Malvinas Islands: history. Conflict over the Malvinas Islands. Malvinas Islands: history and photos

January 3rd, 2013

Reading today's news: Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner sent an open letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron calling on him to begin negotiations on the return of the Falkland Islands to Argentina, the Guardian newspaper reported on Thursday.

The letter marks the 180th anniversary of the annexation of the Falklands, located off the coast of Argentina. Kirchner uses the Spanish name for the islands and claims that “as a result of British colonial policy, the Malvinas Islands were taken by force from Argentina,” which, in her opinion, dealt a blow to the territorial integrity of the country. The President relies on the fact that in 1965 the UN General Assembly “unanimously, without a single vote against, adopted a resolution recognizing the annexation of the Malvinas Islands as a result of British colonialism and calling on countries to reach a negotiated solution to the territorial dispute.”

The Argentine cruiser General Belgrano sinks after being hit by a torpedo from the British nuclear submarine HMS Conqueror, May 1, 1982. Argentine and Chilean ships managed to rescue 770 people, while 323 were killed. (AP Photo)

In response to the letter, a copy of which was sent to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, David Cameron said that this issue"The Falklands' population of three thousand overwhelmingly supports Britain." A referendum planned for March this year will decide whether the Falklands will remain a British overseas territory. Cameron assured that Britain would “respect and protect” the interests of local population. Member of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly Barry Elsby supported the Prime Minister, saying that being British is the choice of Falklanders. Argentina also accuses Britain of expelling its citizens from the islands; the other side denies such accusations.

The Falkland Islands (Malvinas), 14 thousand kilometers away from Britain, are actually the gateway to Antarctica, giving control over the extremely rich natural resources ocean areas. Disputes between Argentina and Great Britain over the ownership of the islands began at the beginning of the 19th century, when the first British settlers appeared on the islands. The fighting between Great Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands began on April 2, 1982, lasted 74 days and ended in victory for the British crown. British oil companies unilaterally began exploration for oil fields near the archipelago in 2010, escalating the conflict.

Argentine soldiers make military supplies shortly after the invasion of the Falkland Islands, April 13, 1982. (Daniel Garcia/AFP/Getty Images)

Militarily, the regime felt confident: the recently acquired French aircraft carrier as part of its air wing contained not only Skyhawks with bombs, but also the latest French Super-Etandars with Exocet anti-ship missiles, capable of, without entering the air defense zone of a detachment of warships, inflict a serious defeat on him. Destroyers (EM) and guided missile frigates (FR URO) were ready to develop the success of aviation. The Argentine combat aviation group consisted of up to 200 units. Crew preparedness has traditionally had a high reputation. All this looked solid and could not help but encourage the Argentine strategists to “tickle” old England.

At this time, the military-political leadership of Great Britain sought to improve the strategic nuclear forces based on Trident missiles at the expense of the Navy. Because of this, the fleet can barely make ends meet; both were laid off in 1982 active aircraft carrier, several ships of the main class, the most important elements of infrastructure, a significant part of the personnel. Even without that, the position of the “Mistress of the Seas” did not look convincing in comparison with France, and in a number of positions (in terms of the quality and quantity of surface ships of the main class) - even with Japan. In this regard, the leadership of the military department did not find it possible either to defend, much less to conquer the Falklands back. There is no doubt that these difficulties and sentiments in Great Britain were known to the Argentine side. Nevertheless, in April 1982, a solid contingent of British troops landed on the archipelago with light attack aircraft and helicopters. At the same time, the British also captured South Georgia.

Gunsmiths prepare torpedoes on the British aircraft carrier HMS Hermes while Sea King helicopters watch for possible Argentine submarines, May 26, 1982. (AFP/Getty Images)

The British ships had to travel 6,000-8,000 miles to areas completely devoid of any signs of a coastal base. Approximately in the middle of the deployment route was the last piece of land used as a rear base - Ascension Island. Here the main forces of the 317th OS of the Royal Navy were assembled, after which Rear Admiral John Woodward reported to the commander of the Navy, Admiral J. Fieldhouse, who headed the specially created headquarters, the decision for the operation, subsequently known as “Corporate”. At the same time, planning, briefings on all types of databases, support, briefings, orientation, preliminary assignment of tasks to the forces, and final acceptance of supplies while stationed at the roadstead were carried out. Then all the work took place in the open ocean, usually on the move.

