General Knowledge - Falkland Islands Dispute: UK vs. Argentina Sovereignty Explained
The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are nearer to Argentina than the UK. Why does Argentina not simply take them? The reason is, British settlers have inhabited Falkland for nearly 200 years.
And, it's not that simple, international law and treaties are in place to respect the sovereignty of the islands and their inhabitants.
In 1982, Britain launched a massive naval task force—including nuclear subs and requisitioned liners—to retake the Falkland Islands. Despite being outnumbered and lacking critical air support, the British advanced, defying predictions of "military impossibility."
Falkland Islands Dispute
There was a referendum in the past and literally 99% of the population of the islands wanted to remain in the UK, democratically. Thus, the Falkland Islands are British and Argentina has no historical nor legal claim to them.
The Falklands Islands were uninhibited before the British got there, Argentina wasn't even a country when Britain got there. The Falklands were a rock in the middle of the Ocean. The entire population of this island are British, because they were the only people ever to live there.
This is one of the most intriguing conflicts. Britain has invested significantly in infrastructure in the Falkland Islands, which are also environmentally protected. It’s gone from a very post-war building site to a vibrant tourist spot.
The wildlife is incredible and a photographer's dream. The landscape is not the hilliest and most mountainous, but it has a ruggedness that’s quite magnificent. The wildlife is one of the biggest draws. The landscape is really similar to the Scottish highlands, except it has penguins. Great to see how peaceful it is.
The people that are coming in are mainly tourists and a few settlers. I hope we can save the Islands for nature and wildlife. The rock hoppers are so rad and the albatross colony looks like a cool place to hang out. We hope to sail there one day!
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