List of islands of the Falkland Islands facts for kids
This page lists the many islands that make up the Falkland Islands. This group of islands is located in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is a British overseas territory. The Falkland Islands are known for their beautiful nature and unique wildlife.
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Main Islands of the Falklands
The Falkland Islands are made up of two very large main islands and many smaller ones. The two main islands are East Falkland and West Falkland. They are separated by a narrow channel called Falkland Sound.
- East Falkland: This is the largest island. Most of the people in the Falklands live here. The capital city, Stanley, is on East Falkland. It has an area of about 6,605 square kilometers (2,550 sq mi). Its highest point is Mount Usborne, at 705 meters (2,313 feet).
- West Falkland: This is the second largest island. It is less populated than East Falkland. It has an area of about 4,532 square kilometers (1,750 sq mi). Its highest point is Mount Adam, at 700 meters (2,297 feet).
Other Important Islands
Besides the two main islands, there are hundreds of smaller islands and islets. Many of these are uninhabited, meaning no people live on them. However, they are very important for wildlife, especially birds and seals.
Here are a few notable smaller islands:
- Carcass Island: This island is known for its amazing birdlife. It's a great place to see penguins and other seabirds.
- New Island: This island is a nature reserve. It is home to many different kinds of penguins and other birds. You can also find seals here.
- Pebble Island: This is one of the larger outer islands. It has a long sandy beach and is home to many birds.
- Saunders Island: This island is famous for its wildlife colonies, including several types of penguins and albatrosses.
- Sea Lion Island: This small island is a wildlife paradise. It's known for its large colonies of sea lions, elephant seals, and many bird species.
- Weddell Island: This is the third largest island in the Falklands. It has a small population and is known for its wildlife.
Small Island Groups
Some islands are grouped together into small archipelagos. An archipelago is a group or chain of islands.
The Jason Islands
The Jason Islands are a group of islands located northwest of West Falkland. None of these islands have people living on them permanently. They are very important for wildlife, especially for huge colonies of seabirds like albatrosses and penguins.
- Grand Jason: This is the largest of the Jason Islands.
- Steeple Jason: This island has a very tall, steep cliff, which gives it its name.
Highest Islands in the Falklands
The Falkland Islands have some hills and mountains, especially on the two main islands. Here are some of the islands with the highest points:
- East Falkland: Its highest point is Mount Usborne, which is 705 meters (2,313 feet) tall.
- West Falkland: Its highest point is Mount Adam, which is 700 meters (2,297 feet) tall.
- Weddell Island: Its highest point is Mount Weddell, at 383 meters (1,257 feet).
- West Point Island: Its highest point is Mount Misery, at 369 meters (1,211 feet).
- Carcass Island: Its highest points are Stanley Hill and Mount Bing, both reaching 304 meters (997 feet).
Islands Named After People
Many places in the world are named after important people, and the Falkland Islands are no different. Here are some islands named after individuals:
- Beauchene Island: Named after Jacques Gouin de Beauchêne, a French explorer.
- Keppel Island: Named after Augustus Keppel, a British naval officer.
- Saunders Island: Named after Sir Charles Saunders, another British naval officer.
- Weddell Island: Named after James Weddell, a British seal hunter and explorer.
Spanish Names for Islands
The Falkland Islands have a history with both British and Spanish influences. Because of this, some islands have different names in Spanish. Often, these Spanish names also come from people or religious figures.
- Beaver Island: In Spanish, it's Isla San Rafael, named after the archangel Rapangel Raphael.
- Lively Island: In Spanish, it's Isla Bougainville, named after Louis Antoine de Bougainville, a French explorer.
- Jason Islands: In Spanish, they are called Isla Sebaldes, after Sebald de Weert, a Dutch explorer who sighted the islands in 1600.
- Pebble Island: In Spanish, it's Isla (de) Borbón or Isla Bourbon, named after the House of Bourbon, a European royal family.
- Weddell Island: In Spanish, it's Isla San José, named after Saint Joseph.
See also
- Falkland Islands
- Geography of the Falkland Islands
- List of Falkland Islands-related topics
- List of islands by area
- List of islands by highest point
- List of islands by population
- List of islands in lakes
- List of islands in the Atlantic Ocean
