The Falkland Islands is an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom.

The Islands are internally self-governing with the exception of defence and foreign affairs, which remain the responsibility of the British Government. The Governor formally exercises executive authority on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government, although, in practice, policy decisions are made by the elected members of the Government. There are eight councillors, elected every four years, who form Legislative Council to pass laws and approve financial provision. Three of these councillors, are elected by their peers to serve on Executive Council, which advises the Governor.

Administration is through the Falkland Islands Government Civil Service headed by the Chief Executive. There are 22 departments, the larger ones being agriculture, education, fisheries, health and social services, minerals, public works and central services (Treasury, Attorney General and Secretariat).

There are two statutory Corporations: the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC), which stimulates economic development; and Falklands Landholdings, which manages three large farms and has a leading role in rural development.

For more information please visit the Falkland Islands Government Website