A British soldier checks the area with binoculars while an anti-missile battery is positioned next to him in case of an air attack, May 25, 1982. (AFP/Getty Images)

The basis of the design of the OS commander's decision was that all actions, including the capture of the Falkland Islands, must be completed no later than mid-June. Later, hydrometeorological conditions were incompatible not only with maintaining a database, but also simply with the presence of ships and aircraft in these waters providing fire support and providing forces on shore. Countdown, taking the minimum necessary time for landing operations on the shore, the deadline for the start of the landing was determined as May 20-21.

In the same way, the timing of the arrival of the British OS on the theater of operations (in the general exclusive zone) on May 1 was determined to gain supremacy at sea and air superiority.
The first shots of this war were fired, and the loss count opened on the island of South Georgia, where a specially designated tactical group of ships disabled and captured the Argentine submarine Santa Fe and raised the British flag.

The completion of the deployment is marked by a series of air strikes on Port Stanley and Goose Green airfields. First, the Vulcan strategic bomber from Ascension Island bombed Port Stanley from a high altitude on the night of May 1. The deck-based Sea Harriers developed success at dawn. At this time, surface ships were shelling coastal targets and conducting a control search for enemy submarines. In the ensuing air battles, Argentine aviation had an almost 10-fold superiority, but the British Sea Harriers were more effective than the Sidewinders in service with the Argentine Air Force. The main task of the first day was the secret landing of a special forces task force to reconnoiter enemy positions and select a location for the future landing.

The struggle for supremacy at sea unfolded according to classical canons and with great severity. The Argentine fleet, having completed its combat deployment in advance, covered in its battle formation the arriving British forces from two sides - from the northeast and from the southwest. The massive use of shore-based aircraft was also envisaged as diversionary and supporting strikes.

British submarines were unable to detect enemy surface ships. When the Conqueror submarine finally discovers the Argentine cruiser, problems begin due to the imperfect control of the submarine, as well as the difficulty of tracking surface ships in shallow water. Nevertheless, the Argentine cruiser was sunk as a result of a torpedo attack.

It is generally accepted that it was the loss of the cruiser that forced the Argentine command to return the fleet to its bases. In fact, the Argentine sailors were burning with a thirst for revenge, but the weather prevented them from delivering a fatal blow to the English OS. The Argentine fleet returned to its bases and never left territorial waters.

Thick smoke rises from the British frigate HMS Antelope in Ajax Bay, May 24, 1982. Four Argentine A-4B Skyhawks attacked a British frigate the day before. During the attack, a bomb was dropped on the ship, which British technicians tried unsuccessfully to defuse. It exploded, causing a fire and killing 2 crew members. (AP Photo/Tom Smith)

Judging by the losses, the greatest intensity of the combat missions is reached with the beginning of the landing, because gaining air superiority was far away and the problem was solved by simply “grinding” the Argentine aviation, rushing to the landing area and the anchorage of landing ships and transports.

An Argentine soldier walks past the wreckage of a downed British warplane in Darwin. (Reuters/Eduardo Farre)

The landing itself on May 21 went smoothly and without losses, but by May 25 the total number of British ships sunk reached four, almost all other ships had multiple battle damage. The price is quite high, although it was possible to preserve all the landing and transport ships, especially those with landing forces, as well as aircraft carriers. The losses were also due to the ineffectiveness of the Rapier air defense system. The losses of the British in naval personnel here could have been incomparably more severe if the Argentine air command had shown more skill and enterprise in managing forces.

At the same time, this air offensive in the anti-landing direction, as well as previous combat operations in the air, cost the Argentine Air Force and Navy at least a third of all combat-ready aircraft and the loss of the most experienced pilots. It is at this moment that the command of the Argentine Air Force recognizes its air forces as undermined, and such a price for the Falklands as unacceptable. When leaving, the Argentine aviation, as they say, loudly slammed the door.

