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[[Image:Falkland Islands map.gif|right|thumb|250px|Map of the Falkland Islands]]

[[Image:Falkland Islands map.gif|right|thumb|250px|Map of the Falkland Islands]]

The '''Falkland Islands''' are a small group of islands situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of Argentina.  

The '''Falkland Islands''' are a small group of islands situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of [[Argentina]].  

==Sovereignty==

==Sovereignty==

The Islands have been a territory of the United Kingdom for 170 years, but the British claim to sovereignty is disputed by Argentina. A war was fought over the issue in 1982. France and Spain have also previously laid claim to the islands.

The Islands have been a territory of the [[United Kingdom]] for 170 years, but the British claim to sovereignty is disputed by Argentina. A war was fought over the issue when Argentina seized the islands on April 2nd, 1982 without warning.  Argentina was run by a military junta at that time and was experiencing a time of economic difficulties and social unrest at home.  The British, under [[Margaret Thatcher]], put together a naval expedition to travel half way around the world and retake the islands.  The Argentines had a great deal of time to solve the conflict peacefully as the British slowly came closer, but eventually conflict broke out when the British arrived.  The Argentines were no match for the British forces, who had a quick victory once their ground troops reached the island, although a weakness in the British vessels from missiles was uncovered during the conflict.  On June 15th the Falkland Islanders were liberated.  The embarrassing defeat for Argentina helped to hasten the downfall of the military government while in England Thatcher's party surged to victory in elections the following year.  255 British military personnel lost their lives.  Argentina still lays claim to the islands to this day, although they have never again tried to take them by force.

 

France and Spain have previously laid claim to the islands.

==Economy==

==Economy==

The Falklands economy is based largely on fishing, although recently evidence of oil deposits around the islands has suggested the possibility of an economic revolution.

The Falklands economy is based largely on fishing, although recently evidence of oil deposits around the islands has suggested the possibility of an economic revolution.