Geography of the Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands are located in the South Atlantic Ocean between 51°S and 53°S on a projection of the Patagonian Shelf, part of the South American continental shelf. In ancient geological time this shelf was part of Gondwana, and around 400 million years ago split from what is now Africa and drifted westwards from it. Today the islands are subjected to the Roaring Forties, winds that shape both their geography and climate.
Satellite image of the Falkland Islands | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°41′S 59°10′W |
| Adjacent to | South Atlantic |
| Total islands | 778 |
| Area | 12,200 km2 (4,700 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 705 m (2313 ft) |
| Highest point | Mount Usborne |
| Administration | |
| Capital and largest settlement | Stanley |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 2,932 |
| Pop. density | 0.24/km2 (0.62/sq mi) |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone |
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The Falklands comprise two main islands, West Falkland and East Falkland, and about 776 small islands.
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