staple across the Islands, and home baking and cooking with seasonal, local produce a way of life. During down times, festivals, events and celebrations are keenly anticipated - all visitors are welcome! History & Heritage Falklands' heritage has been shaped by its maritime history (more than 100 ships met their grisly fate off the Falkland shores due to fierce storms and submerged rocks) and early settlers created many of the stone corrals and turf walls that can still be seen today. Its farming past can be seen in local museums while farming today is ever present all over the Islands. Falklands Flora Plants in the Falklands have adapted to this unique environment and around half of all the flora is native to the Islands. The Pale Maiden is the Falklands' national flower, while the familiar and tough tussac grasses are important habitat for wildlife. Sustainable Travel As the world works towards meeting net zero goals, the Falkland Islands are playing their part in preserving the Islands' pristine wilderness and conserving the habitats of its resident wildlife along sustainable principles. The Green Seal initiative is a commitment to ensure all tourism activities are sustainable and regenerative to support a healthy, unpolluted future for the planet. Get to know the real Falkland Islands with the experiences of the people who live here and the visitors who love here. Browse our shop Browse our shop Ratings & Reviews Digital Image Library Useful Downloads Falklands and COVID-19 Accessibility Statement © Copyright 2026 Falkland Islands Tourist Board. All Rights Reserved