Situated in the South-West region of the South Atlantic Ocean
approximately 600km east of the mainland of South America, between
latitudes 51˚S and 53˚S, and longitudes 57˚W and 62˚W.
Size
The Islands have a total land area of just over 120,000 ha which
forms an archipelago of two main islands, East and West Falklands
and about 780 smaller islands and islets.
Climate
The Falkland Islands have a cool temperate oceanic climate,
dominated by westerly winds and low annual rainfall
(450-600mm/year).
Topography
The Islands are generally rugged and hilly – the highest points
are Mount Usborne (705m) on East Falkland and Mount Adam (700m) on
West Falkland.
Biodiversity
The Falklands has a wealth of biodiversity. Of the 363 vascular
flora species, 171 species are native and 13 endemic. There are 13
recorded terrestrial endemic invertebrates. The Falkland Islands
support globally significant numbers of a number of bird species as
well as two endemic species and 14 sub-species. These include vast
colonies of seabirds. More than 70% of the world population of
black-browed albatrosses (Diomedea melanophris) is found here. The
inshore and offshore environment of the Falkland Islands support a
variety of whale, dolphin, seal and sea lion species, including at
least eleven species of cetaceans listed as of global conservation
concern on the IUCN red list.
Other information
JNCC has prepared a series of outreach materials which
give a general background to climate change and includes territory
specific information on climate
change impacts.