British Influenced Culture of the Falklands

British Influenced Culture Of The Falklands

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The culture of the Falkland Islands is heavily influenced by British culture. The currency is the pound, although it is called the Falkland Island pound instead of the British pound, and English is spoken. Most last names on the islands will sound distinctly British and Scottish, although there are some Scandinavian descendants remaining from the whaling tradition of the 19th century. Falklanders call themselves "kelpers", derived from the abundance of the marine plant around the islands. Fewer than 3,000 people live in the Falkland Islands.

Stanley is the largest town in the Falklands, where most of the population is concentrated. Stanley has the feel of a small English village mixed with a port town atmosphere. Falklanders call everything outside of the city "the Camp", and this is where travelers will find a South American influence as well. The gaucho (Argentinean cowboy) culture took root here as cattle and sheep ranching practices developed across the islands. Travelers will find Spanish names and terms still in use in the Falkland Islands countryside. Rural life generally involves wool growing, and living in widely dispersed family homes dotting the countryside.

The Falklands Islands War left its mark on the islands, and there are numerous battlefields to visit. Several books were written and movies made about the conflict, and the legacy of a recent war is evident on the islands.

Being a territory of the UK, it is not surprising that football (soccer) is popular on the island, as well as rugby. A cruise to the Falklands may result in the opportunity to watch a football game played by the national football team in Stanley.