Falkland Islands Factbook

The Falkland Islands gained notoriety in 1982 when Argentina took the islands by force only to have the islands retaken by the British. Life changed on the Falklands as a result of the war. Some appear to have shown a greater interest in the gospel in the years since the war.

The Falklands are a group of islands in the south Atlantic east of the southern tip of Argentina in South America. The islands are rocky and rugged with an inhospitable climate. It is typically cold and windy with rain on more than half of the days. It can snow at nearly any time of the year.

Fewer than 3000 people live on the islands. In addition, approximately 2000 British military personnel are stationed on the Falklands.

The economy has grown strongly since the early 1980's. Fishing and tourism have brought wealth to the islands. The average income is nearly 50% greater than that in the United States.

The Falklands are a self-governing territory of the United Kingdom. Argentina also claims ownership of the islands and in 1982 took the islands by force. In the resulting war, the British forced Argentina to leave the islands. The British have maintained a military force on the Falklands since the conflict.

We have limited information on the state of the church in the Falklands. The government grants freedom of religion. The Anglican Church is the largest group. Several have come to Christ in the last 10 years. Evangelicals may now account for as many as 20% of the population.

Pray for the church in this isolated part of the world. Pray also for efforts to evangelize the British forces stationed on the islands.

Copyright 2006 by Brad Garrison

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