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Compare British Virgin Islands (2002) - Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (2005)

Compare British Virgin Islands (2002) z Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (2005)

 British Virgin Islands (2002)Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) (2005)
 British Virgin IslandsFalkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Administrative divisions none (overseas territory of the UK) none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
Age structure 0-14 years: 22.4% (male 2,401; female 2,351)


15-64 years: 72.7% (male 7,962; female 7,509)


65 years and over: 4.9% (male 565; female 484) (2002 est.)
0-14 years: NA


15-64 years: NA


65 years and over: NA (2005 est.)
Agriculture - products fruits, vegetables; livestock, poultry; fish fodder and vegetable crops; sheep, dairy products
Airports 3 (2001) 5 (2004 est.)
Airports - with paved runways total: 2


914 to 1,523 m: 1


under 914 m: 1 (2002)
total: 2


2,438 to 3,047 m: 1


under 914 m: 1 (2004 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways total: 1


914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2002)
total: 3


under 914 m: 3 (2004 est.)
Area total: 153 sq km


land: 153 sq km


water: 0 sq km


note: comprised of 16 inhabited and more than 20 uninhabited islands; includes the island of Anegada
total: 12,173 sq km


land: 12,173 sq km


water: 0 sq km


note: includes the two main islands of East and West Falkland and about 200 small islands
Area - comparative about 0.9 times the size of Washington, DC slightly smaller than Connecticut
Background First settled by the Dutch in 1648, the islands were annexed in 1672 by the English. The economy is closely tied to the larger and more populous US Virgin Islands to the west; the US dollar is the legal currency. Although first sighted by an English navigator in 1592, the first landing (English) did not occur until almost a century later in 1690, and the first settlement (French) was not established until 1764. The colony was turned over to Spain two years later and the islands have since been the subject of a territorial dispute, first between Britain and Spain, then between Britain and Argentina. The UK asserted its claim to the islands by establishing a naval garrison there in 1833. Argentina invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that landed seven weeks later and after fierce fighting forced Argentine surrender on 14 June 1982.
Birth rate 15.09 births/1,000 population (2002 est.) NA births/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Budget revenues: $121.5 million


expenditures: $115.5 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1997)
revenues: $66.2 million


expenditures: $67.9 million, including capital expenditures of $23.2 million (FY98/99 est.)
Capital Road Town Stanley
Climate subtropical; humid; temperatures moderated by trade winds cold marine; strong westerly winds, cloudy, humid; rain occurs on more than half of days in year; average annual rainfall is 24 inches in Stanley; occasional snow all year, except in January and February, but does not accumulate
Coastline 80 km 1,288 km
Constitution 1 June 1977 3 October 1985; amended 1997 and 1998
Country name conventional long form: none


conventional short form: British Virgin Islands


abbreviation: BVI
conventional long form: none


conventional short form: Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
Currency US dollar (USD) -
Death rate 4.42 deaths/1,000 population (2002 est.) NA deaths/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Debt - external $36.1 million (1997) $NA
Dependency status overseas territory of the UK; internal self-governing overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina
Diplomatic representation from the US none (overseas territory of the UK) none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
Diplomatic representation in the US none (overseas territory of the UK) none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
Disputes - international none Argentina, which claims the islands in its constitution and briefly occupied the islands by force in 1982, agreed in 1995 to no longer seek settlement by force; UK continues to reject Argentine requests for sovereignty talks
Economic aid - recipient NA $0 (1997 est.)
Economy - overview The economy, one of the most stable and prosperous in the Caribbean, is highly dependent on tourism, generating an estimated 45% of the national income. An estimated 350,000 tourists, mainly from the US, visited the islands in 1998. In the mid-1980s, the government began offering offshore registration to companies wishing to incorporate in the islands, and incorporation fees now generate substantial revenues. Roughly 400,000 companies were on the offshore registry by yearend 2000. The adoption of a comprehensive insurance law in late 1994, which provides a blanket of confidentiality with regulated statutory gateways for investigation of criminal offenses, is expected to make the British Virgin Islands even more attractive to international business. Livestock raising is the most important agricultural activity; poor soils limit the islands' ability to meet domestic food requirements. Because of traditionally close links with the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands has used the dollar as its currency since 1959. The economy was formerly based on agriculture, mainly sheep farming, but today fishing contributes the bulk of economic activity. In 1987 the government began selling fishing licenses to foreign trawlers operating within the Falklands exclusive fishing zone. These license fees total more than $40 million per year, which goes to support the island's health, education, and welfare system. Squid accounts for 75% of the fish taken. Dairy farming supports domestic consumption; crops furnish winter fodder. Exports feature shipments of high-grade wool to the UK and the sale of postage stamps and coins. The islands are now self-financing except for defense. The British Geological Survey announced a 200-mile oil exploration zone around the islands in 1993, and early seismic surveys suggest substantial reserves capable of producing 500,000 barrels per day; to date no exploitable site has been identified. An agreement between Argentina and the UK in 1995 seeks to defuse licensing and sovereignty conflicts that would dampen foreign interest in exploiting potential oil reserves. Tourism, especially eco-tourism, is increasing rapidly, with about 30,000 visitors in 2001. Another large source of income is interest paid on money the government has in the bank. The British military presence also provides a sizeable economic boost.
Electricity - consumption 39.1 million kWh (1999) 17.72 million kWh (2002)
Electricity - exports 0 kWh (1999) 0 kWh (2002)
Electricity - imports 0 kWh (1999) 0 kWh (2002)
Electricity - production 42 million kWh (1999) 19.06 million kWh (2002)
Electricity - production by source fossil fuel: 100%


