Falkland Islanders facts for kids
Two Falkland Islanders in 2003
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|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 3,398 (2016) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Languages | |
| English (see Falkland Islands English) | |
| Religion | |
Falkland Islanders, also called Falklanders, are the people who live in the British Overseas Territory of the Falkland Islands. These islands are located in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Contents
Who are the Falkland Islanders?
The people of the Falkland Islands are British, but they also have their own special identity. They feel connected to the United Kingdom, but they also feel unique because they live on a small, isolated island. One important person from the Falklands, Lewis Clifton, explained that even though their culture is very British, Islanders feel different from people living in the UK.
Falkland Islanders also see themselves as similar to other nations in nearby South America. Many countries in South America have people whose families came from different parts of the world, like Europe or Africa. A local leader, Mike Summers, said that Islanders are a people just like those in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Chile.
What does 'Kelpers' mean?
"Kelpers" is a nickname sometimes given to Falkland Islanders. This name comes from the large seaweed called kelp that grows all around the islands. This nickname is not used as much as it used to be. Some Islanders find it insulting, especially when people from Argentina use it.
Facts About the Population
Here are some interesting facts about the people living in the Falkland Islands. These numbers help us understand the community better.
How many people live there?
The population of the Falkland Islands has changed over the years. Here is a table showing the total number of people at different times:
| Date | Method | Total population | Male | Female | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 1980 Census | 1,813 | |||
| 1990 | CIA estimate | 1,958 | |||
| 2000 | Treasury of the Falkland Islands Govt estimate | 2,826 | |||
| 2006 | 2006 Census | 2,955 | 1,569 | 1,386 | 1.13:1 |
| 2007 | CIA estimate | 3,105 | |||
| 2012 | 2012 Census | 2,931 | 1,491 | 1,349 | 1.11:1 |
| 2016 | 2016 Census | 3,398 | 1,687 | 1,511 | 1.12:1 |
What is their nationality?
Since January 1, 1983, all Falkland Islanders have been full British citizens. This means they have the same rights and status as people born in the United Kingdom.
Where do people come from?
Most Falkland Islanders, about 70 percent, have British family backgrounds. Many of their ancestors came from Scotland and Wales. People born on the islands often call themselves "Islanders."
Some Islanders also have family from other countries like France, Gibraltar, Portugal, and Scandinavia. Some are descendants of whalers who visited the islands long ago. There are also smaller groups of people from South America, especially Chile. In recent times, many people from Saint Helena have also moved to the islands for work and to live.
People from the United Kingdom who gain Falkland Island status are known locally as 'belongers'.
What religions do they follow?
The main religion on the Falkland Islands is Christianity. The largest Christian groups include the Church of England, Roman Catholic, United Free Church, and Lutheran. There are also smaller numbers of Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists. Some Greek Orthodox followers are present because of Greek fishermen who pass through. There is also a group that follows the Baháʼí Faith.
What languages do they speak?
The official language of the Falkland Islands is English. However, the English spoken there has many words borrowed from Spanish. These Spanish words are often used for things related to horses. For example, Islanders use words like ‘alizan’ and ‘colorao’ for horse colors, and ‘bosal’ or ‘cinch’ for horse gear.
Sports and Activities
The Falkland Islands have many sports clubs, with more than 30 different ones! People enjoy sports like badminton, clay-pigeon shooting, cricket, football, golf, hockey, netball, rugby, sailing, swimming, table tennis, and volleyball.
The Falklands also compete in big events. They send athletes to the Commonwealth Games and the Island Games, which happen every two years. One famous Falkland Islander, Louis Baillon, even won an Olympic gold medal in 1908 as part of the British field hockey team!
See also
In Spanish: Malvinenses para niños
