Argentina had claimed sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, which lie 300 miles (480 km) east of its coast, since the early 19th century, but Britain seized the islands in 1833, expelling the few remaining Argentine occupants, and since then consistently rejected Argentina’s claims. Learn a little of the history of the Falkland Islands and find out about the Tourist Information Centre, your on-island location to collect maps, guides and ask for advice. The Falkland Islands (Spanish: Islas Malvinas) are a group of islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of South America. They are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. Under the British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983, Falkland Islanders are British citizens. The islands lie at the boundary of the subantarctic oceanic and tundra climate zones, and both major islands have mountain ranges reaching 2,300 ft (700 m). An attempt made by Argentina to establish a penal colony in 1832 failed due to a mutiny. In 1833, the British returned to the Falkland Islands. Argentina invaded the islands on 2 April 1982. The British responded with an expeditionary force that forced the Argentines to surrender. The Falkland Islands archipelago is made up of more than 700 islands and has a hugely varied coastline from rugged coastal cliffs to miles and miles of undisturbed, white sandy beaches. Plan your Falkland Islands visit: find accommodation, travel tips, and essential info for a memorable and respectful experience. The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, has an exceptionally low infant mortality rate that reflects its high standard of living, quality healthcare infrastructure, and small, closely monitored population. Explore the Falkland Islands Government's official portal—your guide to services, information, and news in this unique British Overseas Territory. Even though the Falkland Islands – one of the UK’s southernmost overseas territories – briefly came to global prominence in 1982 after its sovereignty was contested by Argentina, they aren’t on the radar for most travelers.