We are talking about the defeat of the Atlantic Conveyor container ship converted into air transport. In a perfectly planned raid by the Argentine “Super Etandars”, dedicated to national holiday Argentina, a container ship with a radar signature similar to the Hermes, took the hit of two Exocets. One missile immediately aimed at it, the second, being withdrawn from the Hermes, also aimed at the container ship and finished it off. The ship was filled to capacity with the most valuable cargo for the expeditionary forces: three heavy Chinook helicopters, five Wessexes, a solid supply of cluster bombs for Harriers, equipment for quickly creating a runway in Carlos Bay, a huge number of spare parts for helicopters, supplies and equipment. In addition, the container ship, being specially converted according to the mobilization plan, served as the third flight deck in the OS.

However, the bridgehead had already been captured, troops and equipment were on the shore, as for the loss of the Atlantic Conveyor, it was an unpleasant, but not a defining moment. The aircraft carriers were preserved - and this is the main thing. Despite the delays, the actions of the British troops on the shore developed successfully, and by mid-June the enemy capitulated.

Argentine soldiers take positions in Port Howard. (Reuters/Eduardo Farre)

Even after two decades, there is no complete clarity about the losses of Great Britain and Argentina. We are not talking about absolute accuracy - it would be nice to at least determine the order of losses.

A frigate sprays water on the damaged HMS Sheffield, 28 May 1982. At this time, a Sea King helicopter hovers in the air, ensuring safety. Two Argentine Super Etendard attack aircraft attacked the ship with missiles, starting a fire that lasted for several days until HMS Sheffield completely sank, killing 20 people. (AP Photo/Press Association/Martin Cleaver)

On May 27, the UK Ministry of Defense reported that 109 people had died by that date. The Argentines admitted the loss of only 92, although three times as many died on the Belgrano alone. At the end of the war the British stated the following figures: about 200 British were killed and about 300 wounded. The Argentine armed forces lost about 1,300 people killed. Subsequently, the losses of the British “increased”, while those of the Argentines “decreased” accordingly.

There was a figure of 230-236 dead British, incl. 120 in the ground forces, the number of dead Argentines is estimated at 750 people and this number has been “fixed” in all Western sources. Then the “final” number of British dead was called the figure of 250 people, more precisely 255-256 people, including: The Royal Navy lost eighty-seven people, the Royal Navy Marines- twenty-six, merchant fleet - nine and Royal Auxiliary Navy - seven.

15-20 years after the war, 258 people were declared dead by Great Britain, incl. 3 islanders. The maximum number of British casualties I encountered was 286.

Argentine prisoners of war walk past a burning building in Port Stanley in last days Argentine occupation of the southern part of the islands. (AP Photo/J. Leonard)

Argentine losses are sometimes estimated at both 712 and 700 people killed; there were figures of 690 killed and 176 wounded, but the official Argentine figure is 655 dead.

Complete statistics on losses in manpower and equipment

The Falklands War was literally a gift for Prime Minister Thatcher. Or rather, not the war itself, but its result. In the early 1980s, the British economy was in a fever, and victory in the war greatly strengthened Thatcher's popularity and allowed her to remain in power until 1990. The war was no less a gift for the military: defense spending increased sharply. There was a decisive abandonment of the previous military doctrine, thanks to which, if Argentina had attacked in 1983, Britain would have lost the war. The carriers would have been sold, the massive cuts already beginning in November 1981 and peaking in the spring of 1982 would have left the Royal Navy unable to win the battle for the Falklands. At least that's how it really happened.

Immediately after the war, the government abdicated responsibility for the war that began so timely. On 6 July 1982, Lord Franke was appointed chairman of a select committee of the Privy Council to investigate the reasons for the armed invasion of the Falkland Islands. On 18 January 1983, the Franks Report was published, exonerating Margaret Thatcher's government of responsibility for the Argentine military junta's decision to invade the Falkland Islands on 2 April 1982.

Another echo of the war in the South Atlantic was the process of disclosing documents shedding light on the events of May 2, 1982. February 11, 1985 Former British Ministry of Defense employee Clive Ponting is acquitted by a court considering the disclosure of the contents of documents related to the sinking of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano during the Falklands War.

Argentine prisoners of war in Port Stanley, 17 June 1982. By the end of the conflict, more than 11 thousand Argentines were captured.

Unable to stop the political and economic crisis in the country, the general began to prepare for the departure of the military and destroy all evidence of repression, as well as demand an amnesty from the democratic forces for all war crimes.

