About the Falkland Islands

Located about 300 miles off the coast of South America in the South Atlantic Ocean, the Falkland Islands are remote, wild, and beautiful. Its growing community of just over 2,500 people is diverse; with people from over 60 nations living here, they are a truly cosmopolitan society. Predominantly of British descent, the Islands’ population also includes large Chilean and St Helenian communities. Due to its small size, the Islands have a community atmosphere – resulting in a safe and friendly home for residents.

Through its own efforts, their economy is thriving and supports excellent local health and education services, with Falkland Islanders studying for their A-levels and degrees overseas, paid for by the Falkland Islands Government. The international port and airport welcome people, trade, and business from all over the world, although during the pandemic some transportation links have been suspended, which should resume as the situation eases.

The Falkland Islands are economically self-sufficient with most of its income coming from fishing, agriculture and tourism; it is also self-governing, except in two areas – foreign affairs and defence.

The Falkland Islands Government is committed to the protection and conservation of the environment, investing in forward-thinking policies which make this a relatively eco-friendly place to live. 40% of electricity in town is provided by wind turbines, rising to 90% for properties in Camp (which is how the countryside is known in the Falkland Islands).

The Falkland Islands offer an exciting variety of activities for outdoor lovers with beautiful hikes and coastlines to take advantage of – sailing, surfing, kayaking, fishing, climbing and mountain biking are all very popular pastimes. In Stanley there is a leisure centre which supports a range of sporting activities, including swimming, hockey, badminton, netball, indoor football, bowls, table tennis and volleyball. Golf, full-bore target shooting, cricket, running, archery and athletics are also popular.

While one of the smallest capitals in the world, Stanley has a variety of supermarkets and gift shops, excellent restaurants and hotels, and leisure facilities such as a swimming pool, gym and golf course. The course at Stanley Golf Club is one of the most southerly in the world, offering a ruggedly beautiful and challenging golfing experience to satisfy even the most proficient golfers who must cope with the brisk Falklands wind.

All of these things combine to make the Falkland Islands a great place to live and work!

About the Falkland Islands Government (FIG)

Though an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, the Falkland Islands enjoys a large measure of internal self-government. The Legislative Assembly is empowered to pass legislation for the peace, order and good government of the Falkland Islands, subject to the approval of Her Majesty the Queen, acting through His Excellency, The Governor. The Governor is advised by an Executive Council, comprising three elected Members of the Legislature, the Chief Executive, and the Financial Secretary. This forum is also attended by the Attorney General and the Commander British Forces South Atlantic. Executive Council follows a UK Cabinet model, with meetings that are held in private (usually monthly).

An election is held every four years to establish the elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs); the next election is scheduled for 4 November 2021. There are two constituencies; five Members represent Stanley and three Members represent Camp. All members are elected as independents as there are no political parties and therefore there is no formal opposition. Each one carries portfolios of services that cover a diverse range of areas including education, treasury, public works, health and social care, natural resources and environment and public protection. MLAs do not take the role of a minister, instead questions of policy are considered by the Executive Council.

Upon election, the Legislative Assembly collectively produces ‘The Islands Plan which sets out the goals for their tenure. The plan encapsulates the high-level strategic aspirations agreed by local politicians as being key to progress the sustainable, economic, social, and political development of the Falkland Islands for the benefit of all residents. Including the ambition for a civil service which operates with transparency, accountability and fairness.

Structure of the Government

The Falkland Islands Government is the largest employer in the Falkland Islands, with approximately 700 staff. At any one time, approximately 100 are officers on contract from outside the Falkland Islands, having been recruited from overseas locations particularly the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada.

Government departments not only mirror the entire range of UK central government civil service departments, but also those services which are often provided by local government and NGOs elsewhere. Directors meet regularly as a collective corporate management team, chaired by the Chief Executive, to consider corporate policy and strategy.

You can find out more about the Falkland Islands Government by visiting: www.fig.gov.fk