hydro: 0%


nuclear: 0%


other: 0% (1999)
-
Elevation extremes lowest point: Caribbean Sea 0 m


highest point: Mount Sage 521 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m


highest point: Mount Usborne 705 m
Environment - current issues limited natural fresh water resources (except for a few seasonal streams and springs on Tortola, most of the islands' water supply comes from wells and rainwater catchments) overfishing by unlicensed vessels is a problem; reindeer were introduced to the islands in 2001 for commercial reasons; this is the only commercial reindeer herd in the world unaffected by the Chornobyl disaster
Ethnic groups black 83%, white, Indian, Asian and mixed British
Exchange rates the US dollar is used Falkland pounds per US dollar - 0.5462 (2004), 0.6125 (2003), 0.6672 (2002), 0.6947 (2001), 0.6609 (2000)


note: the Falkland pound is at par with the British pound
Executive branch chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor Tom MACAN (since 14 October 2002)


head of government: Chief Minister Ralph T. O'NEAL (since 15 May 1995)


cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members of the Legislative Council


elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed chief minister by the governor
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)


head of government: Governor Howard PEARCE (since 3 December 2002); Chief Executive Chris SIMPKINS (since NA March 2003); Financial Secretary Derek F. HOWATT (since NA)


cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial secretary), and the governor


elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch
Exports $6.2 million NA
Exports - commodities rum, fresh fish, fruits, animals; gravel, sand wool, hides, meat
Exports - partners Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US Spain 77.4%, UK 9.4%, US 4.9% (2004)
Fiscal year 1 April - 31 March 1 April - 31 March
Flag description blue, with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Virgin Islander coat of arms centered in the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms depicts a woman flanked on either side by a vertical column of six oil lamps above a scroll bearing the Latin word VIGILATE (Be Watchful) blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising was once the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT
GDP purchasing power parity - $311 million (2000 est.) -
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 2%


industry: 6%


services: 92% (1996 est.)
agriculture: NA%


industry: NA%


services: NA%
GDP - per capita purchasing power parity - $16,000 (2000 est.) purchasing power parity - $25,000 (2002 est.)
GDP - real growth rate 4.4% (2000 est.) NA%
Geographic coordinates 18 30 N, 64 30 W 51 45 S, 59 00 W
Geography - note strong ties to nearby US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico deeply indented coast provides good natural harbors; short growing season
Highways total: 177 km


paved: 177 km


unpaved: 0 km (2000)
total: 440 km


paved: 50 km


unpaved: 390 km (2002)
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
Illicit drugs transshipment point for South American narcotics destined for the US and Europe; large offshore financial center -
Imports $230 million (2000 est.) NA
Imports - commodities building materials, automobiles, foodstuffs, machinery fuel, food and drink, building materials, clothing
Imports - partners Virgin Islands (US), Puerto Rico, US UK 63.2%, Spain 30.3%, France 3.6% (2004)
Independence none (overseas territory of the UK) none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by Argentina)
Industrial production growth rate 4% (1985) NA%
Industries tourism, light industry, construction, rum, concrete block, offshore financial center fish and wool processing; tourism
Infant mortality rate 19.55 deaths/1,000 live births (2002 est.) total: NA