Raul Alfonsin became the first democratic president of Argentina in many years. He began trials of the military, almost all the highest ranks received prison terms. But the army was not going to give up: the first uprising against President Alfonsin was raised by Colonel Aldo Rico, a participant in the Falklands War, on April 15, 1985 at a military base in Campo Mayo. Although the instigators of the riot were arrested, the military managed to achieve a law according to which all persons involved in repression, below the rank of colonel, were declared “executing orders.” The concessions provoked the military into new actions. As soon as Aldo Rico found himself under house arrest, he immediately started a new riot in mid-January 1988. On January 17, Rico surrendered, but they treated him quite leniently: a sentence with the ability to communicate by phone and good conditions of detention. The uprising in December 1988 ended with an increase in military salaries and no one was even arrested.

Finally, the new President of Argentina, Carlos Menema, will sign an amnesty order on October 5, 1989, and many generals will be free. The uprising on December 3, 1990 was suppressed, but Menema signed a general amnesty on December 29, 1990.

On July 11, 1982, Argentina, and the next day Great Britain, would de facto declare the end of the war. About 5 thousand British soldiers were left on the islands. 27 June 1983 The British Secretary of State for Defense announces £215 million for an airport in the Falkland Islands.

In October 1989, consular relations were restored between Great Britain and Argentina, and since February 1990, diplomatic relations have been fully established.

Mass grave of 30 Argentine soldiers after the Battle of Darwin. On June 14, 1982, Argentine troops left the island after being defeated by the British. (AP Photo/Martin Cleaver)

27 September 1995 Great Britain and Argentina enter into an agreement to develop oil and gas fields in the South Atlantic southwest of the Falkland Islands. Supervision over the extraction of mineral resources is entrusted to a joint commission.

The conflict flared up with renewed vigor when huge raw material deposits were discovered in the disputed area. Oil reserves are estimated at 60 billion barrels of oil, and natural gas reserves at 9 trillion cubic meters. In February 2010, British oil companies began exploration and production of oil from the Ocean Guardian floating drilling platform, located 100 km north of the islands. This caused a wave of protest from Argentina and economic response on its part.

Argentine Falklands War veteran José Luis Aparacio holds a photograph of himself (right) and a comrade (left) after they were captured by British troops at the Battle of Mount Longdon on June 12, 1982. The photo above was taken in La Plata, Argentina, March 20, 2007. (Reuters/Enrique Marcarian)

Among the latter is the December decision of the countries of the South American Common Market (MERCOSUR) to ban ships flying the flag of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) from entering their ports.

Shortly after this, on January 19, British Prime Minister David Cameron accused Argentina of colonialism in the Falkland Islands, to which Buenos Aires indignantly stated that the words about “colonialism” from the lips of the British sounded especially offensive, since “history perfectly demonstrates their attitude towards everything world" (today, about 50 of the approximately 200 countries in the world annually celebrate the day of independence from British rule). At the same time, Cameron approved an urgent plan to strengthen the country's military forces.

sources
http://nvo.ng.ru
http://historiwars.narod.ru
http://m.ria.ru/world/20130103/917061244.html

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And I also want to remind you how as a result of the war.

Amazing nature, indescribable landscapes, a cool ocean climate and endless travel opportunities make the Falkland Islands one of the most unusual tourist places on the planet.

Falkland Islands on the world map

The right side of the flag deserves special attention, as it depicts the coat of arms of the island territories. It is this element that reflects all the charms and advantages of the archipelago. A large sky-blue shield contains waves, symbolizing the proximity of the sea, a luxurious ship on which the first settlers led by John Davis once arrived to these marvelous shores, as well as a ram on a green meadow, personifying developed agriculture and sheep breeding in particular.

A modern version of the Falkland Islands flag state level was approved on January 25, 1999. Interestingly, the Argentine government still does not agree that these lands belong to Great Britain. They even have their own version of the Falklands flag - a rectangular piece of orange and blue coloring, which is divided diagonally by snow-white color elements.

Climate features of the Falkland Islands

Cool oceanic weather dominates these lands almost all year round. The temperate climate creates ideal conditions for farming in the Falkland Islands, and tourists who come here for a relaxing holiday can enjoy the fresh ocean breeze without sweltering from the heat. The western wind direction remains almost all year round, so temperature fluctuations are barely noticeable. In January, the average is about 9 degrees Celsius, and in July the air temperature drops slightly and approaches zero - 1-2 degrees plus.

