The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory with a decidedly cosmopolitan feel. While the islands remain British, they have become a magnet for immigrants, transient workers, and people fleeing politics at home. A group of Hong Kong Chinese settled in Falkland in February. Other recent arrivals have included white South Africans and a divorced contractor from Cape Town.
The most populous settlement in the Falkland Islands is Stanley. The town's population is approximately 2,000 people, with more than half of the residents being male. Most residents are Christians, with a minority following other religions. The city has a modern hospital and a government-run air service. It also boasts an extensive road system and ferry services. The local government operates a government-run air service to provide inter-island passenger services.
The islanders have been longing for a swimming pool. The sea was too chilly for them to swim in. Many people died in capsized boats. After the war, the population of the Falkland Islands increased significantly, and a new secondary school and hospital were built. Many changes began even before the conflict. Old farms were subdivided and the government began lending money to purchase new farms. Until the war, nearly all land was owned by local farmers.
The population of the Falkland Islands was estimated at 2,100 in 2017; in contrast, the United Kingdom had only three percent of its residents who were married. The remaining one-fifth were unmarried. Historically, the women had been married to British soldiers, and the divorce rate was exceptionally high. In addition, a small garrison of Royal Marines occupied East Falkland, and there was a significant population of unmarried men.