SOME FALKLANDS FACTS   By J. Brock   POPULATION   Though the 2001 census recorded a resident population in the Falklands of 2,379, nearly 96.96% of the population are British Citizens.  It is a young population with 79% aged 55 years and under.   POPULATION HISTORY   Until the British settled the Islands in 1833, there was no indigenous population, though there were comparatively short-lived settlements in various locations throughout the Islands.   GOVERNMENT   The Falkland Islands have internal Self-Government, with the only defence and foreign affairs being handled by Her Majesty’s Government in the UK.  Every four years, Councillors are elected to the Legislative Council, with the Governor responsible for external affairs and the public service.   ECONOMY   Economically, the Falkland Islands are self-sufficient, except for defence expenditure, which is less than one half of one percent of Britain’s overall defence budget.  In 1986, a fishery and conservation zone was set up and the Falkland Islands Government sold fishing licences for waters that extended 150 nautical miles around the Falklands.  In 1990, the zone was extended to 200 Nautical miles.  Though the economy is mainly dependent on revenue generated from the fishery, new ventures such as the abattoir and organic farming could bring in revenue in the future.  Wool, though still a viable product, has fallen in value and farmers are diversifying into meat production and tourism.   HYDROCARBONS   Though the offshore exploration of the North Falkland Basin yielded indications of hydrocarbons at various depths, the potential for a hydrocarbons industry is good.  The geology shows that though the source rock is thick, it is the second best source rock behind that near China.  Watch this space.   TOURISM   Each year from November to April many cruise ships visit Stanley and other islands on the archipelago.  More than 15 specialist tour operators in the UK offer packages for people who want to visit for longer than a day.  The Islands have Lodges located in Sea Lion Island, Port Howard, Weddell Island and Pebble Island to name a few.  They offer a wide variety of activities including horseback riding, wildlife photography and rod and line fishing.   TRAVEL TO   There are two ways you can reach the Falklands.  One is to use the RAF Tristar service from Brize Norton and the other is to go via LanChile from Santiago and Punta Arenas.  See the ad in e-falkland.com for details of the lanChile flight.   LOCATION   The Falklands are located in the South Atlantic Ocean, 480km (300 miles) from the nearest point of land on the South American Continent.  The Islands consist of two main Islands, East and West Falkland and 200 smaller ones.  Area covered by the Islands is nearly the size of Wales in the UK or Connecticut in the US.   WEATHER   Despite rumours to the contrary, the Falklands enjoy more hours of sunshine than Southern England and less rainfall than the UK average.  Though the temperature gradient is small, the Islands can enjoy temperatures up to 24C.  Even in the winter, average temperatures are above freezing.   EDUCATION   Education in the Falklands is compulsory for children between the ages of five and sixteen.  It is entirely free of charge.  There are two schools located in Stanley that surpass UK standards.  There is an excellently equipped and staffed Infant/Junior School, as well as a Community school, that caters to GCSE level.  If students pass the required number of GCSEs, they can attend Peter Symonds or Chichester Colleges in the UK.  These are 6th Form Colleges that award “A” Levels to students who pass their exams.