Falkland Islands - Islas Malvinas

Today, Argentina claims the islands and labors to require the United Nations to use both their Spanish and English names. The two biggest and most populated of the over 200 islands are East Falkland and West Falkland. The capital, Stanley, is located on East Falkland, as is the international airport. There are four other airports on other islands, one of which is paved, and flights are the only way to reach some of the remote spots on the islands. The most popular reason to visit is for the scenic beauty and to encounter local wildlife.

Environmental protection is high on the Island's agenda. Birds and marine species are the most prevalent animals and include five species of penguins, four species of seal, albatross, petrels, the Falkland Flightless Steamer duck (Logger Duck) and other duck species, geese, hawks, falcons; the Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) is a rare bird of prey found only on the Falkland Islands and some islands off Cape Horn. Porpoises and dolphins are often sighted and occasionally whales.