It is never hot on the Falkland Islands, as they are enveloped on all sides by powerful cold currents. In the coastal waters during the cold season, you can often find large or small icebergs, which are brought here by the famous Falkland Current. There is not much precipitation. The annual average is 574 millimeters. They appear consistently throughout the year, as there are no dry or wet seasons on these islands. Although West Falkland is always less exposed to moisture than East Falkland. A feature of the weather on the archipelago is thick fog. Snow falls quite rarely and never stays on the surface for long. You can plan a trip to this wonderful land at any time of the year (for example -). Here you will always be received with hospitality and cordiality.

Falkland Islands attractions and activities

Tourists who have already become tired of the hot weather seaside resorts and want to enjoy the unique natural landscapes, they will certainly love a measured and relaxing holiday on the Falkland Islands. Although the area of ​​the archipelago only slightly exceeds 12 thousand square kilometers, in the vastness of these overseas possessions The British state certainly has a lot to see and do. Almost every city deserves special attention:

• Stanley– the capital of the Falkland Islands looks quite modest and quiet, as for its high-profile status. It could even be confused with a village. Historians note that this was initially the case, but the excellent wide harbor and large population determined the future of this town. Most of the local houses are built of stone in combination with wooden wrecks of ships that were not lucky enough to reach the port unharmed. All this, together with traditional British lawns and vibrant building designs, creates an exceptional and indescribable atmosphere. The city has preserved to this day various buildings from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which are of architectural and historical value. You should definitely visit Cape Pembroke, which offers beautiful view to bird colonies, book a boat excursion along the shores and admire the penguins.
• Port Louis- an ancient part of the Falkland Islands, which was a French colony back in the eighteenth century. The blooming green landscapes are very reminiscent of the amazing slopes of northern Scotland. In this part of the archipelago you can see seabirds, penguins and elephant seal rookeries.
• Sea Lion– a miniature island that deserves your attention thanks to hectic life animal world. This is a favorite spot for elephant seals, who sunbathe on local beach in the warm season. Next to them, cute crested penguins, gulls and dozens of other bird species coexist peacefully.
• West Falkland – perfect place for a jeep ride. The hilly and rocky terrain of the island makes it very difficult walking tours, but by car you will have an exceptional time here. Friendly residents of picturesque villages and settlements will be happy to tell you the most interesting stories from life, will show you exciting excursion routes and feed you a hearty, aromatic dinner.
• Carcass Island– a paradise for ornithology lovers. Many tourists come here to watch birds in their natural environment a habitat. The nature of these lands will certainly captivate you with its abundance and splendor.

Almost every island of the Falkland archipelago is worthy of attention, but you can hardly visit all 778 in one trip. The Falkland Islands will certainly be remembered by you for their originality, the hospitality of the people and genuine hospitality.

Stanley 07:17 5°C
Mainly cloudy

Country population 2,638 people Territory of the Islands 12,173 km² Located on the continent of South America Capital of the Falkland Islands Stanley Money Falkland Islands pound Domain zone.co.fk Telephone code countries +500

Resorts

There are no resorts as such on the Falkland Islands. However, the islands are popular among tourists. There are several reasons for this. Sami natural resources are unique, and also arouse interest in the historical events that took place on the islands.

The capital can be called a resort, since visitors get to know the islands from this city. Beach holiday there is no such thing, for the reason that the water temperature is quite low.

A popular holiday and why people go to the islands is to visit and see the unique nature, especially animal world archipelago, Horseback riding, walking and car routes. Having visited the archipelago, we can say with complete confidence that holidays here are very attractive.

Climate of the Falkland Islands: Cold maritime, strong westerly winds, cloudy weather, humid. Rain. The average annual rainfall is 60 cm in Stanley. Sometimes snow remains all year round, with the exception of January and February, but, as a rule, it does not accumulate.