male: NA


female: NA (2005 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 3.3% (2000) 3.6% (1998)
International organization participation Caricom (associate), CDB, ECLAC (associate), Interpol (subbureau), IOC, OECS (associate), UNESCO (associate) ICFTU, UPU
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) 16 (2000) -
Irrigated land NA sq km NA sq km
Judicial branch Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, consisting of the High Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal (one judge of the Supreme Court is a resident of the islands and presides over the High Court); Magistrate's Court; Juvenile Court; Court of Summary Jurisdiction Supreme Court (chief justice is a nonresident); Magistrates Court (senior magistrate presides over civil and criminal divisions); Court of Summary Jurisdiction
Labor force 4,911 (1980) 1,100 (est.)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA% agriculture 95% (mostly sheepherding and fishing)
Land boundaries 0 km 0 km
Land use arable land: 20%


permanent crops: 6.67%


other: 73.33% (1998 est.)
arable land: 0%


permanent crops: 0%


other: 100% (99% permanent pastures, 1% other) (2001)
Languages English (official) English
Legal system English law English common law
Legislative branch unicameral Legislative Council (13 seats; members are elected by direct popular vote, one member from each of 9 electoral districts, four at-large members; members serve four-year terms)


elections: last held 17 May 1999 (next to be held NA 2003)


election results: percent of vote by party - NA%; seats by party - VIP 7, CCM 1, NDP 5
unicameral Legislative Council (10 seats - 2 ex officio, 8 elected by popular vote, members serve four-year terms); presided over by the governor


elections: last held 22 November 2001 (next to be held November 2005)


election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 8; note - 71% voter turnout
Life expectancy at birth total population: 75.85 years


male: 74.9 years


female: 76.84 years (2002 est.)
total population: NA years


male: NA years


female: NA years (2005 est.)
Literacy definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 97.8% (1991 est.)


male: NA%


female: NA%
-
Location Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico Southern South America, islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, east of southern Argentina
Map references Central America and the Caribbean South America
Maritime claims exclusive fishing zone: 200 NM


territorial sea: 3 NM
territorial sea: 12 nm


continental shelf: 200 nm


exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Merchant marine total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 70,285 GRT/6,946 DWT


ships by type: passenger 1 (2002 est.)
none
Military - note defense is the responsibility of the UK defense is the responsibility of the UK
Military branches - no regular military forces
Military expenditures - dollar figure - NA
Military expenditures - percent of GDP - NA
National holiday Territory Day, 1 July Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)
Nationality noun: British Virgin Islander(s)


adjective: British Virgin Islander
noun: Falkland Islander(s)


adjective: Falkland Island
Natural hazards hurricanes and tropical storms (July to October) strong winds persist throughout the year
Natural resources NEGL fish, squid, wildlife, calcified seaweed, sphagnum moss
Net migration rate 10.91 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2002 est.) NA migrant(s)/1,000 population (2005 est.)
Political parties and leaders Concerned Citizens Movement or CCM [Ethlyn SMITH]; National Democratic Party or NDP [Orlando SMITH]; United Party or UP [Gregory MADURO]; Virgin Islands Party or VIP [Ralph T. O'NEAL] none; all independents
Political pressure groups and leaders NA none
Population 21,272 (July 2002 est.) 2,967 (July 2005 est.)
Population below poverty line NA% NA
Population growth rate 2.16% (2002 est.) 2.44% (2005 est.)
Ports and harbors Road Town Stanley
Radio broadcast stations AM 1, FM 4, shortwave 0 (1998) AM 1, FM 7, shortwave 0 (1998)
Radios 9,000 (1997) -
Railways 0 km -
Religions Protestant 86% (Methodist 33%, Anglican 17%, Church of God 9%, Seventh-Day Adventist 6%, Baptist 4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 2%, other 2%), Roman Catholic 10%, none 2%, other 2% (1991) primarily Anglican, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, Evangelist Church, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist
Sex ratio at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 1.17 male(s)/female


total population: 1.06 male(s)/female (2002 est.)
-
Suffrage 18 years of age; universal 18 years of age; universal
Telephone system general assessment: worldwide telephone service


domestic: NA


international: submarine cable to Bermuda
general assessment: NA


domestic: government-operated radiotelephone and private VHF/CB radiotelephone networks provide effective service to almost all points on both islands


international: country code - 500; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) with links through London to other countries
Telephones - main lines in use 10,000 (1996) 2,400 (2002)
Telephones - mobile cellular NA 0 (2001)
Television broadcast stations 1 (plus one cable company) (1997) 2 (operated by the British Forces Broadcasting Service)


note: cable television is available in Stanley (2002)
Terrain coral islands relatively flat; volcanic islands steep, hilly rocky, hilly, mountainous with some boggy, undulating plains
Total fertility rate 1.72 children born/woman (2002 est.) NA children born/woman (2005 est.)
Unemployment rate 3% (1995) full employment; labor shortage (2001)
Waterways none -
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