Happy Falklands Day

Today is Falklands day.

The Falkland Islands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory. The islands have full internal self-government under the 2009 constitution; the UK is responsible for foreign affairs, retaining the power "to protect UK interests and to ensure the overall good governance of the territory". The Monarch of the United Kingdom, King Charles III, is the head of state, and executive authority is exercised on the King's behalf by the governor, who appoints the islands' chief executive on the advice of members of the Legislative Assembly.

The majority of the population of the island were born there, and are mostly descended from settlers who arrived over the past 180 years from Britain. In 2013 a referendum took place on the future status of the Falkland Islands. The Falkland Islanders were asked whether or not they supported the continuation of their status as an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom in view of Argentina's call for negotiations on the islands' sovereignty.

On a turnout of 92%, the islanders voted to remain a British territory, by 1,513 votes to only three votes against. Brad Smith, the leader of the international observer group, announced that the referendum was free and fair and executed in accordance with international standards and international laws.

Happy Falklands Day!



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