Attractions

Despite the archipelago's modest size and sparse population, its history is interesting and there is a lot to see on the islands. The curiosity of visitors is aroused by the numerous inhabitants, both on land and in water. Basically, large colonies of feathered inhabitants settle on the islands, among which penguins are interesting, of which there are quite a lot. In fact, the entire nature of the archipelago is remarkable and worthy of attention. In the capital, attention is drawn to the Christ Church Cathedral, which is more than a century old, the arch - built from whale jaws of Whalebone, as well as the Government House administration building. In addition, tourists visit memorable places battles that took place on the archipelago not so long ago.

Relief of the Falkland Islands: Rocky, hilly, mountainous with some swamps, rolling plains.

Hotels

The archipelago is enough famous place For tourist trips. Traveling and relaxing on the islands is quite unique, but for this reason it is very popular. Visitors need places to stay, but this problem has been successfully solved on the islands. For the most part, hotels are mini-hotels, small and comfortable buildings, such as Kay McCullum’s. Guests can stay at the cozy hotel “The Waterfront”. You can also stay conveniently and comfortably in the Bennett House. Good service and the welcoming staff at the Darwin House Hotel. And having chosen “Pebble Island Lodge”, tourists will be satisfied with this hotel.

Falkland Islands has resources like: : Fishing resources

Leisure

Spending time on the archipelago is quite unusual, but well organized. Most likely, there will be no discos with noisy companies or large entertainment complexes. But this is the special charm of a holiday on the islands. Far from the noise of cities, alone with nature, observing the life of its inhabitants, the grandeur and power of the ocean, an unsurpassed sunset observed on a wild beach - this is the recipe relaxing holiday on the archipelago.

And if guests suddenly get bored, then excellent trout fishing, walking and horseback riding along fascinating routes, windsurfing, boat trips to places of interest, golf, diving and visiting local restaurants will help you spend your leisure time in an exciting way.

Money of the Falkland Islands: The currency of the archipelago is the Falkland Islands pound. The currency of the pound is the penny. Monetary units of the Falkland Islands are pegged to the British pound sterling, which is on par with local currency can be used for calculations. In addition, in most cases it is possible to pay for goods and services in US currency – the American dollar. The Falkland Islands pound is used exclusively for settlements within the archipelago.

Museums

Since the archipelago is sparsely populated, and the only big city is the capital, there are not many museums on the islands. Christ Church Cathedral, located in the capital, is interesting as a landmark of the city, however, the building is also a museum.

Another museum, which is most often visited by tourists, is also located in the main city of the archipelago. This is the Falkland Islands Museum, which offers visitors an exhibition entirely dedicated to the islands. The museum contains exhibits relating to the history and culture of the islands. Of interest are various documentary information that reflect events that took place on the archipelago at different times. In addition, there is a collection of exhibits telling about the nature of the island land.

Transport

The main transportation on the islands is carried out by air and by water transport. Air service connects the archipelago with other countries of the world. In addition, aviation is used for domestic transportation. Two airports were built for these purposes. One of them is international - Mount Pleasant, located about fifty kilometers from the capital. The second is located in the suburbs of Port Stanley, and is used for transportation around the archipelago, as well as for other purposes.

Paved roads are short and virtually undeveloped. Not at all public transport, but it is possible to use taxi services. There is no rail transportation at all.

Water transport is widely used and there are two ports on the islands. One is in the capital in West Falkland.

Standard of living

For the archipelago, the basic economic sector is sheep farming. The islands produce very high quality wool, much of which is exported. In addition, fishing and fish processing, as well as agriculture, play a significant role. The tourism sector has received considerable development.

The islands have a very high standard of living. Medicine and education are free. The unemployment rate is negligible. Communication means such as telecommunications and the Internet are well developed. The archipelago has a fairly high level of security. You should know some features, for example, when traveling around the islands, to cross private territory, you must ask permission.

Cities

The archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean is called the Falkland Islands. They are a British Overseas Territory. The main city of the archipelago, its capital is Port Stanley. The capital is considered the largest city on the islands, with a population of just over two thousand. Located main city on East Falkland Island. It is noteworthy that the only city on the archipelago is the capital. The city is also called Puerto Argentino, this is due to the fact that the island territory is disputed. Argentina claims the islands. In the eighties of the last century, a military conflict occurred on the archipelago. During the military operation, Britain regained control over the territory of the islands.

See Falkland Islands (Malvinas) ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Noun, number of synonyms: 1 Falkland Islands (3) ASIS Dictionary of Synonyms. V.N. Trishin. 2013… Synonym dictionary

Malvinas Islands- (Malvinas), see Falkland Islands... The World History

Coordinates: 51°45′00″ S w. 59°0 ... Wikipedia

See Falkland Islands (Malvinas). * * * MALVINAS ISLANDS MALVINAS ISLANDS, see Falkland Islands (see FALKLAND ISLANDS) ... encyclopedic Dictionary

MALVINAS ISLANDS- see FALKLAND ISLANDS... Encyclopedia of countries of the world

Malvinas Islands- (Islas Malvinas), Spanish name for the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) ... Encyclopedic reference book "Latin America"

Malvinas Islands- (Malvinas, Islas) Malvinas Islas, the name by which the Falkland Islands are known in Argentina. Derived from the French word Malouines, which reflects long-standing ties with fishermen from Saint Malo, France... Countries of the world. Dictionary

Coordinates: 51°45′00″ S w. 59°00′00″ W. long / 51.75° S w. 59° W d... Wikipedia

Falkland Islands (Malvinas)- (Falkland Islands, Spanish Islas Malvinas), an archipelago consisting of two main ones. and almost 100 smaller islands in the South. Atlantic. Europe travelers first visited the islands in con. 18th century, and then F.o. were alternately a colony of France, ... ... The World History

Books

• The Battle of the Falklands, Hastings M., Jenkins S.. 28,000 British soldiers went to fight for a relict fragment of the Empire in a God-forsaken corner of the world, 15,000 km from home. Some died, others remained crippled forever, and the Falklands...

General information

Official name - Falkland Islands (Malvinas). Archipelago in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. This British Overseas Territory is an important transhipment point on the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and allows control of the South Atlantic. The area is 12,173 km2. Population - 3,140 people. (as of 2008). Official language- English. The capital is Stanley. Currency unit- Falkland Islands pound.

The Falkland Islands consist of two large ones (West and East Falkland) and about 776 smaller islands and rocks. The archipelago is located 343 km from the Argentine island of Estados, 463 km from the coast South America and 1078 km from the Shag rocks (). total area is 12,173 km 2. total length coastline- about 1300 km, the coast is very indented. The islands of West and East Falkland are separated by the Falkland Strait. Highest point archipelago - Mount Usborne (705 m, located on the island of East Falkland), Mount Adam on the island of West Falkland has a height of 700 m.

The climate of the islands is characterized as cool temperate, oceanic. Western winds predominate. Temperature changes throughout the year are relatively small. Average monthly temperatures vary from +9°C in January and February to +2°C in June and July. The average annual temperature is about +6°C.

Story

The Falkland Islands were discovered by the British in the 17th century, and then almost immediately by the French. However, she believed that this was their territory. In 1833 she conquered the Falkland Islands. Since then, in the eyes of Argentines, Britain has been an invader. In 1982, the Argentine military junta designed an operation to invade the Falkland Islands to distract its population from human rights problems and the difficult state of the economy. This may also have been done to increase levels of national pride.

In April 1982, Argentine troops landed in the Falklands, occupying them in two days. The resistance of the small Marine garrison was short-lived. In response, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ordered the Navy to return the captured territories. A group of troops and warships, including two aircraft carriers, moved towards the islands. Already on April 25, one of them was recaptured. After this, the British Navy blocked the occupied territories with submarines and ships. Aviation made successful raids, as a result of which three Argentine aircraft were shot down. The Argentines had a light cruiser sunk, and the British lost a destroyer.

British troops numbering 4,000 people landed on the west coast, near the city of San Carlos, on the night of May 23. The group included marines, paratroopers and SAS special forces. The commander of the troops was Julian Thompson. SAS commandos attacked the airfield on Pebble Island. The villages of Goose Green and Darwin were liberated by the paratroopers. SAS commandos destroyed a unit of Argentine commandos on Kent Heights. In June, the British landed another 5,000 people on the Falkland Islands. After this, the assault on the city of Port Stanley began from the adjacent heights, which was liberated on June 12. The commander of the Argentine forces, General Mendez, capitulated on June 14, realizing the hopelessness of his situation.

During the Battle of the Falkland Islands, England lost two frigates, two destroyers, a pair of auxiliary ships and 258 men. Argentine losses: one submarine, 75 aircraft, a light cruiser, 649 killed and 11,313 captured. As a result of the defeat, power changed in Argentina - the junta fell. Britain has established its international image. However, despite this, Argentina has not yet given up its claims to the Falklands. In 2013, the islanders' almost absolute majority (99.8%) confirmed their belonging to Britain in a referendum.

The Falkland Islands are a self-governing British territory. Argentina also claims them.

Attractions of the Falkland Islands

Port Stanley (Stanley or Puerto Argentino) really resembles a village. Historically, it only gained its political status by being greater than the rest settlements archipelago, size. Since many of its houses were built from stone and timber "rescued" from the wreckage of numerous shipwrecks, the town has a certain charm, emphasized by its brightly painted buildings, traditional English lawns and the constant smell of burning peat carried by the sea breeze. The most attractive object of the city is Government House, which has been the residence of the governor of the islands since the mid-19th century. A mandatory ceremony when visiting is entry into the “visitor register”, a tribute to tradition and the government of the islands.

Not far from the residence is located Christ Church Cathedral- a massive structure made of brick and stone with a colorfully painted metal roof and impressive stained glass windows. The building was built in 1892 and now houses a museum and several memorial plaques in memory of the Falkland soldiers who died in the battles of the world wars.

In a small square next to the cathedral stands a recently restored Whalebone Arch, erected in 1933 to commemorate the centenary of British rule in the Falkland Islands.

Port Louis- the oldest settlement of the Falkland Islands and, accordingly, the oldest buildings on the islands. This is an ivy-covered farm of the 19th century, the ruins of the residence of the French governor and estate of Louis Vernet nearby. Port Louis lies in the deepest part of Berkeley Sound, the largest bay in the East Falklands, 35 km away. northwest of Port Stanley. The surrounding area of ​​the city is very picturesque and with its green, low mountain slopes reminiscent of the landscape of northern Scotland.

Beach Volunteer, lying east of Port Louis on the shores of Johnson Harbor, provides excellent conditions for more than 150 breeding pairs of king penguins, the largest colony of king penguins on the islands. A few hours' walk east of the beach, in the Volunteer Point area, there is a large colony of Antarctic fur seals, and in the Volunteer Lacun area - elephant seals.

Sea Lion Island Situated east of the south Falkland coast, it is less than a mile in diameter but teems with wildlife. Among its usual inhabitants are five species of penguins, a huge colony of cormorans, giant pigeons and almost tame "Johnny Hands" - so local residents The name is the striped caracara. Hundreds of elephant seals literally fill the sandy and pebble shores of the southern tail of the island. Thanks to the innovative farming practices of local landowners, the island's flora and fauna thrive here, in close proximity to sheep farms, and the island is believed to be the only Falkland island with surviving natural grass cover.

Sanders Island, lying north of west coast Falkland is home to the first British garrison on the Falkland Islands, built in 1765. It was the expulsion of this tiny garrison by the Spanish in 1767 that caused the war between the two countries. After 1774 the Spanish demolished the settlement and all that remains today are a few piers, house foundation blocks and the garden terraces of the British Marines.

Falkland Islands cuisine

The cuisine of the Falkland Islands is based on Latin American and British traditions. Typical foods include lamb, pork, fish, beef, poultry, seafood and vegetables.

Meat is widely used in local cooking. Traditional dishes include: fried sausages; meat pies; steaks, beefsteaks; roast beef in all its forms; various dishes from lamb meat; fried goose with spices and other very simple, yet satisfying dishes.

The menu is not devoid of seafood. The surrounding waters supply the islanders with oysters, mussels, snow crab meat, trout, Atlantic cod and squid. Seafood is baked, fried, and made into amazing salads and very thick rich soups. One of the main traditional dishes considered fish and chips, British style.

To garnish dishes, local chefs use fresh vegetables, which are often grown directly in the gardens adjacent to the cafe or restaurant. The vegetables are combined with the unique local red teaberry.

In everyday life, islanders drink a huge amount of tea and coffee. Various herbal infusions are also popular among residents.

For dessert, you can order delicious homemade cakes according to “grandmother’s recipe.”

Falkland Islands on the map